What is the purpose of an SSL certificate?

An SSL certificate serves to ensure secure data transmission between a web server and a visitor's browser. This is achieved through encryption, which protects data as it travels between the two points, making it extremely difficult for unauthorized parties to intercept or access the information. When a website uses an SSL certificate, users are assured of a secure connection, often indicated by a padlock icon in the browser’s address bar and the URL beginning with "https://." This is vital for maintaining confidentiality and integrity in online communications, especially when sensitive information, such as personal data or payment details, is being exchanged.

The focus of an SSL certificate is specifically on security, distinguishing it from options that involve increasing traffic or performance monitoring, which do not directly relate to the certificate's purpose. Additionally, SSL certificates are not used to create virtual private networks (VPNs), which serve a different function in securing communications over broader networks.