Data sent over computer networks can be encrypted and secured using the Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) cryptographic technology. It is used primarily to create safe and private communication between a user's web browser and a web server. It is an essential part of internet security. Although TLS (Transport Layer Security), a more advanced and secure protocol, has superseded SSL, the term "SSL" is frequently used informally to refer to both protocols.

Critical aspects of SSL in the context of security and cybersecurity include:

Data Encryption: SSL ensures that all data is secured during transmission between a web browser and a web server, making it exceedingly difficult for outside parties to intercept and decrypt the data. Sensitive information, including financial transactions, login credentials, and personal data, is safeguarded.

Authentication: SSL verifies the authenticity of the web server, assuring users that they are indeed connecting to the intended, legitimate website and not a malicious impersonation.

Data Integrity: SSL provides mechanisms to detect any tampering or modification of data during transmission. If data is altered in transit, SSL will see this and prevent it from being processed.

TLS Version: While "SSL" is commonly used, modern web applications typically use TLS. The latest version is TLS 1.3, which offers improved security and performance compared to earlier SSL/TLS versions.

Certificates: SSL/TLS relies on digital certificates issued by trusted Certificate Authorities (CAs) to confirm the authenticity of the web server. These certificates are a critical component of the secure connection.

SSL/TLS is integral to online security, and its presence is indicated by a padlock icon in web browsers or the use of "https://" in a website's URL. It ensures that data exchanged between a user and a website remains confidential, secure, and trustworthy, making it an essential tool for safeguarding online communications and transactions.

ThreatNG, with its comprehensive suite of investigation modules, enhances an organization's SSL security by conducting a thorough assessment of the organization's external digital presence. Through continuous monitoring and analysis of Domain Intelligence, Social Media, Sensitive Code Exposure, Cloud and SaaS Exposure, and Technology Stack, ThreatNG provides valuable insights into the SSL/TLS configurations and certificate management of an organization's web infrastructure.

This information seamlessly integrates with existing security solutions, particularly web application security tools. For instance, ThreatNG's insights into SSL certificate intelligence and technology stack can guide web application security solutions to ensure proper SSL certificate deployment and robust encryption protocols. This collaboration ensures that data between users and the organization remains secure and authentic. The result is a proactive defense against security risks associated with SSL/TLS, reinforcing an organization's external digital presence and facilitating a secure handoff to bolster the security of web applications, all while efficiently coordinating with other web-specific security solutions for a comprehensive security strategy.