An SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) Certificate is a digital certificate that authenticates the identity of a website and encrypts communication between the server and the visitors’ browser. It establishes a secure communication channel which protects sensitive data, such as login details, payment details and other personal information.

When a user visits a website that has a valid SSL Certificate, the browser verifies that the certificate is authentic and that the website is safe, displaying a green padlock symbol in the browser bar.