What is SSL used for in web communication?

SSL, or Secure Sockets Layer, is primarily used to encrypt and secure communications over the internet. When you visit a website that employs SSL, the data transmitted between your browser and the server is encrypted, which means that any sensitive information, such as passwords, credit card numbers, or personal details, is protected from eavesdroppers and potential attackers. This encryption ensures that even if the data is intercepted, it cannot be read without the appropriate decryption key.

The security provided by SSL is essential for maintaining user trust, especially in transactions where confidential data is exchanged. Websites that use SSL are often identified by URLs that begin with "https://" rather than "http://", signaling to users that their connection is secure.

Other choices do not relate to the primary function of SSL: improving website loading speed is not a feature associated with SSL; backing up data on web servers is a separate process involving storage solutions; and analyzing web traffic pertains more to monitoring and data analysis tools rather than securing communication. Thus, the correct answer articulates SSL’s core purpose in web communication effectively, highlighting its role in ensuring secure data exchanges.