What does "SSL" stand for?

SSL stands for Secure Socket Layer, which is a standard technology used to establish an encrypted link between a web server and a browser. This ensures that any data transmitted between the two remains private and secure. SSL is critical for protecting sensitive information, such as credit card numbers and personal data, as it effectively encrypts the connection, making it more difficult for attackers to intercept or tamper with the data being shared.

The concept of secure communications over networks became increasingly important as the internet grew, and SSL was one of the first protocols developed to address this need. Although it has largely been succeeded by TLS (Transport Layer Security), the term SSL is still widely used to refer to secure communications over the Internet.

This context makes it clear why Secure Socket Layer is the correct answer, as it accurately captures the essence and function of this security protocol in data transmission.