SSL/TLS
When you open a website, your browser often displays a small lock icon (🔒) next to the address bar.
That lock represents trust. It means the connection between your device and the website is encrypted, authenticated, and tamper-proof.
Without this protection, anyone on the same network (a hacker, a rogue Wi-Fi hotspot, or a malicious ISP) could read or modify your data — from login credentials to payment details.
This is where SSL/TLS comes in.
In this chapter, we will demystify SSL/TLS, breaking down everything from the fundamental principles of encryption to the step-by-step handshake process that secures your data.