SSL certificates acronym for Secure Sockets Layer certificates is the basis which makes the process of encryption possible. They are essentially cryptographic protocols to ensure secure transmission of data through the internet. They exist in small data files which bind a cryptographic key to transmit data digitally.nnOnce it is installed on a web server, it enables secure transmission of information between a web server and a browser by activating the https protocol, indicated by the padlock icon that can be viewed at the top of the visiting website or webpage.