SSL ensures that all data transmitted between a website and its visitors are encrypted. This data may include information that is very personal, such as passwords and credit card information. The reason why encryption is needed is that Internet traffic has to be routed through many different nodes before it gets to its destination, for example, a public Wi-Fi hotspot, or a data center somewhere. SSL encryption ensures that data transmitted cannot be decrypted even if eavesdroppers are listening in and transmission is compromised, thus protecting privacy and sensitive information.