The acronym SSL stands for Secure Sockets Layer, a standard security protocol for establishing encrypted links between a web server and a browser. SSL ensures that sensitive data transmitted over the internet, such as login credentials and payment information, remains confidential and protected from eavesdropping or tampering. While SSL is increasingly being replaced by TLS (Transport Layer Security), the term SSL is still widely used to refer to both protocols. Implementing SSL is crucial for any website requiring secure data transmission.