CompTIA Network+ Practice Test

Which statement best describes the functionality of SSL?

1. It is a file transfer protocol.

2. It encrypts data between a user’s computer and a website.

3. It is used for email transfer.

4. It synchronizes network devices’ clocks.

The correct answer is: It encrypts data between a user’s computer and a website.

The functionality of Secure Socket Layer (SSL) is best described by the statement that it encrypts data between a user’s computer and a website. SSL is a standard security technology that establishes an encrypted link between a web server and a browser, ensuring that any data transferred between them remains private and integral. This encryption is crucial in protecting sensitive information such as logins, credit card numbers, and personal details from being intercepted by unauthorized parties during transmission. In contrast, the other options pertain to distinct technologies or protocols that serve different purposes. For example, file transfer protocols, such as FTP or SFTP, are specifically designed to transfer files over a network, whereas SSL does not focus on file transfer. Similarly, while email protocols like SMTP and POP3 handle the sending and receiving of emails, they are not relevant to what SSL is designed for. Lastly, the synchronization of network devices' clocks is typically managed by protocols like NTP (Network Time Protocol), not SSL, which again underscores the distinction in functionality. Thus, the reason for choosing the statement about SSL encrypting data is that it accurately captures the essence of what SSL is implemented for in web security.