Secure+sockets

The HTTPS protocol (HTTP over Secure Sockets Layer is used to encrypt and decrypt user page requests over a browser. In other words, HTTPS is used when secure data is to be transferred via a web browser.

You will have seen HTTPS in the address bar of a browser, alongside a padlock



Common uses of HTTPS are:
 * e-Commerce (any form of online shopping / with payment)
 * Webmail
 * Online banking
 * etc.

Secure Sockets Layer (SSL), now know as Transport Layer Security (TLS) ensures that:


 * the message has not been intercepted (security)
 * the message has not been altered (integrity)
 * the message has gone to the correct destination

Task
What does a company like Verisign do in relation to SSL? Write a short paragraph to explain.