What is the role of SSL in web security?

The role of SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) in web security is primarily to secure communications between clients and servers by encrypting data. This encryption ensures that any information exchanged—such as login credentials, personal information, or payment details—remains private and is protected from eavesdropping or tampering by malicious actors. SSL establishes a secure connection, often indicated by the "https://" prefix in web addresses and a padlock icon in the browser, signaling to users that their data is being transmitted securely.

The other options do not accurately describe the primary function of SSL. While restricting access to websites might involve various methods such as authentication measures, it is not a function of SSL specifically. Improving website loading speed is related to web performance optimization, not encryption or security. Monitoring user activity on the web is typically done through other means, such as analytics and tracking technologies, rather than SSL, which is focused solely on securing data in transit. This makes SSL essential for maintaining confidentiality and integrity in online communications.