What is the term for an encrypted connection established between a user's device and a server?

The term that describes an encrypted connection established between a user's device and a server is Secure Socket Layer (SSL). SSL is a widely used protocol that ensures privacy and data integrity in web communications. When data is transmitted over the Internet, SSL encrypts it to protect it from eavesdroppers, making it secure for activities like online banking or shopping.

SSL works by establishing a secure channel over an insecure network, typically the Internet. It encrypts data before it is sent from the client to the server, and vice versa, thereby preventing unauthorized access and ensuring that the information remains confidential. SSL has largely been succeeded by Transport Layer Security (TLS), but the terminology is still commonly used.

In contrast, the other terms refer to distinct functionalities:

• A Virtual Private Network (VPN) creates a secure tunnel for data transmission over a public network, but it is typically used to connect to private networks securely rather than just to secure a single connection.
• Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP) is used for transferring data on the web, but it is not secure by itself; without encryption, it does not protect the data being transmitted.
• An Application Programming Interface (API) enables different software applications to communicate with each other but is not related to creating