The Secure Socket Layer (SSL) is an intermediate layer between the Transfer Control Protocol/Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) and the application program (mostly the browser).  It is generally an integral part of the browser and the server software.  The notion that the SSL could be used only with the internet or exclusively with certain browsers is not true.  It is widely used in a large number of applications and other private networks.  Thus, it is not bound to web pages and can be used only to send sensitive information.

The HTTPS (https://) has few distinguishing features over the HTTP (http://.).  The former cannot be saved in a file.  Its contents cannot be copied on to the clipboard.  Although a printout is feasible, it can only be done while the session is on.  During the various sessions, the icon of a key appears at the left-hand bottom corner of the browser window.  For HTTP documents, a broken key replaces this icon, and none of the restrictions on saving or copying a document exists.

However, the SSL provides a mechanism for handling security automatically in spite of using complex encryption technologies.  The responsibility fulfilled by the SSL is limited.  It ensures that the transmission of data between the server and the client is private, integrated and authentic.  Once the data arrives at its destination, it is no longer secure.  Here, it is better to develop a good forex trading plan to plug the various loopholes.  For example, when you send information over the net through the SSL, it is not secure until it is delivered at the broker's server.  Once the broker receives this data, it is now the broker's responsibility to handle it safely and securely.

Regarding the related technologies developed to ensure privacy, integrity and authenticity of information over the net, the 'SSl' is now widely used for various transactions.  The SSL has its own limitations.  Only if a good forex trading plan is in place will it be possible to tackle the various threats that arise in the highly volatile forex trade.  That is, technology must keep pace with the emerging threats continuously.