Explain the Secure Socket Layer and Secure Electronic Transaction.

Secure Socket Layer (SSL) is a protocol that ensures secure communication over a computer network, typically the internet. It encrypts the data transmitted between a web server and a web browser, preventing unauthorized access to sensitive information such as personal details, credit card numbers, and login credentials. SSL uses cryptographic algorithms to encrypt the data, making it unreadable to anyone who intercepts it.

Secure Electronic Transaction (SET) is a standard protocol for securing online credit card transactions. It was developed by Visa and MasterCard to provide a secure method for conducting electronic payments over the internet. SET uses digital certificates and encryption to authenticate the parties involved in a transaction and ensure the confidentiality and integrity of the data exchanged. This protocol helps prevent fraud and unauthorized access to sensitive financial information during online transactions.

Secure Socket Layer (SSL)

SSL is a cryptographic protocol that ensures secure communication between a web server and a client (typically a web browser). It protects data sent over the internet from eavesdropping, tampering, or forgery.

How SSL Works:

1. Handshake: The client and server initiate a handshake to establish a secure connection.
2. Key Negotiation: They agree on a secret encryption key using a public-key exchange algorithm.
3. Data Encryption: All data transmitted between the client and server is encrypted using the negotiated key.
4. Authentication: The server may present a digital certificate to prove its identity, allowing the client to verify the server's authenticity.

Benefits of SSL:

- Protects sensitive information (e.g., passwords, credit card numbers) from interception.
- Ensures data integrity by preventing tampering.
- Authenticates servers and clients, preventing spoofing.
- Builds user trust and confidence in online transactions.

Secure Electronic Transaction (SET)

SET is an authentication and encryption protocol specifically designed for secure online transactions. It was developed by Visa and MasterCard in the 1990s.

How SET Works:

1. Registration: Cardholders register their credit/debit card information with their issuing bank.
2. Authorization: When making a purchase, the cardholder's browser sends an encrypted order form to the merchant's website.
3. Encryption: The merchant uses the cardholder's public key to encrypt and send the order information to the issuing bank.
4. Verification: The issuing bank verifies the cardholder's identity based on the encrypted data and performs authorization.
5. Order Confirmation: An encrypted confirmation is returned to the merchant and the cardholder, completing the transaction.

Benefits of SET:

- Protects customer information during online transactions.
- Reduces fraud by verifying cardholder identity and preventing unauthorized purchases.
- Simplifies the online checkout process by pre-populating payment information.
- Builds consumer confidence in e-commerce.

Comparison of SSL and SET:

- Scope: SSL secures any type of data transmission between a web server and client. SET specifically handles online transactions.
- Authentication: SSL primarily authenticates servers. SET authenticates both cardholders and merchants.
- Complexity: SSL is relatively easy to implement. SET is more complex and requires cooperation between multiple parties.
- Adoption: SSL is widely adopted by websites and browsers. SET has faced limited adoption due to its complexity and industry-specific nature.