Which statement best describes how SSL secures data in transit?

Which statement best describes how SSL secures data in transit?

• A. It relies on hardcoded keys on every device
• B. It uses MD5 hashing for all data
• C. It uses symmetric encryption only for speed
• D. By using a public key to encrypt data

Answer: (D)

SSL secures data in transit by first establishing a secure channel using public-key cryptography to exchange a symmetric session key. Once both sides know the session key, they switch to fast symmetric encryption to protect the actual data being transmitted. The crucial point is that a public key is used during the handshake to securely share the session key, enabling efficient, encrypted communication for the duration of the session. The other ideas don’t fit: hardcoded keys on every device would be insecure and is not how SSL operates; MD5 hashing is not used for all data in TLS and is considered weak; TLS relies on a mix of asymmetric and symmetric encryption, not symmetric encryption alone.

SSL secures data in transit by first establishing a secure channel using public-key cryptography to exchange a symmetric session key. Once both sides know the session key, they switch to fast symmetric encryption to protect the actual data being transmitted. The crucial point is that a public key is used during the handshake to securely share the session key, enabling efficient, encrypted communication for the duration of the session. The other ideas don’t fit: hardcoded keys on every device would be insecure and is not how SSL operates; MD5 hashing is not used for all data in TLS and is considered weak; TLS relies on a mix of asymmetric and symmetric encryption, not symmetric encryption alone.