security protocols

SSL

Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) is the Internet security protocol for point-to-point connections. It provides protection against eavesdropping, tampering, and forgery. Clients and servers are able to authenticate each other and to establish a secure link, or “pipe,” across the Internet or Intranets to protect the information transmitted.

S/MIME

Secure Multipurpose Internet Mail Extensions, S/MIME, is the electronic messaging standard that enables e-business by addressing the important issues of data privacy and authenticity. S/MIME uses public-key encryption technology to protect messages from unauthorized interception and forgery.
An S/MIME-enabled application is analogous to a secure piece of postal mail travelling between two locations. The S/MIME protocol guarantees the secure transmission, storage, authentication, and forwarding of secret data.

IP Security Protocol

IPSec is the leading standard for cryptographically based authentication, integrity, and confidentiality services at the IP datagram layer. IPSec comprises a basis for interoperably secured host-to-host pipes, encapsulated tunnels, and Virtual Private Networks (VPNs), thus providing protection for client protocols residing above the IP layer.
IPSec ensures that the low-level IP packets that are continuously transferred between computers on a secure network are unaltered, authentic, and private.

References :

Security Protocols Overview An RSA Data Security Brief