Which technique is often used to verify the authenticity of data exchanged over the internet?

The recognition of SSL certificates as a technique to verify the authenticity of data exchanged over the internet is rooted in their fundamental role in establishing secure connections. SSL, which stands for Secure Sockets Layer, and its successor, TLS (Transport Layer Security), are protocols that ensure data sent between a client and server remains private and integral.

SSL certificates serve as digital passports for websites, allowing users to verify that they are communicating with the intended server and not an imposter. When a user connects to a website that employs SSL, the certificate confirms the website's identity, as it is issued by a trusted Certificate Authority (CA). This authentication process helps prevent attacks like "man-in-the-middle," where an unauthorized third party could intercept or alter the data being exchanged.

Moreover, SSL certificates not only validate authenticity but also facilitate the encryption of data, ensuring that any information transmitted is secure from eavesdropping or tampering. This combination of authentication and encryption exemplifies why SSL certificates are pivotal in safeguarding online communications, thereby positively impacting user trust and security across the web.

In contrast, techniques such as checksum validation might verify data integrity but do not address authenticity or identity verification. Data encryption secures the information being exchanged without necessarily ensuring that the parties involved are legitimate