In order to explain this, let's first look at how a different, more modern protocol, Transport Layer Security (or TLS) solved this problem. - TLS, (still sometimes called by its olde name "Secure Sockets Layer", or SSL) was created to enable HTTPS, allow - internet users to log into web sites securely, and purchase things online by entering their credit card number. + TLS, (still sometimes called by its olde name "Secure Sockets Layer", or SSL) was created to enable HTTPS, to allow + internet users to log into web sites securely and purchase things online by entering their credit card number. Of course, this required security that actually works; if someone could MITM attack the connection, they could easily steal tons of credit card numbers and passwords.