What type of data does an SSL certificate primarily protect during internet communications?

An SSL certificate primarily protects data in transit during internet communications. When data is transmitted over the internet, it is vulnerable to interception and tampering by unauthorized parties. SSL (Secure Socket Layer) technology establishes an encrypted link between a web server and a browser, ensuring that any data exchanged remains secure and confidential during its transmission.

This encryption helps prevent eavesdropping, tampering, and forgery, thus protecting sensitive information such as personal details, payment information, and login credentials as they travel across the network. By safeguarding data in transit, SSL certificates play a crucial role in maintaining the integrity and privacy of online communications.

Inactive data refers to data that is not currently being used, while data at rest refers to data stored on devices or servers, neither of which are actively in transit and therefore not the focus of SSL protections. User interface design, although important, is unrelated to data security and encryption provided by SSL certificates.