What is the primary purpose of Secure Socket Layer (SSL)?

The primary purpose of Secure Socket Layer (SSL) is to transmit private documents securely over the Internet. SSL serves as a standard security technology that establishes an encrypted link between a web server and a client (usually a web browser). This encryption ensures that any data sent between the two remains private and secure against eavesdropping, tampering, or forgery. By safeguarding sensitive information such as passwords, credit card numbers, or personal data during transmission, SSL helps to instill trust and security in online communications.

The other options focus on different functionalities that are not related to the main role of SSL. Peer-to-peer file sharing involves direct data exchange between devices without a centralized server, which is not the focus of SSL. Creating virtual private networks (VPNs) is a method for securing remote connections to private networks, while server load balancing refers to distributing network traffic across multiple servers to optimize resource use, both of which fall outside the scope of SSL's primary purpose.