The process of adding a Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) certificate to an Android device involves configuring the device to trust a specific certificate authority, typically one that is not already included in the device’s default trusted root certificate store. This action enables secure communication between the device and servers using SSL/TLS encryption for data transmission. This is often required when accessing internal network resources or websites using self-signed certificates, which are not inherently trusted by the operating system.
Implementing this configuration is crucial for secure access to enterprise applications and resources that rely on SSL/TLS encryption. Without proper certificate installation, users may encounter security warnings or be unable to access these resources. Historically, this has been a challenge for enterprise IT departments managing numerous devices, requiring robust deployment and management strategies to ensure consistent security across the entire fleet.