What process does "SSL decryption" involve in firewall management?

SSL decryption in firewall management involves intercepting and decrypting encrypted traffic. This process is crucial because a significant amount of data transmitted over the internet is encrypted using protocols like SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) or TLS (Transport Layer Security). Firewalls equipped with SSL decryption capabilities can inspect this encrypted traffic for potential threats, such as malware or data exfiltration attempts.

When a firewall performs SSL decryption, it essentially acts as a man-in-the-middle. It establishes a secure connection with the client, effectively decrypting the inbound traffic so that it can analyze the data for security policies applicable to the organization. After the analysis, the firewall can re-encrypt the traffic before sending it on to its destination. This ensures that the data remains secure while still allowing the firewall to perform its critical security functions.

The other choices do not align with the core function of SSL decryption within firewall management. Encrypting data for transfer is a separate function that relates to data security rather than interception and analysis. Analyzing user credentials is a different aspect of security management, focusing more on authentication rather than traffic inspection. Blocking all encrypted communications would prevent legitimate secure traffic, compromising the overall function and usability of the network.