Final answer:
Most major web browsers have dropped support for RC4 and all versions of SSL due to security vulnerabilities. They now use TLS instead, which provides stronger security and better encryption algorithms.
Step-by-step explanation:
Most major web browsers have dropped support for the RC4 encryption algorithm and all versions of the SSL protocol due to security vulnerabilities. RC4 is a stream cipher that has been found to have serious weaknesses, making it susceptible to various attacks, including plaintext recovery attacks. Similarly, older versions of SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) have been found to have security vulnerabilities that can be exploited by attackers.
Instead, modern web browsers use TLS (Transport Layer Security) as the preferred encryption protocol. TLS provides stronger security and better cryptographic algorithms compared to RC4 and older SSL versions. It offers improved authentication, confidentiality, and integrity of data exchanged between web clients and servers.
By dropping support for RC4 and older SSL versions, web browsers are prioritizing the security and privacy of their users by encouraging the use of more secure encryption algorithms and protocols.