Final answer:
SSL/TLS certificates validate a host's identity and encrypt communications to protect against snooping, ensuring online privacy and security. They are part of essential security measures needed both by individuals and organizations to prevent data breaches.
Step-by-step explanation:
The validation of a host's identity running a webpage and the encryption of communications to protect against snooping is typically achieved through the use of SSL/TLS certificates. These certificates are digital documents that provide authentication for a website and enable an encrypted connection. They are issued by Certificate Authorities (CA) and rely on cryptographic protocols to ensure that any data transmitted between the user's browser and the web server remains private and secure.
Online privacy and security are critical concerns for individuals and organizations alike. Measures such as two-factor authentication, the use of strong passwords, and security-focused education are important personal strategies. Companies and governments need to implement robust security measures on their websites to prevent data breaches that could expose sensitive personal information to cybercriminals.