The HTTP SSL (HTTPFilter) service enables IIS to perform Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) functions. SSL is an open standard that establishes encrypted communications channels to help prevent the interception of critical information, such as credit card numbers. Primarily, it protects data that is transmitted for electronic financial transactions on the Internet, although it is designed to work on other Internet services as well.

If the HTTP SSL service stops, IIS does not perform SSL functions. This service is installed when IIS is installed, and it is not present or active otherwise. You can configure this service through the Internet Information Services (IIS) snap-in.

This service is available on a Server Core installation of Windows Server 2008 R2 in addition to the Web, Standard, Enterprise, and Datacenter editions of Windows Server 2008 and Windows Server 2008 R2.

The following table identifies the application protocols, network protocols, and ports used by the HTTP SSL service: