Which of the following is NOT an encryption algorithm?

The choice stating that SSL is not an encryption algorithm is accurate because SSL, or Secure Sockets Layer, is not an encryption algorithm in itself but rather a protocol that facilitates secure communication over a computer network. SSL is designed to establish an encrypted link between a web server and a browser, ensuring that any data transferred remains secure and confidential.

Encryption algorithms like DES (Data Encryption Standard) and 3DES (Triple Data Encryption Standard) are examples of symmetric key algorithms that encrypt plaintext to produce ciphertext, whereas MD5 (Message-Digest Algorithm 5) is a cryptographic hash function used to create a fixed-size hash value from input data, primarily for verifying data integrity rather than for protecting confidentiality through encryption. Thus, the understanding that SSL serves a broader purpose within secure communications rather than functioning as a standalone encryption algorithm is essential in distinguishing it from the others listed.