TLS/SSL decryption is the process of temporarily terminating encrypted connections so security tools can inspect the traffic inside, then re-encrypting it for delivery. In practice, a proxy, firewall, or secure web gateway acts as an inspection point and checks requests, responses, downloads, and URLs that would otherwise be hidden by HTTPS.
This matters because most modern malware, phishing kits, command-and-control channels, and data theft now ride over encrypted web traffic. Without decryption, defenders may see only the destination and volume, not the malicious content. Used correctly, it improves malware detection, policy enforcement, and data-loss prevention. Used poorly, it can create privacy concerns, break certificate pinning or some apps, and add latency. Effective deployments need trusted certificates, clear logging, and exceptions for sensitive or incompatible traffic.