Let's Encrypt is a free, automated certificate authority that provides digital certificates to enable secure connections over the internet. It helps website owners obtain SSL/TLS certificates, which encrypt data exchanged between users and websites, enhancing security and privacy. Founded in 2014, Let's Encrypt aims to make the web more secure by simplifying the process of obtaining and renewing certificates. It is widely supported by major web hosting providers and browsers, promoting the use of HTTPS across the internet, which protects users from eavesdropping and man-in-the-middle attacks.