SSH, or Secure Shell, is a network protocol that allows users to securely access and manage devices over an unsecured network. It encrypts the data exchanged between the client and server, ensuring that sensitive information, such as passwords and commands, remains private and protected from eavesdropping. Typically used for remote server management, SSH enables users to execute commands, transfer files, and perform administrative tasks on remote machines. It is widely utilized by system administrators and developers to maintain servers and applications securely, making it an essential tool in modern computing environments.