Security researchers have discovered a new SSL proxy that could mean faster and cheaper enterprise data security, according to a recent Network World report.

The new protocol is dubbed SSLShading and could help websites guard against cyber threats, such as the Firesheep hijacking tool. It also demonstrates how SSL proxies based on commodity hardware can protect data without slowing transactions, according to researchers.

Researchers included Keon Jang, Sangjin Han, Sue Moon and KyoungSoo Park, all of KAIST in Korea and Seungyeop Han of the University of Washington.

"SSLShading is software that directs SSL traffic being proxied either to a CPU or a graphics processing unit, whichever is most appropriate to handle the current load," according Network World.

SSL encrypts traffic from a web user's machine to web services. That ensures data, such as session cookies, can't be captured by cyber criminals. It may also be used to secure data integration projects.

According to expert Troy Hunt, who blogs about the software development industry, SSL is more about assurance than increased encryption. He analyzed the use of SSL on major websites, including Facebook, Twitter and PayPal, and found users placed more trust in sites that utilized SSL.