What is SQL Server Error 772 and how is it related to SSL?

SQL Server Error 772, specifically the 'SSL Security Error,' indicates that the SQL Server instance is unable to establish a secure connection with the client using SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) or TLS (Transport Layer Security). This typically happens when the client application (like an ODBC driver) is attempting to connect to SQL Server over an encrypted channel, but the SSL/TLS handshake fails. It's a security measure designed to protect data in transit.