1. A system for improving security processing in a computing network, comprising: a security offload component in an operating system kernel which performs security processing; at least one control function in an SSL layer or application layer for directing operation of the security offload component; means for executing the at least one provided control function; and means, responsive to operation of the means for executing, for directing the security offload component to secure at least one communication of an application program; wherein the application program executes under the control of the operating system kernel.