Just to be more specific about Net::EasyTCP, it does do RSA encryption with key exchange, but it is slower than other encryption methods. It requires Crypt::RSA, but that still isn't SSL.
Also check out Net::SSL, it may make things easier to handle the socket.
The standard approach is IO::Socket::SSL but Net::SSL will give you more control over the details. I believe zentara was recommending Net::EasyTCP as a simple alternative so you don't have to muck around with generating/buying certs because that's the big pain in the butt when dealing with SSL.
I suppose I'm just repeating zentara's advice, but it's worth repeating.