SSL / TLS / HTTPS

SSL, which stands for Secure Sockets Layer, is a cryptographic protocol designed to provide secure communication over a computer network. It ensures that the data transmitted between a client (such as a web browser) and a server is encrypted and protected from unauthorized access or tampering.

 

SSL was developed by Netscape Communications in the mid-1990s and has become an industry standard for securing online communications. It has since been succeeded by Transport Layer Security (TLS), but the term "SSL" is still commonly used to refer to the newer versions of the protocol as well.

 

The main purpose of SSL/TLS is to establish a secure and private connection between a client and a server. It accomplishes this through several key mechanisms:

1. Encryption: SSL/TLS uses encryption algorithms to scramble the data being transmitted, making it unreadable to anyone who intercepts it without the proper decryption key.
2. Authentication: SSL/TLS provides authentication of the server's identity to the client, ensuring that the client is communicating with the intended server and not an imposter. This is typically done using digital certificates issued by trusted certificate authorities (CAs).
3. Integrity: SSL/TLS includes mechanisms to ensure the integrity of the data being transmitted. It uses hash functions and digital signatures to detect any tampering or modifications to the data during transit.

To establish an SSL/TLS connection, the client and server perform a handshake process. During this process, they negotiate the encryption algorithms and exchange digital certificates to verify each other's identities. Once the handshake is successfully completed, the client and server can securely exchange data over the encrypted connection.

 

SSL/TLS is commonly used to secure various types of online communications, including:

1. Secure websites: SSL/TLS is widely used to secure websites, particularly those handling sensitive information such as login credentials, financial transactions, or personal data. Websites secured with SSL/TLS are identified by the "https://" prefix in the URL and often display a padlock icon in the browser's address bar.
2. Email communication: SSL/TLS can be used to secure email communication between mail servers or between a mail client and a mail server. It ensures that the content of the emails and login credentials are protected from eavesdropping.
3. Virtual private networks (VPNs): SSL/TLS is commonly used in VPNs to create secure connections between remote users and private networks. It enables users to access network resources securely over the internet.
4. Secure file transfer: SSL/TLS can be used to secure file transfers over protocols such as FTP (File Transfer Protocol), SFTP (SSH File Transfer Protocol), and HTTPS.

Overall, SSL/TLS plays a crucial role in ensuring the confidentiality, integrity, and authenticity of data transmitted over computer networks, contributing to a more secure online experience.

 

 

https://www.digicert.com/what-is-ssl-tls-and-https

What is SSL, TLS and HTTPS? | DigiCert