TLS (Transport Layer Security) is a cryptographic protocol designed to provide secure communication over a computer network. It succeeds and is based on the earlier SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) protocol, aiming to enhance security, improve efficiency, and address vulnerabilities found in SSL. TLS operates at the transport layer of the OSI model, securing communication channels between applications running on client and server systems. It ensures data confidentiality, integrity, and authentication by encrypting data transmitted over the network and verifying the identities of communicating parties using digital certificates.
TCP (Transmission Control Protocol) is the layer at which TLS operates. Specifically, TLS is implemented above TCP, which is responsible for reliable, connection-oriented communication between hosts on a network. TLS uses TCP as its underlying transport protocol to establish and maintain secure connections between clients and servers. This placement allows TLS to leverage TCP’s reliable data delivery and connection management capabilities while adding encryption, authentication, and integrity verification features to ensure secure communication.
A TLS transaction refers to the process of establishing a secure connection between a client and a server using the TLS protocol. The transaction typically involves a series of steps known as the TLS handshake, where the client and server negotiate encryption algorithms, exchange cryptographic keys, authenticate each other’s identities using digital certificates, and establish secure communication parameters. During the transaction, sensitive information such as login credentials, financial transactions, or personal data is encrypted to prevent interception or tampering by unauthorized parties.
The primary purpose of TLS is to secure communication channels over computer networks, ensuring confidentiality, integrity, and authentication of data transmitted between clients and servers. By encrypting data during transmission, TLS prevents eavesdropping and unauthorized access to sensitive information. TLS also verifies the identities of communicating parties using digital certificates issued by trusted Certificate Authorities (CAs), thereby establishing trust and authenticity in online transactions, web browsing, email communication, and other network-based interactions.
Transport Layer Security (TLS), previously known as SSL (Secure Sockets Layer), is a cryptographic protocol designed to provide secure communication over a computer network. SSL was the predecessor to TLS and aimed to achieve similar goals of encrypting data transmitted between clients and servers to ensure confidentiality and integrity. Over time, SSL protocols were replaced by newer TLS versions due to identified security vulnerabilities and the need for stronger encryption algorithms and enhanced security features. TLS continues to evolve to address emerging threats and maintain secure communication channels across various network services and applications.