SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) works by establishing an encrypted link between a client (such as a web browser) and a server (such as a website). This encryption ensures that all data transmitted between the client and server remains private and secure. The SSL protocol uses cryptographic algorithms to encrypt data during transmission, preventing unauthorized parties from intercepting and reading sensitive information like usernames, passwords, or credit card details. SSL also verifies the identity of the server to ensure that the client is communicating with the intended website and not a malicious impostor.
An SSL socket operates similarly to a regular socket in network communication but includes encryption and authentication mechanisms provided by the SSL/TLS protocols. It allows applications to establish secure connections over the internet by encrypting data sent between the client and server. SSL sockets use certificates to verify the identity of parties involved in the communication, ensuring confidentiality, integrity, and authenticity of data exchanged between endpoints.
The Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) protocol is a cryptographic protocol designed to secure communication over a computer network. It facilitates secure connections between clients and servers by encrypting data transmissions and providing authentication mechanisms to verify the identities of parties involved in the communication. SSL ensures data confidentiality by encrypting sensitive information before transmitting it over the network, thereby protecting against eavesdropping and data tampering.
SSL works step by step by initiating a handshake process between the client and server to establish a secure connection. First, the client sends a request to the server to initiate a secure session. The server responds by sending its SSL certificate, which includes its public key. The client verifies the server’s certificate and generates a session key using symmetric encryption. This session key is used to encrypt and decrypt data exchanged between the client and server during the session. Once the handshake is complete, a secure SSL/TLS connection is established, allowing secure data transmission between the client and server.
TLS (Transport Layer Security) is the successor to SSL and operates similarly to SSL in terms of providing secure communication over a network. TLS includes improved security features and stronger encryption algorithms compared to SSL, making it more resilient against potential security vulnerabilities and attacks. TLS/SSL works by encrypting data transmitted between clients and servers, authenticating the identities of communicating parties using digital certificates, and ensuring data integrity to protect against unauthorized access and tampering during transmission.