SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) and TLS (Transport Layer Security) are cryptographic protocols used to secure communication over a computer network, typically between a client (like a web browser) and a server (like a web server). Here’s how they differ:
SSL was the predecessor to TLS, initially developed by Netscape in the early 1990s. It provided encryption, authentication, and integrity for data transmitted over the internet. TLS, an updated and more secure version of SSL, was introduced in the late 1990s and is defined by the Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF).
TLS is generally considered better than SSL due to several improvements and security enhancements introduced in subsequent versions of TLS. TLS versions 1.1, 1.2, and 1.3 have addressed vulnerabilities found in SSL and earlier versions of TLS, providing stronger encryption algorithms, improved handshake mechanisms, and better resistance against attacks.
To determine if a connection uses SSL or TLS, you can inspect the protocol details in your web browser or application settings. Modern web browsers and applications often display the connection details, including the protocol version and encryption algorithms used, when accessing secure websites (HTTPS). Typically, most secure connections today use TLS rather than SSL due to its improved security and compatibility with modern cryptographic standards.
An SSL/TLS connection refers to the encrypted and secure connection established between a client and a server using either SSL or TLS protocols. During an SSL/TLS handshake, the client and server negotiate the cryptographic parameters, including encryption algorithms, key exchange methods, and authentication mechanisms, to establish a secure channel for data transmission. Once the handshake is complete, data exchanged between the client and server is encrypted to protect it from interception or tampering by unauthorized parties. This secure communication method is widely used in applications requiring confidentiality, integrity, and authentication over the internet, such as online banking, e-commerce, and secure email transmission.