SSL/TLS Encryption

SSL/TLS encryption secures data transmitted between a user’s browser and a web server by encrypting it, ensuring that the data remains private and tamper-proof.

SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) and TLS (Transport Layer Security) are protocols that provide encryption for data transmitted over the internet. When a user connects to a website with SSL/TLS enabled, the connection is encrypted, meaning that the data exchanged between the user’s browser and the server is protected from eavesdroppers and attackers. This encryption is vital for protecting sensitive information such as login credentials, payment details, and personal data.

SSL was the original protocol used to secure internet communications, but it has largely been replaced by TLS, which offers stronger security and performance. Despite this, the term “SSL” is still commonly used to refer to both protocols. The encryption process begins with a “handshake” between the user’s browser and the web server, where they agree on encryption keys to use for the session. Once the handshake is complete, all data transmitted during the session is encrypted using these keys.

SSL/TLS encryption is indicated by a padlock icon in the browser’s address bar and the “https://” prefix in the URL. The use of SSL/TLS is critical for protecting user privacy and data integrity, particularly on sites that handle sensitive transactions, such as online banking, e-commerce, and healthcare services.

Beyond protecting individual sessions, SSL/TLS also plays a crucial role in website security by authenticating the identity of the server through SSL/TLS certificates. These digital certificates, issued by trusted Certificate Authorities (CAs), verify that the website the user is connecting to is legitimate and not a malicious imposter.

In summary, SSL/TLS encryption is essential for secure online communication, safeguarding data from unauthorized access and ensuring the authenticity of websites.