What is SSL/TLS?
SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) is an outdated encryption protocol that ensures secure data transmission between a user’s web browser and a web server. It was designed to protect the confidentiality and integrity of data on the Internet. However, SSL has been replaced by a more modern protocol called TLS (Transport Layer Security), which represents a more secure version of it.
What is the difference between SSL and TLS?
SSL is the direct predecessor of another protocol called TLS (Transport Layer Security). In 1999, a group of the Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF) proposed an update to SSL. As this update was developed by the IETF, and Netscape was no longer involved, the name was changed to TLS. The differences between the final version of SSL (3.0) and the first version of TLS are not too substantial; the name change was made to signify a change in ownership. Since they are closely related, these two terms are often used interchangeably and can be confusing. Some people still use SSL to refer to TLS, while others use the term “SSL/TLS encryption” because SSL is still widely recognized.
How does SSL/TLS work?
- To ensure a high degree of confidentiality, SSL encrypts data transmitted over the Internet. This means that anyone attempting to intercept this data will only see a set of characters that is practically impossible to decipher.
- SSL initiates an authentication process called a “handshake” between two interacting devices to ensure that both devices are indeed who they claim to be.
- SSL also signs the data to ensure data integrity, verifying that the data has not been altered before reaching its intended recipient.
Why are SSL/TLS certificates so important?
SSL/TLS certificates play a crucial role in ensuring the security of data transmission over the Internet. Here are several key reasons why SSL/TLS certificates are important:
- Data Encryption: The primary purpose of the certificate is to provide data encryption between the user’s browser and the web server. This protects information from unauthorized access and viewing during the data transmission process over the Internet.
- Identification and Authentication: SSL certificates also serve the role of confirming the authenticity of a website. When a user connects to a secure site, SSL provides confidence that the user is communicating with the claimed web server. This is important for preventing “Man-in-the-Middle” attacks, where an attacker attempts to tamper with or intercept communication.
- User Trust: When a website uses an SSL certificate, the browser displays a padlock in the address bar or other security indicators. This gives visitors confidence that the site is secure, enhancing trust in the web resource.
- SEO Benefits: Search engines like Google may take into account the presence of an SSL certificate when ranking websites. Therefore, using SSL can positively impact your site’s positions in search results.
- Protection Against Fraud: SSL certificates help protect your data from various forms of cyber fraud, such as phishing and data interception. They contribute to a more secure online environment by establishing encrypted connections.
In summary, SSL/TLS certificates are vital for securing data, confirming the identity of websites, building user trust, gaining SEO advantages, and protecting against online fraud.
How do we help you secure your website?
WebTotem also includes a tool for checking the validity of SSL/TLS certificates. The primary tasks of this tool are:
- Checking the presence of an SSL/TLS certificate.
- Assessing the validity period.
- Verifying the trustworthiness and authenticity of the organization issuing the certificate.
- Checking the current operational status.
