TLS (and its predecessor SSL) encrypt network traffic to protect confidentiality and integrity between clients and servers.
Protocol evolution
- SSL 1.0: Never released (security flaws).
- SSL 2.0/3.0: Deprecated (POODLE, BEAST attacks).
- TLS 1.0/1.1: Deprecated as of 2021.
- TLS 1.2: Current minimum standard.
- TLS 1.3: Latest version with improved performance and security.
How TLS works
- Handshake establishes secure connection and negotiates cipher suite.
- Public key cryptography authenticates server (and optionally client).
- Symmetric encryption protects data after handshake completes.
- Message authentication codes (MAC) verify data integrity.
Common uses
- HTTPS for secure web browsing.
- Email encryption (SMTPS, IMAPS).
- VPN tunnels and secure file transfers.
- API authentication and data exchange.
Implementation checklist
- Use TLS 1.2 or higher; disable SSL and TLS 1.0/1.1.
- Obtain certificates from trusted Certificate Authorities.
- Enable HTTP Strict Transport Security (HSTS) to force HTTPS.
- Configure strong cipher suites and disable weak algorithms.
- Monitor certificate expiration and implement automated renewal.
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