SSL/TLS is a family of cryptographic protocols that secure communication over networks by providing encryption, authentication, and integrity checks. TLS is the modern successor to SSL, and the term SSL/TLS is often used to describe secure web traffic. These protocols prevent eavesdropping and tampering by encrypting data between clients and servers. Websites that use HTTPS rely on TLS to secure browser requests. TLS is essential for protecting passwords, API calls, and sensitive data transmitted over the internet. Certificates issued by trusted authorities verify the identity of servers, helping users avoid imposters.
how it works
During a TLS handshake, the client and server exchange certificates, negotiate encryption algorithms, and agree on keys. Once the handshake completes, all data flows through an encrypted channel. TLS uses asymmetric encryption for initial verification and symmetric encryption for efficient data transfer. Misconfigured certificates or expired keys can break secure connections. Server side frameworks and load balancers often manage TLS termination on behalf of applications. Understanding TLS is key for deploying secure APIs, authenticating users, and preventing man in the middle attacks.