What is TLS

What is TLS?

TLS (Transport Layer Security) is a cryptographic protocol that secures communication over computer networks, such as the internet. It is the successor to SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) and is widely used to protect data exchanged between web browsers and servers.

How Does TLS Work?

When you visit a website that uses HTTPS, TLS encrypts the data sent between your browser and the website’s server. This means that sensitive information—like passwords, credit card numbers, and personal details—cannot be easily intercepted or read by attackers.

TLS works by:

1. Authentication: Verifying the identity of the server (and sometimes the client) using digital certificates.
2. Encryption: Scrambling data so only the intended recipient can read it.
3. Integrity: Ensuring that data is not tampered with during transmission.

Why is TLS Important?

• Privacy: Keeps your data private from eavesdroppers
• Security: Protects against attacks like man-in-the-middle and data tampering
• Trust: Websites with TLS (HTTPS) are trusted by browsers and users and provide a secure protocol for ecommerce, or any type of secure transaction

Conclusion

TLS is essential for secure online communication. Whenever you see a padlock icon or "https://" in your browser’s address bar, TLS is working behind the scenes to keep your connection safe.