What is TLS and SSL?
SSL, or Secure Sockets Layer, is an Internet security technology that uses encryption. To provide privacy, authentication, and data integrity in Internet communications, Netscape created it for the first time in 1995. The present TLS encryption now in use predates SSL.
TLS is a widely adopted security protocol designed to facilitate privacy and data security for communications over the Internet. Encrypting communication between web applications and servers, such as when web browsers load a website, is one of the main applications of TLS.
What is a TLS/SSL handshake?
SSL encrypts data that is sent across the web to offer a high level of privacy.
To make sure that both communicating devices are indeed who they say they are, SSL starts an authentication procedure between them known as a handshake.
The TLS handshake is the procedure that begins a TLS communication session.
TLS vs. SSL handshakes
The first security protocol created for HTTP was called SSL, or Secure Sockets Layer. TLS, or Transport Layer Security, took the place of SSL some time ago. Although the term "SSL" is still often used, SSL handshakes are now known as TLS handshakes.
Each new version of SSL is more secure than the previous one. TLS was modified from SSL in 1999.
Why TLS/SSL is important?
In the beginning, all data sent over the internet was sent in unencrypted, making it possible for anyone to read it if they managed to intercept it. To put it simply,
After encryption, any hacker who intercepts our conversation will only receive scrambled data.
What is a TLS Certificate and how does it work?
A TLS certificate must be deployed on the origin server for a website or application for it to use TLS. A certificate authority issues a TLS certificate to the domain owner, whether they be an individual or a company.
The TLS handshake is the sequence used to start a TLS connection. The TLS handshake between the user's device and the web server starts when a user navigates to a website that employs TLS.
Types of SSL Certificates
Single Domain SSL Certificates
Wildcard SSL certificates
Multi-domain SSL Certificates
Single Domain SSL Certificates
A single-domain SSL certificate is valid for just that one domain. Not even the subdomains of the domain for which it was granted can be used to authenticate any other domain.
Wildcard SSL Certificates
An individual domain and each of its subdomains are covered by a wildcard SSL certificate. For all of the subdomains, a single Wildcard SSL certificate is acceptable.
Multi-Domain SSL Certificates (MDC)
Multiple unique domains are listed on one certificate in a multi-domain SSL certificate, or MDC. With an MDC, domains that are not one another's subdomains can share a certificate.
Summary
In conclusion, TLS (Transport Layer Security) and SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) are the cornerstone of online security, guaranteeing privacy and data integrity. Remember, TLS certificates, including Single Domain, Wildcard, and Multi-Domain, are essential for a secure online presence.
Stay safe and secure online!