SSL vs TLS: What’s the Difference?

To protect our information and messages on the Internet, administrative organizations have created protocols to encrypt Internet communications and keep your information secure. Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) and Transport Layer Security (TLS) are two protocols involved in protecting our communications online. While they share similarities, there are a few key differences between them. In this article, figure out how to differentiate between SSL vs TLS and learn all you need to know about each encryption protocol.

What is SSL?

Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) is a protocol for encrypting data passed between a web server and a web browser. SSL uses a cryptographic system with two keys to encrypt data - a public key known to everyone and a private key known only to the recipient.

When you visit a website that uses SSL, your browser will automatically check to see if the site's SSL certificate is trusted. If so, your browser will then use the public key to encrypt your data before sending it to the server.

The server then uses its private key to decrypt your data and read it. The entire process happens in mere milliseconds, allowing for a secure connection between the two parties.

Secure Sockets Layer is commonly used, but a new protocol called TLS (Transport Layer Security) is now preferred, as it provides additional security enhancements like better encryption algorithms. Most websites now compare TLS vs SSL and choose to use TLS over SSL. However, for most everyday browsing, both Secure Sockets Layer and Transport Layer Security help keep your data secured.

What is TLS?

Transport Layer Security (TLS) is the updated version of SSL that provides encryption for Internet communications and web browsing. The protocol ensures privacy and integrity of data between applications and servers, such as when you visit a website or use an app. It uses encryption algorithms to scramble messages so that only the intended recipient can unscramble them.

To use TLS, a website needs an Secure Sockets Layer certification installed. This confirms the identity of the website and enables encryption.

TLS is more secure than the older SSL protocol and supports newer cipher suites. Additionally, it enables quicker handshakes between browsers and servers. Most browsers now prefer TLS over SSL.

Using Transport Layer Security for all your Internet activities is a good move. It helps stop hackers from accessing sensitive data like passwords, credit card numbers, and private messages.

The evolution from SSL to TLS

Though we often compare SSL vs TLS, they serve the same essential purpose. The evolution of web security protocols from SSL to TLS was an important step forward. Secure Sockets Layer was the original standard for encrypting data sent between web servers and browsers. Developed in the mid-1990s, SSL used encryption to scramble transmitted data, thus helping enable e-commerce sites and other websites to send private information securely.

As the web grew, Secure Sockets Layer began to show its age. Around 1999, the Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF) started working on Transport Layer Security as a replacement. TLS 1.0 was released in 1999, providing improved security and more robust encryption than SSL. Most sites started migrating from SSL to TLS in the early 2000s.

Today, Secure Socket Layer is considered outdated. Major browsers now display warnings when sites only use SSL. If your site still uses Secure Sockets Layer, it's important to upgrade to Transport Layer Security as soon as possible to ensure the best user experience.

Migrating from SSL to TLS is a straightforward process. Most servers and web hosting providers offer simple ways to make the switch. Staying up-to-date with the latest web security standards like TLS is critical. While TLS 1.0 improved on SSL, TLS 1.2 and its more recent versions are now recommended for the best security on the modern web.

How does SSL work?

When you visit a website secured with Secure Socket Layer, your browser connects to the website and requests its Secure Sockets Layer certificate. The web server sends the browser its SSL certificate, which contains information like the website's domain name, ownership details, and the certificate authority that issued it.

Your browser checks if the certificate authority is trusted and if the certificate is valid. If so, your browser uses the public key in the certificate to encrypt information and create an encrypted connection.

Your browser and the web server can now exchange information over the encrypted connection, which means any information passed between them remains private and secure. A padlock icon then appears in the browser address bar, indicating the connection is secure.

SSL certificates establish an encrypted link between your browser and the website's server to protect data in transit.

How does TLS work?

Transport Layer Security uses a "handshake" process to establish a secure connection between a server and client. During the handshake, the server sends its TLS certificate, which contains its public encryption key. The client then verifies if this certificate is valid. If so, the client generates a random "session key" and encrypts it with the server's public key, sending it back to the server.

Now both sides have a shared secret session key for encrypting and decrypting data. Strong algorithms encrypt all communication in the session, such as AES and the session key. The server and client can now exchange information confidentially.

TLS uses additional measures like message authentication codes to prevent man-in-the-middle attacks.

Key differences in TLS vs SSL

SSL and TLS are related, but they are not the same. The biggest differences between the two come down to improvements in security and functionality. They include:

• Stronger cipher suites. TLS supports more robust encryption algorithms that are harder to crack.
• Enhanced authentication. TLS offers improved verification of servers to ensure that you're connecting to the right website. This helps prevent man-in-the-middle attacks.
• Faster handshake. The initial "handshake" process, where the server and browser establish a secure connection, is faster with TLS, which then results in faster loading webpages.
• Additional protocols. TLS works at a lower network level and supports newer application-level protocols like HTTP/2.

For most casual web browsing, the differences between SSL and TLS are minor. However, for websites handling sensitive data, TLS provides a higher level of security that's worth upgrading to.

Many browsers and websites now only support Transport Layer Security to encourage the use of the more robust protocol.

While SSL did its job of securing web traffic in the early days of the Internet, Transport Layer Security has since taken over as the industry standard protocol for encrypting connections between servers and clients.

Why do you need SSL?

There are a few reasons why SSL is essential, even though it's not the most recent security standard.

• It protects sensitive data. Secure Sockets Layer encrypts all communication between your website and visitors, making it difficult for hackers to steal personal information.
• It builds trust. An SSL certificate shows your customers that you take security seriously, which can help build trust in your brand and business.
• Google improves rankings for SSL sites. Google gives an SEO ranking boost to websites that use Secure Sockets Layer. Having an SSL certificate can help improve your search engine optimization.
• SSL meets regulatory compliance. Many regulatory compliance standards require the use of SSL to protect customer data. Secure Sockets Layer helps ensure that you meet these compliance regulations.
• It's free and easy. SSL certificates are inexpensive and easy to install on your website. There's no reason not to use one.

SSL is a simple way to keep your web visitors secure. Implementing Secure Sockets Layer is one of the best ways to build trust. With low cost and high impact, it's a no-brainer for any business with an online presence.

Why do you need TLS?

Consider the following reasons to upgrade to TLS for your network security.

• Improved encryption and security. TLS uses improved encryption methods like AES, offering stronger protection because it's considered very difficult to crack.
• Supports newer cipher suites. TLS supports cipher suites that use longer key lengths, like 2047-bit keys for encrypting data. Longer keys mean tougher encryption.
• Use of perfect forward secrecy. This feature generates a new secret key for each session. This way, even if a key is compromised in the future, past session data remains secure.
• Proper authentication. TLS allows for client authentication in addition to server authentication. This adds an extra layer of security by verifying the client's identity.

TLS is constantly evolving to patch vulnerabilities and stay ahead of threats. Therefore, upgrading to the latest version ensures that you have the security measures currently available.

Overall, when comparing TLS vs SSL, TLS is a more up to date protocol. For the best protection of customer data and communications, most websites use TLS 1.2 or higher.

How does using SSL or TLS increase trust?

Beyond encryption, SSL/TLS safeguards data from eavesdropping. It employs digital certificates to verify a website's authenticity, assuring users that they're connected to a legitimate site rather than a malicious one.

This encryption and verification combo instills confidence that sensitive information remains secure. Therefore, by validating identities, TLS and SSL reinforce trust in online interactions, shielding against cyber threats. They also ensure data integrity for users, thereby bolstering overall online safety.

Can SSL or TLS be used for email communication?

Yes, SSL and TLS can secure email communications. SMTP (Simple Mail Transfer Protocol) and IMAP (Internet Message Access Protocol) servers can be configured to use SSL/TLS encryption, providing protection for sending and receiving emails.

Should I use SSL or TLS?

When considering SSL vs TLS for your website, go with Transport Layer Security. It's the newer, updated version of Secure Sockets Layer and provides better security. Many websites have already migrated to TLS to provide the best security for users.

Frequently asked questions

How can I check if a website is using SSL or TLS?

Look for the padlock icon in the address bar of your web browser. A URL starting with HTTPS instead of HTTP indicates a secure connection. You can also click the padlock icon to view the certificate details.

What is a Certificate Authority (CA)?

A Certificate Authority is a trusted entity that issues SSL/TLS certificates. It verifies the identity of the certificate requester and signs the certificate, confirming the authenticity of the certificate holder.

What is a self-signed certificate?

A self-signed certificate is a certificate that's generated and signed by the entity it belongs to rather than a trusted certificate authority. While it provides encryption, it lacks the third-party verification, potentially causing browser warnings for users.

What's the purpose of the SSL handshake?

The handshake is a process where the client and server establish a secure connection. It involves negotiating encryption algorithms, exchanging keys, and verifying the server's identity through its SSL/TLS certificate.

Why are TLS 1.0 and 1.1 considered insecure?

TLS 1.0 and 1.1 have known vulnerabilities that make them susceptible to attacks. These vulnerabilities could lead to data breaches and compromises. Therefore, it's recommended to use TLS 1.2 or later versions to ensure stronger security.

Are there different types of SSL/TLS certificates?

Yes, there are various types of certificates, including Domain Validated (DV), Organization Validated (OV), and Extended Validation (EV) certificates. Each type offers different levels of validation and security features.