Transport Layer Security(TLS)

Introduction

• TLS is considered the successor to SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) and is used to secure various types of communication, including web browsing, email, and instant messaging. 

Definition

• TLS (Transport Layer Security) is a cryptographic protocol designed to provide secure communication over a network, typically the Internet.

Characteristics

• It is an essential component of internet security, ensuring that sensitive information transmitted over the internet remains private and secure.
• TLS uses a combination of symmetric and asymmetric cryptography to provide secure communication.
• TLS is used to establish a secure connection between two endpoints, typically a client (such as a web browser) and a server (such as a website).
• TLS is used to secure a wide range of internet protocols, including HTTPS (HTTP over TLS), SMTP (Simple Mail Transfer Protocol) over TLS, and IMAP (Internet Message Access Protocol) over TLS.

Working Mechanism

• When two parties(Client & Server) establish a connection using TLS, they first negotiate a shared secret key using asymmetric encryption. This key is then used to encrypt and decrypt all data transmitted between the two parties during the session, ensuring that the communication remains private and cannot be intercepted by a third party.
• In other words, when a client establishes a TLS connection with a server, the two endpoints negotiate a set of cryptographic algorithms to use for encrypting and authenticating data. This negotiation process is known as the TLS handshake. Once the handshake is complete, data is encrypted and authenticated using the chosen algorithms, providing confidentiality and integrity to the communication.

Function

• In addition to encryption, TLS also provides mechanisms for verifying the identity of the parties involved in the communication. This is done through the use of digital certificates, which are issued by trusted third-party organizations known as Certificate Authorities (CAs). The digital certificates contain information about the identity of the parties involved in the communication and are used to verify that the parties are who they claim to be.

Use/Application

• TLS is widely used to secure internet communication, including web browsing, email, and other types of communication.
• TLS is considered a critical component of internet security and is constantly evolving to address new threats and vulnerabilities.