What is the purpose of SSL/TLS encryption in network communications?
Hey Alex
SSL and TLS operate by establishing an encrypted channel via a handshake process, which involves the negotiation of encryption algorithms and the exchange of cryptographic keys between the client and server. Post-handshake, all transmitted data is encrypted, thwarting eavesdroppers from intercepting or altering the information in transit. Besides encryption, these protocols authenticate the communicating parties’ identities using digital certificates, enhancing trust and assurance in the communication. TLS, being the more modern and robust protocol, has superseded SSL and rectified many of its predecessor’s vulnerabilities.
It’s pivotal to note that these protocols are protocol-agnostic, meaning they can secure traffic of many higher-level protocols like HTTP, SMTP, and FTP, leading to secure versions like HTTPS. Through the provision of secure, authenticated channels, SSL and TLS are foundational to safeguarding data privacy and security in network communications.