What is TLS?

1 min read Updated 2026-02-05

Transport Layer Security. A cryptographic protocol that provides secure communication over networks. The successor to SSL and the backbone of HTTPS.

Understanding TLS

TLS encrypts data in transit between client and server, preventing eavesdropping and tampering. It uses asymmetric cryptography for key exchange and symmetric cryptography for data encryption. TLS 1.3 is the current version, with improved security and performance.

Examples

  • HTTPS websites using TLS for encryption
  • Secure email transmission (STARTTLS)
  • VPN connections
  • Database connections over TLS

How to Prevent

  • Use TLS 1.2 or 1.3 only (disable older versions)
  • Use strong cipher suites
  • Implement certificate pinning for mobile apps
  • Keep certificates valid and properly configured
  • Use HSTS to enforce HTTPS

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