the differences between SSL and TLS
SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) and TLS (Transport Layer Security) are both protocols designed to ensure secure communication over the internet. SSL was developed in the 1990s, and TLS was created as a successor to SSL in 1999. Both SSL and TLS are used to encrypt data as it is transmitted over the internet, but there are some important differences between the two.
The first difference between SSL and TLS is the design. SSL is a proprietary protocol developed by Netscape, whereas TLS is an open standard that has been developed by the Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF). As a result, TLS is considered to be more secure than SSL, as it has been subject to more rigorous testing and review by the security community.
The second difference is the level of security they provide. SSL provides up to 128-bit encryption, which is considered to be strong enough for most purposes. TLS, on the other hand, can provide up to 256-bit encryption, which is even stronger. This means that TLS is better able to protect sensitive information, such as financial data or personal information.
The third difference is the way in which they handle security certificates. SSL uses a proprietary system of certificates, which can be difficult to manage and maintain. TLS, on the other hand, uses X.509 certificates, which are a widely accepted standard. This makes it easier for administrators to manage and maintain security certificates, which helps to ensure the security of the system.
The fourth difference is the way in which they handle session resumption. SSL requires a new handshake for each session, which can be time-consuming and resource-intensive. TLS, on the other hand, allows for session resumption, which means that the server can reuse the cryptographic keys from a previous session. This reduces the amount of time and resources required to establish a secure connection.
The fifth difference is the version compatibility. SSL has been largely deprecated and is no longer considered secure, while TLS has been updated to newer versions to keep up with security requirements. Currently, the latest version of TLS is 1.3, which provides a higher level of security compared to SSL.
In summary, while SSL and TLS share many similarities in their purpose, TLS is generally considered to be more secure and robust compared to SSL. TLS provides stronger encryption, uses widely accepted standards for certificates, supports session resumption, and has been updated to newer versions to keep up with evolving security requirements. As a result, it is recommended that organizations migrate to TLS for their secure communication needs.
Dave is a 20-year computer tech, systems administrator, and Geek.
We computer help and IT support for residential and business users. We offer on site services for the Greater Toronto Area and Remote Support for the rest of Canada. CLICK HERE for residential computer help and Business IT support pricing and information.
Does your business software do EVERYTHING?! Mine does, but then again – I use Zoho 😉
the speed difference between a hard drive, SSD and NVME hard drive
What is DHCP and how does it work?
How a computer CPU works
About The Author
Dave
Dave is a 20-year computer tech, systems administrator, and Geek. We computer help and IT support for residential and business users. We offer on site services for the Greater Toronto Area and Remote Support for the rest of Canada. CLICK HERE for residential computer help and Business IT support pricing and information. Does your business software do EVERYTHING?! Mine does, but then again - I use Zoho ;)