Topic
Why is Transport Layer Security Important?
Transfer Layer Security (TLS) is important because it protects security and privacy.
TLS encrypts data sent between two computers over the internet to prevent third parties, such as eavesdroppers and hackers, from being able to read what was sent. It accomplishes this by converting recognizable text into an unrecognizable string of characters that is nearly impossible to decode without the decryption key.
TLS is commonly used to encrypt private information, such as passwords, credit card information, and personal communication (emails, instant messages, video calls, etc.).
For a website owner, using TLS also increases trust with website visitors and assists with search engine optimization, as Google ranks websites with HTTPS higher than sites without HTTPS.
It is important to note that TLS only protects data while it is being transmitted over the internet.
How Does Transport Layer Security Work?
Transfer Layer Security has three primary components: encryption, authentication, and integrity.
- Encryption conceals private data from third parties.
- Authentication verifies that the two parties exchanging data are who they claim to be.
- Integrity ensures that the data being sent over the internet has not been altered in the process.
TLS uses symmetric and asymmetric encryption.
In symmetric encryption, one key, known by both the sender and the recipient, is used for the encryption and decryption of data. The key is typically 128 bits, though 256 bits is preferable. Symmetric encryption requires the sender and the recipient to share the key in a secure manner.
Conversely, in asymmetric encryption, a key pair consisting of a public key and a private key is used for encryption and decryption. Encryption uses the public key while decryption uses the private key. The key must be at least 1024 bits, though 2048 bits is preferred.
TLS uses asymmetric encryption to create session keys. The session keys are used for encryption and decryption during one session. New session keys are created during a new session.
A TLS connection begins with a process called a TLS handshake. During the TLS handshake, the public key is exchanged, and the session keys are created. The session keys will now be used by the sender and the recipient instead of the public key and the private key.
To encrypt data with TLS, a website needs an SSL/TLS certificate. An SSL/TLS certificate is a file installed on the website’s server containing the public key, the beginning and end dates of the certificate, and details about the certificate authority and the certificate holder. An SSL/TLS certificate is obtained through a certificate authority, which is a third party who issues SSL/TLS certificates and confirms that website owners are who they claim to be.