What is SSL (Secure Sockets Layer)?
Author: Sidekick Team
SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) is an encrypted protocol that helps establish safe links in computer networks. The protocol is used in website authentication, emails, messengers, and VoIP software. SSL was replaced by TLS (Transport Layer Security) in 1999, but it’s still common to refer to the technology as SSL or SSL/TLS.
What is SSL used for?
It’s the technology that keeps an internet connection secure. It safeguards the information that is being sent between different systems (servers, websites, computers) and prevents hackers from reading your sensitive data. Putting it simply: SSL guarantees a secure connection between your browser and the page you are visiting
How SSL works?
The SSL protocol has two kinds of keys: public and private. A public key is a certificate that is used when transmitting user data to the server. A private key is used to decode the message on the server, it always remains on the server. SSL initiates an authentication process called a handshake between two devices to make sure they really are who they claim they are.
Why SSL is important?
SSL encrypts any data that goes between a user and a web server. Without SSL your credit card number would be visible to anyone, not only to the online shop where you entered it. SSL also fights some types of cyberattacks.
What SSL can be used to secure?
Many things: online credit card payments, file sharing, email client connections, FTP file transfers, workflow applications, and many more.
What’s the difference between SSL and TLS
These are minor. Only a technical specialist will be able to distinguish SSL and TLS. The latter is a bit more secure as it employs up-to-date algorithms. TLS uses message authentication code that reassures that day has not been changed during transit.
What is HTTPS?
HTTPS is the secure version of the Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP), which is used throughout the Internet. HTTP defines what type of data is transmitted, how it is formatted, and how servers should respond to commands. HTTP isn’t very secure but HTTPS solves this problem, creating an encrypted connection between the client and the server.