Key Takeaways<\/span><\/h2>\n
\n
SSL encryption encrypts data transmitted between a web server and a browser.<\/li>\n
SSL has evolved into TLS.<\/li>\n
It provides both encryption and authentication.<\/li>\n
SSL improves user trust and website credibility by displaying a padlock icon and “HTTPS” in the browser address bar.<\/li>\n
It is necessary for security, but it can increase server load and costs.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div>\n
How SSL Encryption Works<\/span><\/h2>\n
SSL encryption secures data<\/a> between a web server and a browser through a process called the SSL handshake<\/a>. This handshake establishes a secure connection by verifying the server’s identity and agreeing on encryption methods before data is transmitted.<\/p>\n
Here’s the process flow:<\/p>\n
\n \n \n
\n
\n
Client Hello<\/strong>: The browser requests a connection, listing its supported encryption methods and SSL version.<\/div><\/li>
Server Hello<\/strong>: The server responds with its SSL certificate and chosen encryption method.<\/div><\/li>
Authentication<\/a> and Pre-Master Secret<\/strong>: The server’s SSL certificate is verified by the client. The client encrypts a pre-master secret with the server’s public key<\/a> and sends it to the server.<\/div><\/li>
Session Keys<\/strong>: Both the client and server generate session keys from the pre-master secret for encrypting data.<\/div><\/li>
Secure Connection<\/strong>: Encrypted data is exchanged.<\/div><\/li>\n <\/ol>\n \n <\/div>\n<\/div>\nSecure Socket Layer Protocols<\/span><\/h2>\n
SSL and TLS are protocols that secure Internet data transmission<\/a>. SSL was the original protocol, while TLS is its successor.<\/p>\n
\n
SSL<\/strong>: Developed in the 1990s to secure Internet communication, with versions like SSL 2.0 and SSL 3.0. These versions are now considered insecure.<\/li>\n
TLS<\/strong>: An upgrade to SSL, addressing its vulnerabilities. TLS has versions like TLS 1.0, TLS 1.1, TLS 1.2, and the latest, TLS 1.3.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\nSSL has multiple versions. However, these versions are considered insecure by today’s standards due to vulnerabilities<\/a> that can be exploited by hackers<\/a>.<\/p>\n
TLS is now the standard for secure Internet communication. Each version of TLS provides improvements over the last. For example, TLS 1.3, the current version, removes outdated cryptographic<\/a> algorithms and improves the handshake process<\/a>.<\/p>\n
SSL Encryption Techniques<\/span><\/h2>\n
SSL encryption combines various methods and cryptographic algorithms<\/a> to secure data transmitted over the Internet. The two main types of encryption methods are symmetric and asymmetric encryption.<\/p>\n
\n
<\/span>Symmetric encryption<\/div>
Uses a single key<\/a> for both encrypting and decrypting data, which is ideal for encrypting large amounts of data once a secure connection is established. <\/div><\/div>\n
<\/span>Asymmetric encryption<\/div>
Involves a pair of keys \u2013 a public key for encryption and a private key for decryption<\/a>. This method is primarily used during the SSL handshake to securely exchange the symmetric key used for the session. <\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n
There are also a couple of cryptographic algorithms used to secure data in SSL:<\/p>\n
\n
<\/span>RSA (Rivest-Shamir-Adleman)<\/div>
A widely used asymmetric encryption algorithm. It secures the exchange of the symmetric key during the SSL handshake<\/a> by encrypting the pre-master secret with the server’s public key. <\/div><\/div>\n
<\/span>AES (Advanced Encryption Standard)<\/div>
A symmetric encryption algorithm is used to encrypt data during a session<\/a>. It’s the standard choice for SSL encryption. <\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n
There are also something known as hashing functions<\/a>. The SHA-256<\/a> is a cryptographic hash function used to generate a unique hash value for data. With it, any alteration in the data can be detected, as even a small change will produce a completely different hash.<\/p>\n
What is an SSL Certificate?<\/span><\/h2>\n
An SSL certificate<\/a> is a digital certificate<\/a> that authenticates a website’<\/a>s identity and enables an encrypted connection between a web server and a browser. It contains information about the certificate holder, the certificate’s issuer, and the public key needed to initiate a secure connection.<\/p>\n
When installed on a web server, it activates the HTTPS protocol<\/a>, which encrypts data and helps protect sensitive information such as passwords<\/a>, credit card numbers, and personal details during transmission.<\/p>\n
Types of SSL Certificates<\/h3>\n
SSL certificates are available in three main types: Domain Validated (DV), Organization Validated (OV), and Extended Validation (EV).<\/p>\n
\n
<\/span>DV Certificates<\/div>
DV certificates provide basic validation by confirming domain ownership. The Certificate Authority<\/a> (CA) verifies that the applicant owns the domain. <\/div><\/div>\n
<\/span>OV Certificates<\/div>
OV certificates offer more validation by verifying both domain ownership and organizational details such as name and location. <\/div><\/div>\n
<\/span>EV Certificates<\/div>
EV certificates<\/a> provide the highest level of validation. The CA conducts an extensive check of the organization’s identity, including legal and operational status. <\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n
SSL Encryption vs. Authentication<\/span><\/h2>\n
SSL provides both encryption and authentication to secure data exchanges over the Internet, but these are two different things.<\/p>\n
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Aspect<\/strong><\/td>\n Encryption<\/strong><\/td>\n Authentication<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Definition<\/strong><\/td>\n Converts data into a coded form to prevent unauthorized access<\/a>.<\/td>\n Verifies the identity of the parties involved in the communication.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Purpose<\/strong><\/td>\n Ensures only authorized parties can decrypt and access the data.<\/td>\n Ensures data is sent and received by the intended parties.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Data Integrity<\/strong><\/td>\n SSL uses hashing algorithms to detect any data tampering<\/a> during transmission.<\/td>\n Confirms data has not been altered and is from a verified source.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Function in SSL<\/strong><\/td>\n Protects data during transmission.<\/td>\n Confirms the identity of communicating parties.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n
SSL Encryption Importance for Security<\/span><\/h2>\n
SSL encryption is important for securing online communications by protecting sensitive information like passwords, credit card numbers, and personal data<\/a> during transmission. It means that even if someone intercepts your data, they can’t access or tamper with it.<\/p>\n
By encrypting data in transit, SSL helps prevent data breaches<\/a> and cyber attacks<\/a> such as man-in-the-middle attacks<\/a> (MITM), where attackers intercept and alter communication between users and websites.<\/p>\n
It also improves user trust and website credibility. When a user sees a website that displays the SSL padlock icon and uses “HTTPS” in the browser’s address bar<\/a>, they feel the site is secure.<\/p>\n
SSL Encryption Pros and Cons<\/span><\/h2>\n
\nPros<\/strong>
\n
\n
\n
<\/i> SSL encrypts sensitive information and makes it unreadable to unauthorized users.<\/li>\n
<\/i> Helps prevent data breaches and cyber attacks.<\/li>\n
<\/i> Displays a padlock icon and “HTTPS” in the browser, sending signals of trust to the user.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\nCons<\/strong>
\n
\n
\n
<\/i> Can increase server load<\/a> and slow down performance due to the encryption process.<\/li>\n
<\/i> Getting and maintaining higher validation level SSL certificates can be expensive.<\/li>\n
<\/i> Outdated or improperly configured SSL can leave sites vulnerable.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\nThe Bottom Line<\/span><\/h2>\n
SSL encryption is not only important but necessary for securing data transmitted over the Internet and protecting sensitive information from unauthorized access. It plays a part in web security by helping to prevent data breaches and improve user trust.<\/p>\n
FAQs<\/span><\/h2>\n
<\/time>
What is secure socket layer encryption in simple terms?<\/h3> <\/div>\n
The simple SSL encryption meaning is a technology that encrypts data sent between a web server and a browser. It keeps data private and secure from unauthorized access.<\/p>\r\n <\/div><\/div><\/section>\n
What is the difference between Secure Sockets Layer SSL and TLS?<\/h3> <\/div>\n
TLS is the successor to SSL. It offers improved security and strong encryption algorithms compared to SSL.<\/p>\r\n <\/div><\/div><\/section>\n
What layers does TLS encrypt?<\/h3> <\/div>\n
TLS encrypts the application layer data. This provides secure transmission of data between the client and server over the transport layer.<\/p>\r\n <\/div><\/div><\/section>\n
What is the difference between HTTPS and SSL?<\/h3> <\/div>\n
HTTPS is a secure version of HTTP that uses SSL or TLS to encrypt data exchanged between a web browser and a server.<\/p>\r\n <\/div><\/div><\/section>\n
Do I need SSL encryption?<\/h3> <\/div>\n
Yes, SSL encryption is necessary to protect sensitive information.<\/p>\r\n <\/div><\/div><\/section>\n
\n
\n
References<\/span><\/h2>\n<\/div>\n
\n
\n
Netscape Communications<\/a> (Linkedin)<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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Aspect<\/strong><\/td>\n	Encryption<\/strong><\/td>\n	Authentication<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Definition<\/strong><\/td>\n	Converts data into a coded form to prevent unauthorized access<\/a>.<\/td>\n	Verifies the identity of the parties involved in the communication.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Purpose<\/strong><\/td>\n	Ensures only authorized parties can decrypt and access the data.<\/td>\n	Ensures data is sent and received by the intended parties.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Data Integrity<\/strong><\/td>\n	SSL uses hashing algorithms to detect any data tampering<\/a> during transmission.<\/td>\n	Confirms data has not been altered and is from a verified source.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Function in SSL<\/strong><\/td>\n	Protects data during transmission.<\/td>\n	Confirms the identity of communicating parties.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n SSL Encryption Importance for Security<\/span><\/h2>\n SSL encryption is important for securing online communications by protecting sensitive information like passwords, credit card numbers, and personal data<\/a> during transmission. It means that even if someone intercepts your data, they can’t access or tamper with it.<\/p>\n By encrypting data in transit, SSL helps prevent data breaches<\/a> and cyber attacks<\/a> such as man-in-the-middle attacks<\/a> (MITM), where attackers intercept and alter communication between users and websites.<\/p>\n It also improves user trust and website credibility. When a user sees a website that displays the SSL padlock icon and uses “HTTPS” in the browser’s address bar<\/a>, they feel the site is secure.<\/p>\n SSL Encryption Pros and Cons<\/span><\/h2>\n \nPros<\/strong> \n \n \n <\/i> SSL encrypts sensitive information and makes it unreadable to unauthorized users.<\/li>\n <\/i> Helps prevent data breaches and cyber attacks.<\/li>\n <\/i> Displays a padlock icon and “HTTPS” in the browser, sending signals of trust to the user.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\nCons<\/strong> \n \n \n <\/i> Can increase server load<\/a> and slow down performance due to the encryption process.<\/li>\n <\/i> Getting and maintaining higher validation level SSL certificates can be expensive.<\/li>\n <\/i> Outdated or improperly configured SSL can leave sites vulnerable.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\nThe Bottom Line<\/span><\/h2>\n SSL encryption is not only important but necessary for securing data transmitted over the Internet and protecting sensitive information from unauthorized access. It plays a part in web security by helping to prevent data breaches and improve user trust.<\/p>\n FAQs<\/span><\/h2>\n <\/time> What is secure socket layer encryption in simple terms?<\/h3> <\/div>\n The simple SSL encryption meaning is a technology that encrypts data sent between a web server and a browser. It keeps data private and secure from unauthorized access.<\/p>\r\n <\/div><\/div><\/section>\n What is the difference between Secure Sockets Layer SSL and TLS?<\/h3> <\/div>\n TLS is the successor to SSL. It offers improved security and strong encryption algorithms compared to SSL.<\/p>\r\n <\/div><\/div><\/section>\n What layers does TLS encrypt?<\/h3> <\/div>\n TLS encrypts the application layer data. This provides secure transmission of data between the client and server over the transport layer.<\/p>\r\n <\/div><\/div><\/section>\n What is the difference between HTTPS and SSL?<\/h3> <\/div>\n HTTPS is a secure version of HTTP that uses SSL or TLS to encrypt data exchanged between a web browser and a server.<\/p>\r\n <\/div><\/div><\/section>\n Do I need SSL encryption?<\/h3> <\/div>\n Yes, SSL encryption is necessary to protect sensitive information.<\/p>\r\n <\/div><\/div><\/section>\n \n \n References<\/span><\/h2>\n<\/div>\n \n \n Netscape Communications<\/a> (Linkedin)<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" What is Secure Socket Layer (SSL) Encryption? Secure Socket Layer (SSL) Encryption is a technology that secures data exchanged between a web server and a browser. It uses encryption algorithms to create a secure connection, which protects sensitive information like login credentials and credit card numbers from unauthorized access. SSL was developed by Netscape in […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":286520,"featured_media":291768,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_lmt_disableupdate":"no","_lmt_disable":"","om_disable_all_campaigns":false,"footnotes":""},"definitioncat":[264],"class_list":["post-13194","definition","type-definition","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","definitioncat-online-privacy"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\nWhat is Secure Socket Layer (SSL) Encryption? Definition from Techopedia<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Secure socket layer (SSL) encryption is a technology that secures data exchanged between a web server and a browser. 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SSL Encryption Pros and Cons<\/span><\/h2>\n\nPros<\/strong>\n\n\n<\/i> SSL encrypts sensitive information and makes it unreadable to unauthorized users.<\/li>\n<\/i> Helps prevent data breaches and cyber attacks.<\/li>\n