How SSL/TLS encryption works in web technology

Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) and Transport Layer Security (TLS) are cryptographic protocols which provide secure communication between client web browsers and servers. It secure data sent over the internet by establishing an secure encrypted link between a client and a web server. TLS is the latest, upgraded and modern successor to the deprecated SSL, both terms are often used for the same purpose. Today, TLS is the modern standard protocol, while SSL is obsolete. But, people still commonly use the term SSL certificate even though it is actually a TLS certificate.

Secure Internet Communications

TLS is the modern protocol that secures internet communications. It combines asymmetric cryptography, symmetric cryptography, and hashing/digital signatures. Together, these mechanisms ensure that data exchanged over protocols like HTTPS remains confidential, unmodified, and exchanged with the intended party.

Why SSL/TLS is Required?

SSL/TLS provides three main security goals:

1. Confidentiality: Data is encrypted so unauthorized people cannot read it during communication.
2. Integrity: Ensures data is not modified during transmission. TLS detects such modifications.
3. Authentication: Confirms that you are communicating with the legitimate server. browser verifies desired certificate before trusting the connection.

Common SSL/TLS Attacks

• SSL Stripping
• Downgrade Attacks
• Man-in-the-Middle (MitM)
• Certificate Spoofing
• Weak Cipher Exploitation
• Expired or Misconfigured Certificates

Using latest TLS versions and strong cipher suites helps reduce the risks.