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When it comes to secure online connections, one comes across two terms; SSL and TLS. Both are responsible for protecting information transmitted on the internet but they are distinct. Such knowledge is valuable for making sound decisions by those operating and using the Internet to improve their security.
- SSL Came First
The first type of encryption was the SSL- Secure Sockets Layer. Originally it was developed in the mid-1990s as means of protection of the advanced means of communication – the Internet. SSL generates a connection between a web server and a browser where data is encoded in such a way that makes it difficult for hackers to get to it. However, despite the boon of ease of use, SSL had its place in security issues, which formally called for enhancement later on.
- TLS Replaced SSL
TLS stands for Transport Layer Security and it was established in 1999 in a consequent of SSL. Out of the instability of SSL, TLS was developed to provide better solutions to SSL’s encryption and modes of authentication. It emerged as the newest trend in protecting information within cyber space. Today TLS is widely used while SSL has principally been replaced with this new one.
- Different methods used for encryption.
It is clear that SSL and TLS use different encryption methods. TLS is a better replacement for SSL as it provides enhanced and secure encryption models. This makes it much difficult for hackers to infiltrate the encryption. For example, TLS can use the more advanced cryptographic algorithms than those that available for SSL. Consequently, TLS is perceived as more secure and optimal solution for shielding such information.
- Better Handshake Procedure in TLS
SSL is very similar to TLS; they both use a ‘handshake’ in order to create the encrypted link. The Handshake confirms the server and client and also sets encryption parameters. But TLS has a far more efficient handshake process than SSL. This improves connection time not only but also ensures that errors are experienced at a slower rate.
- Performance and Speed
In most cases, TLS is even faster than SSL by virtue of having undergone an enhanced handshake process. Higher speeds free up servers for other uses, making the site easier to use and more secure to the end users.
- Supported Cipher Suites
The second issue is that SSL is still utilizing established cipher suites which are no longer in use today. A good deal of these ciphers are insecure, and have been found to be unsafe. TLS supports several cipher suites more recent than SSL, which provide stronger security and a better security level. This is one of the reason that TLS is adopted over SSL due to the support of updated ciphers.
- SSL and TLS Certificates
Like any other Internet connection, both SSL and TLS use digital certificates for the purpose of to verify the authenticity of the website. Contrary to what most people continue to call them, these are actually TLS certificates rather than SSL certificates. It is the same one that is used, although TLS certificates are more secure than others.
Conclusion:
To conclude this ssl vs tls comparison, one has to note that TLS is the improved, more secure version of the SSL. It supports more secure encryption, enhanced handshake process, as well as enhanced cipher suites support. While SSL was impressive, TLS took its place as the current day standard for security. For secure connections today TLS is the better, safer option.
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This content is brought to you by Chris Reyes
Photo provided by the author
