What is TLS?

​Transport layer security (TLS) is a protocol that allows secure communication between client/server applications that communicate with each other over the internet. TLS enables privacy, integrity, and protection for data that is transmitted between different nodes over the network.

How TLS works

TLS works by encrypting data sent over the internet to ensure that eavesdroppers and hackers are unable to see what you transmit. This is particularly useful for private and sensitive information such as passwords, credit card numbers, and personal correspondences.

TLS does not secure data on end systems; it simply ensures the secure delivery of data over the internet to avoid any possible eavesdropping and/or alteration of the content.

TLS is normally implemented on top of TCP in order to encrypt application layer protocols such as HTTP, FTP, SMTP, and IMAP.

Where TLS is used

TLS is the most widely used security protocol used today in web browsers and other applications that require data to be securely exchanged over a network. It is mainly used for applications such as web browsing, file transfers, VPN connections, remote desktop sessions, and voice over IP (VoIP).