Details about SSL and TLS. How does their system work?

Many Internet users have only superficial information when it comes to the protection of confidential data. Let’s get acquainted with this topic a little closer and tell you what SSL TLS is.

First of all, Secure Sockets Layer and Transport Layer Security are the names of popular cryptographic protocols designed to ensure secure communication on the Internet. They are used to encrypt information and protect authenticated Internet connections while browsing various pages. In this article, we will look at what SSL TLS is and how it works from the inside.

Historical excursion

An SSL TLS certificate is a type of digital object with which algorithms determine identity and select encryption to form a connection with a contacting system using the SSL/TLS protocol.

Certificates are used in a PKI cryptographic system. It is through the concept of public keys that one party can authenticate another using certificates (if they both have trust in a third party, i.e. a certificate authority).

On this basis, SSL TLS certificates can be considered a kind of digital proof of identity that protects network communications and determines the reliability of websites on the Internet.

SSL was created and published in 1995 by Taher Elgamal. He wanted to ensure the secure sending of data between different users of the World Wide Web. Later, in 1999, Tim Dirks and Christopher Allen introduced TLS, improving the SSL system. Since then, the second option has been more actively used.

Basic principles of SSL/TLS certificate operation

The process of client and web server data exchange is very vulnerable, because all information is publicly available and is not protected from third parties. This interaction is very insecure for users. SSL TLS secure channel is designed to encrypt the connection by encoding the communication, allowing only an authorized party to receive the data. Such a tool is very effective in protecting personal data and confidential information.

The process of interaction with websites can be conditionally divided into four steps.

When a user visits any website, the browser used for this purpose sends a request to the server to get the certificate data. The server, in turn, sends a duplicate SSL certificate and the assigned unique public key. The browser examines and verifies the certificate to see if its name matches the name of the website. In the case of a positive result of the check, it starts generating a preliminary secret with the maximum possible level of encryption on both sides. The server decrypts the secret by applying a private key and generates a shared secret with a specific encryption type. When the session ends, the key is revoked.

What are the similarities between SSL and TLS?

TLS or SSL are data transfer protocols. They encrypt information that is forwarded within different servers and applications. The second party can be users or a system. Secure data exchange is ensured by authentication of the communication participants connecting by the network.

TLS acts as a direct successor to SSL. The second one has long been irrelevant, as all versions are obsolete. But the use of this term is often encountered when describing TLS.

The purpose of functioning of these protocols is also the same. Both of them were designed for encryption and authentication. By using digital certificates, they simplify the connection approval process and encrypt the connection between the browser and the web server.

Main differences: SSL and TLS

Despite the similarity of the purposes of functioning, SSL and TLS protocols have different principles of operation. The reason for these differences is the constant improvement of protocols and changes.

The most distinctive difference is felt in the handshake process.

The SSL handshake was presented as an explicit connection, while the TLS handshake was implicit. In the first case the algorithm was much more complicated and contained more steps. But with the creation of TLS, the process was shortened and there were fewer cipher suites.
There are also differences in notification. In SSL there were only two types of such messages:

• warning;
• unrecoverable.

The former reported an error that was not a threat to the connection, the latter reported the need to terminate the connection immediately. SSL alerts were not subject to encryption.

TLS introduced another notification – about a completed closure. It is displayed when the session is terminated. In order to achieve the maximum level of security, the developers applied encryption.

How to browse the web securely with HTTPS?

Let’s understand how SSL TLS with HTTPS works to keep web traffic private. Sites that support HTTPS often use SSL/TLS to authenticate and encrypt the traffic that passes between the browser and the server

For their own peace of mind, users can determine if a site has an SSL certificate by detecting characteristic indicators:

• a lock icon, confirming that the connection is safe and secure;
• https:// – the presence of the letter S at the end indicates the use of encryption.

HTTPS allows you to protect data, as unencrypted information is often at the disposal of a third party and can be used against users.

Mobile proxies allow you to keep the confidentiality of information from your phone. This is no less reliable method of preventing data leakage. If you are not sure that the service is working properly, you can use proxy checker online to check the efficiency of the application.

How can I become an SSL /TLS certificate holder?

The use of SSL TLS is available to every client. To connect HTTPS, you should first contact an official certification center, where you will be assigned an SSL/TLS certificate. This is not a very complicated process, which can be handled by the site owner.

Clients can choose the appropriate level of certificate. Some of them are designed for verification only, while others provide for extended verification, ensuring maximum trust. Keeping the certificate up-to-date ensures optimal security for both parties.

Alternative protection methods (mobile proxies, VPN)

In addition to using SSL/TLS protocols, there are other modern ways to ensure network security. These include VPN connections and mobile proxies, which allow you to securely encrypt traffic and maintain user anonymity on the network.

VPN (Virtual Private Network) is a technology that creates an encrypted tunnel between the user’s device and the server. VPN hides your IP address, prevents surveillance by providers, and provides access to region-restricted sites. Thanks to connection encryption, VPN allows you to bypass data interception and increase security when connecting to public Wi-Fi networks.

Mobile proxies are a type of proxy server that uses the real IP addresses of mobile operators. They provide a high level of anonymity and protect against blocking and anti-bot systems. This type of proxy is especially relevant for mobile traffic, bypassing geo-restrictions, and protecting personal information in browsers and applications.

Use proxy services or OpenVPN in combination with SSL certificates for maximum protection of your data.

SSL/TLS Encryption Principles

SSL/TLS protocols are based on two types of encryption: asymmetric and symmetric.
Asymmetric encryption is used at the initial stage of the connection (handshake). The client uses the public key provided by the server to encrypt the “pre-secret,” from which a shared key is subsequently generated.

Symmetric encryption takes effect after a secure channel has been established. Both parties (browser and server) use the same session key for fast and secure data exchange.

This hybrid model allows for a balance between security (asymmetric stage) and speed (symmetric stage). All modern browsers and websites use this protection algorithm.

Stages of establishing a secure connection

The process of creating a secure channel between the client and the server using SSL/TLS protocols consists of several key stages:

• Connection initialization. The browser sends a request to the server asking to establish a secure connection. This is accompanied by sending a Client Hello, which specifies the protocol version, supported algorithms, and encryption parameters.
• Server response (Server Hello). The server returns its digital SSL certificate and parameters confirming its authenticity. It also selects the encryption algorithms that will be used.
• Authentication and key establishment. The browser verifies the certificate, creates a pre-master key, encrypts it with the server’s public key, and sends it back. The server decrypts it with its private key, after which both parties receive a common session key.
• Secure data transfer. Using the key they got, the client and server encrypt and decrypt all the info sent during the session. When the session ends, the connection closes and the keys are destroyed.

Thanks to this process, data is sent encrypted, and bad guys can’t intercept or mess with it.

FAQ

1. What are SSL and TLS in simple terms?

• SSL and TLS are encryption protocols that protect data between your browser and a website. They prevent third parties from intercepting your logins, passwords, personal information, and payment details.

2. How does SSL differ from TLS?

• TLS is a more modern and secure version of SSL. Although the term “SSL” is often used, in practice, all websites today use TLS.

3. How can I check if a website has an SSL certificate?

• Pay attention to the website address: if it starts with https:// and you see a padlock in your browser, the certificate is installed. You can also use an online checker (e.g., SSL Labs).

4. What does HTTPS mean?

• It is a secure version of HTTP. The letter “S” stands for “Secure” and indicates the use of SSL/TLS protocols.

5. Where can I get an SSL/TLS certificate for my website?

• Certificates can be obtained through certification authorities (CAs) such as Let’s Encrypt (free) or from commercial providers (Comodo, DigiCert, etc.).