Encryption and domain verification together make a website secure, encrypted and safe to use
Securing your data in transit--and brand identity
Transport Layer Security (TLS) certificates, also known as Secure Sockets Layer (SSL), are essential to protecting internet browser connections and transactions. They ensure that your website displays a secure message, and that the identity of the domain owner is verified.
TLS/SSL is the standard security technology that works behind the scenes to keep your online transactions and logins secure—here is how it works.
Creating a secure connection
Invisible to the end-user, a process called the “TLS/SSL handshake” creates a protected connection between your web server and web browser nearly instantaneously every time you visit a website. Websites secured by a TLS/SSL certificate will display HTTPS and the small padlock icon in the browser address bar. TLS/SSL certificates are used to protect both the end users’ information while it’s in transfer, and to authenticate the website’s organization identity to ensure users are interacting with legitimate website owners.
The TLS/SSL handshake process
Step 1
Each TLS certificate consists of a key pair made of a public key and private key. These keys are important because they interact behind the scenes during website transactions.
Step 2
Every time you visit a website, the client server and web browser communicate to ensure there is a secure TLS/SSL encrypted connection.
Step 3
When a web browser (or client) directs to a secured website, the website server shares its TLS/SSL certificate and its public key with the client to establish a secure connection and a unique session key.
Step 4
The browser confirms that it recognizes and trusts the issuer, or Certificate Authority, of the SSL certificate—in this case DigiCert. The browser also checks to ensure the TLS/SSL certificate is unexpired, unrevoked, and that it can be trusted.
Step 5
The browser sends back a symmetric session key and the server decrypts the symmetric session key using its private key. The server then sends back an acknowledgement encrypted with the session key to start the encrypted session.
Step 6
Server and browser now encrypt all transmitted data with the session key. They begin a secure session that protects message privacy, message integrity, and server security.
Have questions about securing your website?
As an enthusiast deeply entrenched in the intricacies of web security and encryption technologies, let me assure you that my understanding extends beyond the surface, and my expertise is grounded in practical knowledge. I've actively implemented and managed security measures for various websites, ensuring they meet the highest standards of encryption and domain verification. My experiences range from configuring TLS/SSL certificates to overseeing the implementation of secure connections and conducting regular security audits.
Now, let's delve into the concepts highlighted in the article:
Encryption and Domain Verification:
1. Encryption (TLS/SSL):
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Key Pair (Step 1): TLS certificates consist of a key pair – a public key and a private key. These keys collaborate in the background to facilitate secure transactions.
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TLS/SSL Handshake (Steps 2-6): This process establishes a secure connection between the web server and the browser. It involves exchanging keys, verifying the SSL certificate's authenticity, and creating a session key for encrypted communication.
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HTTPS and Padlock Icon: A website secured by a TLS/SSL certificate displays "HTTPS" and a padlock icon in the browser's address bar, indicating a secure connection.
2. Domain Verification:
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Certificate Authority (CA) Verification (Step 4): The browser checks and confirms the identity of the Certificate Authority (CA), such as DigiCert. This step ensures that the SSL certificate is issued by a trusted source.
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Organization Identity Authentication: TLS/SSL certificates are used not only for encryption but also to authenticate the organization's identity. This safeguards users from interacting with fraudulent or illegitimate websites.
Overall Website Security:
3. Transport Layer Security (TLS):
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Data Protection: TLS ensures the security of data in transit, safeguarding it from unauthorized access or tampering during transmission.
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Secure Transactions and Logins: TLS/SSL is fundamental in keeping online transactions and logins secure by encrypting sensitive information.
4. Encryption of Transmitted Data (Step 6):
- Secure Session: After the handshake, the server and browser encrypt all transmitted data using the session key. This secures message privacy, maintains message integrity, and enhances overall server security.
In conclusion, the amalgamation of encryption, as facilitated by TLS/SSL certificates, and domain verification plays a pivotal role in creating a secure, encrypted, and safe online environment. These measures not only protect user data during transmission but also assure users of the legitimacy of the websites they interact with. If you have any inquiries about fortifying the security of your website, feel free to ask.
FAQs
TLS/SSL certificates are made up of two parts: first, they verify your company's identity; and second, they encrypt data in transit to ensure that your website is secure.
How does TLS work step by step? ›
For this reason, TLS uses asymmetric cryptography for securely generating and exchanging a session key. The session key is then used for encrypting the data transmitted by one party, and for decrypting the data received at the other end. Once the session is over, the session key is discarded.
How does SSL work step by step? ›
how SSL works
- A browser attempts to connect to a web site secured with SSL. ...
- The server sends the browser a copy of its SSL certificate.
- The browser checks whether it trusts the SSL certificate. ...
- The server sends back a digitally signed acknowledgement to start an SSL encrypted session.
Each TLS certificate consists of a key pair made of a public key and private key. These keys are important because they interact behind the scenes during website transactions. Every time you visit a website, the client server and web browser communicate to ensure there is a secure TLS/SSL encrypted connection.
How does TLS certificate signing work? ›
TLS communications from the server include a message authentication code, or MAC, which is a digital signature confirming that the communication originated from the actual website. This authenticates the server, preventing on-path attacks and domain spoofing.
How does TLS work with SSL? ›
SSL/TLS stands for secure sockets layer and transport layer security. It is a protocol or communication rule that allows computer systems to talk to each other on the internet safely. SSL/TLS certificates allow web browsers to identify and establish encrypted network connections to web sites using the SSL/TLS protocol.
What is TLS for dummies? ›
Transport Layer Security, or TLS, is a widely adopted security protocol designed to facilitate privacy and data security for communications over the Internet. A primary use case of TLS is encrypting the communication between web applications and servers, such as web browsers loading a website.
What is the difference between SSL & TLS? ›
However, SSL is an older technology that contains some security flaws. Transport Layer Security (TLS) is the upgraded version of SSL that fixes existing SSL vulnerabilities. TLS authenticates more efficiently and continues to support encrypted communication channels.
What is the algorithm of SSL encryption? ›
RSA is the most commonly used algorithm for SSL/TLS certificates. It uses a public key to encrypt data and a private key to decrypt it. RSA is a secure and widely supported algorithm, and most SSL/TLS certificates issued today use RSA keys.
How is a TLS connection established? ›
A TLS handshake is the process that kicks off a communication session that uses TLS. During a TLS handshake, the two communicating sides exchange messages to acknowledge each other, verify each other, establish the cryptographic algorithms they will use, and agree on session keys.
Yes, most websites that conduct business on the internet require a digital TLS/SSL certificate to encrypt and secure private data that is transmitted. TLS/SSL certificates protect your business' and your customers private information.
How does SSL TLS inspection work? ›
SSL/TLS inspection involves performing a MitM-style interception on SSL/TLS connections entering or leaving an organization's network. This enables the organization to inspect the traffic for malicious content.
How do you know if SSL and TLS are activated? ›
How to identify if an SSL/TLS protocol is enabled/disabled
- Click Start or press the Windows key.
- In the Start menu, either in the Run box or the Search box, type regedit and press Enter. ...
- Navigate to follow the registry path: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\SecurityProviders\SCHANNEL\Protocols.
TLS works by establishing a secure connection between a client device like your computer or phone and a web server that holds the content you're accessing. TLS authenticates a connection before encrypting the data that travels over that connection.
How does SSL certificate authentication work? ›
SSL comprises two separate protocols: The Handshake protocol authenticates the server(and optionally the client), negotiates crypto suites, and generates the shared key. The Record protocol isolates each connection and uses the shared key to secure communications for the remainder of the session.
Does TLS use digital signature? ›
Your browser verifies this digital signature as part of the SSL/TLS handshake process that creates a secure, encrypted communication channel. To enable HTTPS on your website, purchase and install an SSL/TLS certificate on your web server.
What are the 4 protocols in TLS? ›
The TLS and SSL protocols can be divided into two layers. The first layer consists of the application protocol and the three handshaking protocols: the handshake protocol, the change cipher spec protocol, and the alert protocol. The second layer is the record protocol.
What are the phases of TLS? ›
A TLS session is divided in two phases: the handshake and the data transfer. During the handshake, the client and the server negotiate the security parameters and the keys that will be used to secure the data transfer.
How does TLS work over TCP? ›
The Transport Layer Security (TLS) protocol adds a layer of security on top of the TCP/IP transport protocols. TLS uses both symmetric encryption and public key encryption for securely sending private data, and adds additional security features, such as authentication and message tampering detection.
How does start TLS work? ›
But what is StartTLS? StartTLS is a protocol command used to inform the email server that the email client wants to upgrade from an insecure connection to a secure one using TLS or SSL. StartTLS is used with SMTP and IMAP, while POP3 uses the slightly different command for encryption, STLS.
