Dictionary · Protocols and Ports
TLS
TLS — Transport Layer Security
Encryption · Intermediate
A protocol that encrypts and authenticates a session between two endpoints, most visibly under web traffic. It relies on certificates to name the server.
It protects the bytes on a connection from eavesdropping and tampering. The current versions replaced an older, obsolete protocol that should no longer be enabled.
Example: Before a login form is sent, the browser completes a protected handshake and checks that the certificate matches the site name.
Common misconception
- The current name is not the obsolete protocol that came before it. Disabling old versions is part of hardening.