TLS is used to encode data when transferring between applications or systems, protecting them from unauthorized access.
How TLS Works
The protocol creates a secure communication channel between the server and the client, for example, a web browser. A secure channel is created during a TLS handshake, during which endpoints exchange information and negotiate secure connection options.
The endpoints agree on a common key, which is used to encode and decrypt data transmitted between them. The common key is generated from a combination of public and private keys of the client and server, which are used to authenticate each other and maintain the integrity of the communication channel.
TLS Functionality
TLS helps protect Internet communication protocols, including web browsing, email, instant messaging, and file transfer. The protocol is often used in combination with HTTPS.
In addition, TLS is responsible for integrity — the protocol ensures that data transmitted over the network has not been tampered with during transmission. Integrity is achieved through digital signatures and message authentication codes (MAC).
TLS provides authentication using digital certificates and public key cryptography, ensuring that the client and server are who they pretend to be.