Synonyms: Secure communication protocol Data encryption protocol
TLS stands for Transport Layer Security, a cryptographic protocol designed to provide secure communication over a network. It is the successor to SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) and is more secure and efficient than SSL. TLS ensures that data transmitted between a user’s browser and a web server remains private and protected from tampering or interception.
Like SSL, TLS encrypts the data during transmission, safeguarding sensitive information such as passwords, credit card numbers, and personal details. Websites that use TLS display “https://” in their URLs, along with a padlock icon, signaling a secure connection.
TLS is widely used in securing online transactions, email, messaging, and other internet-based communications. It operates through encryption, authentication, and integrity checks to ensure that the data is not altered during transmission and is only accessible to the intended recipient.
Even though SSL is commonly mentioned, most modern websites use TLS under the hood, as it is the current standard for secure web communications.