SSLTLSprotokoll

The SSLTLSprotokoll, more commonly known as the SSL/TLS protocol, is a cryptographic protocol designed to provide secure communication over a computer network. Its primary purpose is to ensure privacy and data integrity between two communicating applications. SSL, or Secure Sockets Layer, was the original protocol developed by Netscape. It has since been superseded by TLS, or Transport Layer Security, which is an updated and more secure version. Despite the name change, the term SSL is still often used colloquially to refer to the protocol.

The SSL/TLS protocol operates in two main phases. The first is the handshake phase, where the client and server authenticate each other and establish a secure session. This involves exchanging certificates, negotiating encryption algorithms, and generating shared secret keys. The second phase is the data transfer phase, where all communication between the client and server is encrypted using the keys established during the handshake. This encryption prevents eavesdropping and tampering with the data.

SSL/TLS is widely used to secure various internet communications, most notably web browsing via HTTPS (HTTP Secure). It is also employed to secure email (SMTPS, IMAPS, POP3S), instant messaging, Voice over IP (VoIP), and other network services. The protocol has undergone several versions, with TLS 1.3 being the latest and most secure. The continuous development and updates are crucial to stay ahead of evolving security threats.