Explore Courses
course iconScrum AllianceCertified ScrumMaster (CSM) Certification
  • 16 Hours
Best seller
course iconScrum AllianceCertified Scrum Product Owner (CSPO) Certification
  • 16 Hours
Best seller
course iconScaled AgileLeading SAFe 6.0 Certification
  • 16 Hours
Trending
course iconScrum.orgProfessional Scrum Master (PSM) Certification
  • 16 Hours
course iconScaled AgileSAFe 6.0 Scrum Master (SSM) Certification
  • 16 Hours
course iconScaled Agile, Inc.Implementing SAFe 6.0 (SPC) Certification
  • 32 Hours
Recommended
course iconScaled Agile, Inc.SAFe 6.0 Release Train Engineer (RTE) Certification
  • 24 Hours
course iconScaled Agile, Inc.SAFe® 6.0 Product Owner/Product Manager (POPM)
  • 16 Hours
Trending
course iconKanban UniversityKMP I: Kanban System Design Course
  • 16 Hours
course iconIC AgileICP Agile Certified Coaching (ICP-ACC)
  • 24 Hours
course iconScrum.orgProfessional Scrum Product Owner I (PSPO I) Training
  • 16 Hours
course iconAgile Management Master's Program
  • 32 Hours
Trending
course iconAgile Excellence Master's Program
  • 32 Hours
Agile and ScrumScrum MasterProduct OwnerSAFe AgilistAgile CoachFull Stack Developer BootcampData Science BootcampCloud Masters BootcampReactNode JsKubernetesCertified Ethical HackingAWS Solutions Artchitct AssociateAzure Data Engineercourse iconPMIProject Management Professional (PMP) Certification
  • 36 Hours
Best seller
course iconAxelosPRINCE2 Foundation & Practitioner Certificationn
  • 32 Hours
course iconAxelosPRINCE2 Foundation Certification
  • 16 Hours
course iconAxelosPRINCE2 Practitioner Certification
  • 16 Hours
Change ManagementProject Management TechniquesCertified Associate in Project Management (CAPM) CertificationOracle Primavera P6 CertificationMicrosoft Projectcourse iconJob OrientedProject Management Master's Program
  • 45 Hours
Trending
course iconProject Management Master's Program
  • 45 Hours
Trending
PRINCE2 Practitioner CoursePRINCE2 Foundation CoursePMP® Exam PrepProject ManagerProgram Management ProfessionalPortfolio Management Professionalcourse iconAWSAWS Certified Solutions Architect - Associate
  • 32 Hours
Best seller
course iconAWSAWS Cloud Practitioner Certification
  • 32 Hours
course iconAWSAWS DevOps Certification
  • 24 Hours
course iconMicrosoftAzure Fundamentals Certification
  • 16 Hours
course iconMicrosoftAzure Administrator Certification
  • 24 Hours
Best seller
course iconMicrosoftAzure Data Engineer Certification
  • 45 Hours
Recommended
course iconMicrosoftAzure Solution Architect Certification
  • 32 Hours
course iconMicrosoftAzure Devops Certification
  • 40 Hours
course iconAWSSystems Operations on AWS Certification Training
  • 24 Hours
course iconAWSArchitecting on AWS
  • 32 Hours
course iconAWSDeveloping on AWS
  • 24 Hours
course iconJob OrientedAWS Cloud Architect Masters Program
  • 48 Hours
New
course iconCareer KickstarterCloud Engineer Bootcamp
  • 100 Hours
Trending
Cloud EngineerCloud ArchitectAWS Certified Developer Associate - Complete GuideAWS Certified DevOps EngineerAWS Certified Solutions Architect AssociateMicrosoft Certified Azure Data Engineer AssociateMicrosoft Azure Administrator (AZ-104) CourseAWS Certified SysOps Administrator AssociateMicrosoft Certified Azure Developer AssociateAWS Certified Cloud Practitionercourse iconAxelosITIL 4 Foundation Certification
  • 16 Hours
Best seller
course iconAxelosITIL Practitioner Certification
  • 16 Hours
course iconPeopleCertISO 14001 Foundation Certification
  • 16 Hours
course iconPeopleCertISO 20000 Certification
  • 16 Hours
course iconPeopleCertISO 27000 Foundation Certification
  • 24 Hours
course iconAxelosITIL 4 Specialist: Create, Deliver and Support Training
  • 24 Hours
course iconAxelosITIL 4 Specialist: Drive Stakeholder Value Training
  • 24 Hours
course iconAxelosITIL 4 Strategist Direct, Plan and Improve Training
  • 16 Hours
ITIL 4 Specialist: Create, Deliver and Support ExamITIL 4 Specialist: Drive Stakeholder Value (DSV) CourseITIL 4 Strategist: Direct, Plan, and ImproveITIL 4 Foundationcourse iconJob OrientedData Science Bootcamp
  • 6 Months
Trending
course iconJob OrientedData Engineer Bootcamp
  • 289 Hours
course iconJob OrientedData Analyst Bootcamp
  • 6 Months
course iconJob OrientedAI Engineer Bootcamp
  • 288 Hours
New
Data Science with PythonMachine Learning with PythonData Science with RMachine Learning with RPython for Data ScienceDeep Learning Certification TrainingNatural Language Processing (NLP)TensorflowSQL For Data Analyticscourse iconIIIT BangaloreExecutive PG Program in Data Science from IIIT-Bangalore
  • 12 Months
course iconMaryland UniversityExecutive PG Program in DS & ML
  • 12 Months
course iconMaryland UniversityCertificate Program in DS and BA
  • 31 Weeks
course iconIIIT BangaloreAdvanced Certificate Program in Data Science
  • 8+ Months
course iconLiverpool John Moores UniversityMaster of Science in ML and AI
  • 750+ Hours
course iconIIIT BangaloreExecutive PGP in ML and AI
  • 600+ Hours
Data ScientistData AnalystData EngineerAI EngineerData Analysis Using ExcelDeep Learning with Keras and TensorFlowDeployment of Machine Learning ModelsFundamentals of Reinforcement LearningIntroduction to Cutting-Edge AI with TransformersMachine Learning with PythonMaster Python: Advance Data Analysis with PythonMaths and Stats FoundationNatural Language Processing (NLP) with PythonPython for Data ScienceSQL for Data Analytics CoursesAI Advanced: Computer Vision for AI ProfessionalsMaster Applied Machine LearningMaster Time Series Forecasting Using Pythoncourse iconDevOps InstituteDevOps Foundation Certification
  • 16 Hours
Best seller
course iconCNCFCertified Kubernetes Administrator
  • 32 Hours
New
course iconDevops InstituteDevops Leader
  • 16 Hours
KubernetesDocker with KubernetesDockerJenkinsOpenstackAnsibleChefPuppetDevOps EngineerDevOps ExpertCI/CD with Jenkins XDevOps Using JenkinsCI-CD and DevOpsDocker & KubernetesDevOps Fundamentals Crash CourseMicrosoft Certified DevOps Engineer ExperteAnsible for Beginners: The Complete Crash CourseContainer Orchestration Using KubernetesContainerization Using DockerMaster Infrastructure Provisioning with Terraformcourse iconTableau Certification
  • 24 Hours
Recommended
course iconData Visualisation with Tableau Certification
  • 24 Hours
course iconMicrosoftMicrosoft Power BI Certification
  • 24 Hours
Best seller
course iconTIBCO Spotfire Training
  • 36 Hours
course iconData Visualization with QlikView Certification
  • 30 Hours
course iconSisense BI Certification
  • 16 Hours
Data Visualization Using Tableau TrainingData Analysis Using Excelcourse iconEC-CouncilCertified Ethical Hacker (CEH v12) Certification
  • 40 Hours
course iconISACACertified Information Systems Auditor (CISA) Certification
  • 22 Hours
course iconISACACertified Information Security Manager (CISM) Certification
  • 40 Hours
course icon(ISC)²Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)
  • 40 Hours
course icon(ISC)²Certified Cloud Security Professional (CCSP) Certification
  • 40 Hours
course iconCertified Information Privacy Professional - Europe (CIPP-E) Certification
  • 16 Hours
course iconISACACOBIT5 Foundation
  • 16 Hours
course iconPayment Card Industry Security Standards (PCI-DSS) Certification
  • 16 Hours
course iconIntroduction to Forensic
  • 40 Hours
course iconPurdue UniversityCybersecurity Certificate Program
  • 8 Months
CISSPcourse iconCareer KickstarterFull-Stack Developer Bootcamp
  • 6 Months
Best seller
course iconJob OrientedUI/UX Design Bootcamp
  • 3 Months
Best seller
course iconEnterprise RecommendedJava Full Stack Developer Bootcamp
  • 6 Months
course iconCareer KickstarterFront-End Development Bootcamp
  • 490+ Hours
course iconCareer AcceleratorBackend Development Bootcamp (Node JS)
  • 4 Months
ReactNode JSAngularJavascriptPHP and MySQLcourse iconPurdue UniversityCloud Back-End Development Certificate Program
  • 8 Months
course iconPurdue UniversityFull Stack Development Certificate Program
  • 9 Months
course iconIIIT BangaloreExecutive Post Graduate Program in Software Development - Specialisation in FSD
  • 13 Months
Angular TrainingBasics of Spring Core and MVCFront-End Development BootcampReact JS TrainingSpring Boot and Spring CloudMongoDB Developer Coursecourse iconBlockchain Professional Certification
  • 40 Hours
course iconBlockchain Solutions Architect Certification
  • 32 Hours
course iconBlockchain Security Engineer Certification
  • 32 Hours
course iconBlockchain Quality Engineer Certification
  • 24 Hours
course iconBlockchain 101 Certification
  • 5+ Hours
NFT Essentials 101: A Beginner's GuideIntroduction to DeFiPython CertificationAdvanced Python CourseR Programming LanguageAdvanced R CourseJavaJava Deep DiveScalaAdvanced ScalaC# TrainingMicrosoft .Net Frameworkcourse iconSalary Hike GuaranteedSoftware Engineer Interview Prep
  • 3 Months
Data Structures and Algorithms with JavaScriptData Structures and Algorithms with Java: The Practical GuideLinux Essentials for Developers: The Complete MasterclassMaster Git and GitHubMaster Java Programming LanguageProgramming Essentials for BeginnersComplete Python Programming CourseSoftware Engineering Fundamentals and Lifecycle (SEFLC) CourseTest-Driven Development for Java ProgrammersTypeScript: Beginner to Advanced

What is Transport Layer Security (TLS) and How Does It Work?

By Hariharann R

Updated on Nov 19, 2022 | 12 min read

Share:

Today, we live in an Internet era, i.e., a world without the Internet can not be imagined. According to a recent survey in 2022, around 5 billion people around the world use the Internet. In the future, there will not be a single place or thing with no internet connectivity. Everyone is getting adopted to this modern era. Hence, security plays a significant role in securing information accessed or transferred through the Internet. In this article, we will discuss Transport Layer Security (TLS), such as how it works, what TLS is used for, who needs TLS, and Transport layer security issues. 

What is Transport Layer Security (TLS)?

In 1999, First Transport Layer Security in network security was published by Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF). IETF is also referred by International Standards Organization. According to the OSI Layers of a networking system, there are 7 layers. 

  • Physical Layer 
  • Data Link Layer 
  • Network Layer 
  • Transport Layer 
  • Session Layer 
  • Presentation Layer 
  • Application Layer 

All these 7 layers will be used efficiently while we transfer the data from one device to other, i.e., from source to destination. Each layer is designed for a specific purpose and functionality. 

Transport Layer is the 4th layer in the OSI model. Transport Layer is an essential layer, also known as the OSI model's core. The primary function of this layer is to provide services to the application layer with the help of inputs from the network layer. The data in the transport layer is known as Segments. Transport Layer Security is the matter of security where the data being transferred over the internet will be encrypted and ensures hackers or attackers will not be able to tamper with data that is under transmission. TLS came from a security protocol called SSL (Secure Socket Layer). Register for Certified Ethical Hacthical Hacker Training to learn things theoretically and practically to get more information about TLS.

Who needs to use TLS and why?

The answer is quite simple. Everyone needs TLS while using the Internet for any communication. Decades before, the data transferred over the Internet was not encrypted, which gave way to many people (so-called Hackers) to steal confidential data like passwords, usernames, email IDs, personal information, etc. But after several considerations and with the help of security researchers, TLS came into a picture where the data communication happening via the Internet can be encrypted, and hackers can't be able to tamper with the data or eavesdrop on the data which is being transferred. After enabling the TLS security n the Client end and Server end, the data sent over the internet is encrypted by many security algorithms, and it is not visible to third persons. 

Transport Layer Security protocol

TLS protocol is the most common and famous protocol used across the internet for cryptography implementation. This mechanism involves several processes & combinations of cryptography to establish secure communication across the network while transferring the data from one source to another. TLS protocol was designed to overcome the reliability issues which is faced in the protocols such as TCP (Transmission Control Protocol) & UDP (User Datagram Protocol). Security, Capability, and Stable Performance can be achieved using the TLS protocol. To know the basics of TLS protocol, TCP, and UDP protocols, you can enroll in Cyber Security classes available online.  

Encryption, Authentication, and Integrity

With the below-mentioned services, TLS protocol can be used effectively. 

  1. Transport Layer Encryption: The process of converting the data from plain text to cipher text during data transmission is called Encryption. 
  2. Transport Layer Authentication: The process of verifying the identity or validity of the information that is being received or transferred. 
  3. Transport Layer Integrity: The process of verifying whether the data received during communication is not tampered with or changed by anyone. 

These are all the services that act like a foundation or base for the secured communication happening over the Internet. If the data needs to be transferred from the Client end to the end across the web, Client Authentication and Server authentication will happen after the data is encrypted with one key in asymmetric key pair, and on the other end, it will be decrypted using the other key pair. After the process of encryption and authentication, the Integrity of the message passed will be checked and verified. By making use of these processes efficiently, transport layer protection can be achieved. 

Benefits of Transport Layer Security

  • Transport Layer Security is a more secure protocol when compared to SSL while exchanging data from the browser to the server end. 
  • Transport Layer Security uses HMAC (Hashing for Message Authentication Code) & Enhanced Pseudorandom Function (PRF), which are way higher than the traditional authentication method "Keyed Message Authentication" used by SSL protocol. 
  • The type of certificate that should be used between the systems can be specified by the Transport Layer Security protocol. 
  • Detailed information about the alerts observed in a session will be provided by Transport Layer Security. 
  • Transport Layer Security can prevent the hackers from tampering with and eavesdropping on the data. 
  • Transport Layer Security will also provide an unrivaled integrity score. 
  • If the user is using TLS and something malicious activity happens in the session, the user will be immediately notified about the malicious activity. 
  • Network latency to site traffic will be added by Transport Layer Security. 

Common examples of How TLS is Used

  1. Encrypting the communications which are happening between applications and servers, like when a user is accessing a website through the browser. 
  2. Encryption of the data that is transferred over the internet via emails, calls, social media messages & posts, VOIP calls, etc. 
  3. Encryption of file transfers over the internet and encrypts the communications happening like DNS & NTP. 

How Does TLS Security Work [Step by Step]

Step 1

Before proceeding with the implementation of TLS, the application or website must have the downloaded file of the TLS certificate on the server end or with an SSL certificate in it. This certificate will be provided if you own a particular domain separately. The TLS certificate will have a lot of information, like the owner of the domain public key of the server, which is needed during authentication processes.

Step 2

Once the authentication process is completed, the TLS handshake sequence will be started. When the user is visiting a site through browser using TLS, a TLS handshake is started between the user machine and the respective web server. The handshake sequence will be as follows: 

  • Shows the information about TLS versions (example: 1.2 or 1.3). 
  • Shows the information about Cipher suites to be used. 
  • Authentication of the server's identity through the available TLS certificate. 
  • After the handshake process is finished, session keys will be created to encrypt the messages. 

Step 3

For each session, the TLS handshake makes a cipher suite, which comprises calculations or algorithms showing which shared encryption or session keys will be utilized for a session. An open (public) key cryptography sets the coordinating encryption keys over a decoded channel.

Furthermore, TLS handles the verification preparation, which includes the server's character being affirmed to the client. This handles employments open keys, which include one-way encryption. A client with the open (public) key (portion of the TLS certificate) can decode the scrambled information with the server's private key and hence, confirm its verification. It's vital to note that, as it were, the first sender can scramble information with a private key. (public) key (portion of the TLS certificate) can decode the scrambled information with the server’s private key and hence, confirm its verification. It’s vital to note that as it were the first sender can scramble information with a private key.  

Step 4

After the information has been scrambled and verified, another step is to sign the information with a message verification code (MAC). The collector can utilize the MAC to affirm that the data's astuteness has not been compromised. This code is like a seal on a nourishment bundle of meat – it gives the client confirmation that the thing has not been altered and is secure to buy and utilize. 

How to start implementing TLS on a website?

  1. Decide the number of spaces that ought to be secured. 
  2. Choose the level of character affirmation you need to supply to site guests. 
  3. Choose the pricing plan and duration based on the business requirement. 
  4. Certificate Signing Request Generation. 
  5. Decide whether your certificate will be used for Private / Public. 
  6. Use HTTPS transport layer security protocol while implementing TLS in websites. 

Advantages and Disadvantages of TLS

Pros

  • Integrity of data: TLS guarantees that no information that's being transmitted gets misplaced on its way. It'll reach its goal safely. 
  • Reliable and Trustable protocol: If the site uses TLS protocol and a green lock symbol is provided to the site, the user will have more confidence and will not feel insecure while accessing the site. Highly Secure: TLS is known for its security level while transferring messages. 
  • Prevention of Malware / Virus: Hackers or Attackers can come up with malware that alters the communication between the internet browser and the client. Through these, interlopers can assemble private information such as the credit card subtle elements and client login accreditations. Utilizing TLS, these sorts of assaults are avoided. Hence, information is not spilled over the organization. 
  • Reactive Alert System: At whatever point there are issues amid sessions and reports, clients are cautioned promptly. 

Cons

  • Latency Issues: Compared to other encryption strategies, TLS gives higher inactivity. At whatever point TLS is utilized, extra idleness will be included in the site's activity. 
  • Possibility of Man-in-the-Middle Attacks: Although TLS is, for the most part, considered to be secure, a few forms of TLS is still defenseless to MitM attacks. 
  • Platform Compatibility: Indeed, although most recent adaptations of TLS back numerous of the stages, there are a few forms, such as TLS 1.3, that's as it were able to back a few of the stages. Prevalent Working framework supplier Microsoft is confronting trouble with the execution handle. 
  • Cost of Implementation: Actualizing a TLS certificate isn't free, there are a few costs included. In any case, due to the competition within the TLS industry, they take a toll of TLS certificates has been radically reduced. The sum that must be paid depends upon the number of spaces and sub-spaces. Separated from that, it may moreover depend upon character confirmation. 
  • Complexity in Network Architecture: Complexity within organized engineering is another major drawback of the TLS certificate. In this case, consequently, the arranged topology can too end up complex, driving more come-up short overs. In arranging for taking care of this, there ought to be a legitimate arrange master contracted.2 

Transport Layer Security vs SSL

The below table will give a holistic view of what is secure socket layer and transport layer security.

SSL TLS
SSL is referred to as the Secure Socket Layer in Networking. TLS is referred to as Transport Layer Security in Networking.
The first version of SSL was developed by Netscape in 1995. IETF developed TLS's first version in 1999.
SSL Versions: SSL 1.0, 2.0, and 3.0. TLS Versions: TLS 1.0, 1.1, 1.2, and 1.3.
All three versions of SSL are identified as vulnerable, and it's been deprecated. TLS 1.2 Version is now widely used, and the previous versions are deprecated.
Used in Explicit connections. Used in Implicit connections.
Uses Message Authentication Code (MAC) Uses Hash-based Message Authentication Code (HMAC)

Conclusion

In this article, we have seen Transport Layer Security in detail. At the end of your reading, you may have got an idea of what is TLS security, what is the role of TLS in cyber security, why should we use TLS, and the pros& cons of TLS. Enroll yourself in KnowledgeHut Certified Ethical Hacker Training, which will explain transport layer security & about mutual transport layer security for a better understanding of cyber security courses. 

Master Right Skills & Boost Your Career

Avail your free 1:1 mentorship session

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Is Transport Layer Security Safe?

2. Which security protocols work on the transport layer?

3. What is a TLS certificate?

4. What are the weaknesses of TLS?

5. What is the difference between SSL and TLS?

Hariharann R

7 articles published

Get Free Consultation

+91

By submitting, I accept the T&C and
Privacy Policy

Suggested Blogs