Understanding SSL and HTTPS
1 min read
- Authors
- Name
- Vijaykumar Rajendran
- @vijayrajendran_
Table of Contents
Understanding SSL and HTTPS
What is SSL/TLS?
SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) and TLS (Transport Layer Security) are encryption protocols for secure communications.
Modern standard is TLS 1.2 and TLS 1.3.
Why HTTPS?
- Encryption - Data encrypted in transit
- Authentication - Verify server identity
- Integrity - Detect tampering
- SEO - Google ranks HTTPS higher
- Trust - Users trust encrypted sites
- Modern features - Many features require HTTPS
Certificate Types
| Type | Cost | Validation | Use Case |
|---|---|---|---|
| Self-signed | Free | None | Testing only |
| DV | Cheap | Domain | Most sites |
| OV | $$ | Organization | Business |
| EV | $$$ | Extended | Banks |
TLS Versions
- TLS 1.0 ❌ Deprecated
- TLS 1.1 ❌ Deprecated
- TLS 1.2 ✅ Use minimum
- TLS 1.3 ✅ Best choice
Secure by default!