| TLS vs. SSL are encryption protocols that secure online communication. TLS is the newer and safer option. SSL is outdated and has security flaws, while TLS offers stronger encryption and faster performance. If a website still uses SSL, it’s time to upgrade to TLS to protect data and improve security. |
Encryption protocols are the backbone of internet security. By scrambling the data so that only the intended receiver can read it, they help in preventing hackers from accessing private information like passwords and payment information.
SSL was the go-to encryption standard once, but today, it’s outdated and full of security flaws. Its successor, TLS, is faster, more secure, and widely recommended. Yet, many websites still rely on SSL and put user data at risk.
The two encryption protocols are quite different from each other, and one is better than the other. We will provide a TLS vs. SSL comparison and point out their key differences so that you can make the correct decision.
Why Secure Encryption Is No Longer Optional
Security violations are becoming increasingly prevalent. Reports show that nearly 46% of breaches expose details like home addresses, phone numbers, emails, tax identification numbers, etc. Weak encryption is commonly a major contributor, but it’s hard to determine precisely how many violations occur due to encryption weaknesses.
That’s because these cases are usually lumped into broader cybersecurity failures, which makes it harder to track their true impact.
That’s all the more reason to understand how encryption protocols keep your online data safe. Take a closer look at how SSL and TLS work.
SSL
The first popular encryption protocol created to safeguard data transfers over the internet was SSL. In order to stop third parties from intercepting private data, it established a secure connection between web browsers and servers.
However, SSL had major security flaws (more on this later), which made it vulnerable to cyberattacks. Because of these weaknesses, SSL is no longer considered safe, and major browsers have stopped supporting it.
| Also Read: How to Install an SSL Certificate? A Simplified Guide |
TLS
TLS is the upgraded version of SSL because it fixes the security issues of the SSL protocol and performs better. It uses stronger encryption algorithms so that data remains safe during transmission.
TLS also offers better authentication and faster handshake processes. Today, TLS is the recommended protocol for securing websites, online transactions, communications, and more.
| Pro Tip: Don’t get confused! You’ll still see the term “SSL certificate” everywhere, but it’s just a name. Modern certificates actually support TLS, not the outdated SSL. |
TLS vs. SSL: A Detailed Comparison
The table below provides a detailed comparison of TLS vs. SSL while breaking down their key aspects:
| Feature | TLS | SSL |
| Security Strength | More advanced encryption algorithms with stronger ciphers. | Uses older, weaker encryption methods that are vulnerable to modern attacks. |
| Current Status | Actively used and maintained; TLS 1.2 and TLS 1.3 are widely adopted. | Deprecated by major browsers and security standards and SSL 2.0 and 3.0 are considered insecure. |
| Handshake Process | Faster and more efficient due to the removal of unnecessary steps. | Slower handshake, leading to higher latency in secure connections. |
| Performance | Optimised for speed with reduced latency, especially in TLS 1.3. | Slower performance due to additional steps in the handshake process. |
| Compatibility | Supported by modern web browsers, operating systems, and cloud services. | No longer supported by most modern browsers and security protocols. |
| Vulnerability to Attacks | Resists modern threats like downgrade attacks, padding oracle attacks, and cryptographic vulnerabilities. | Prone to known vulnerabilities, including POODLE, BEAST, and DROWN attacks. |
| Usage in Websites | Used in HTTPS encryption (e.g., TLS 1.2 and 1.3 power secure websites today). | Not used in modern web security due to its deprecation. |
| Support for Application-Layer Protocol Negotiation | TLS 1.3 supports ALPN for better performance in HTTP/2 and HTTP/3 connections. | No support for ALPN, leading to inefficient protocol negotiation. |
| Forward Secrecy | Strong forward secrecy support ensures that past communications remain secure even if encryption keys are compromised. | Lacks strong forward secrecy, making past data vulnerable if encryption keys are stolen. |
How to Check If a Website Uses TLS or SSL
Here’s how you can check whether a site is using TLS or outdated SSL:
1. Look for the Padlock Icon
A padlock icon appears in the address bar for secure websites in most web browsers. Clicking on it provides security details, including the encryption protocol.
2. Check the URL
Websites using TLS will have “HTTPS” in the URL instead of “HTTP.” This indicates encrypted communication.
3. View Certificate Details
- Click on the padlock icon in the browser
- Select “Certificate” or “Connection is secure.“
- Look under “Issued to” and “Protocol” to see if TLS 1.2 or 1.3 is in use. If it shows SSL 2.0 or 3.0, then the site is outdated and insecure.
4. Use Online Tools
Websites like SSL Labs’ SSL Test analyse a site’s security, showing whether it uses SSL or TLS and which version is in place.
5. Developer Tools in Browsers
- Press F12 or right-click > Inspect to open the browser’s Developer Tools
- Go to the “Security” tab to check the protocol details
Why TLS Is the Way Forward
SSL had its time, but it’s no longer enough to keep online data safe. Cyber threats are getting smarter, and outdated encryption just can’t keep up. That’s why TLS has become the new standard. It’s faster, more secure, and designed to handle modern security challenges.
If you run a website, switching to TLS is essential. As a user, taking a moment to check a site’s encryption can save you from potential risks. A safer internet starts with smarter choices! Protect Your Website with Crazy Domains!
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