Transport Layer Security Protocols
Transport Layer Security protocols are used to ensure security and privacy when two or more software applications interact. There are a wide range of protocols designed for use by applications during activities such as web browsing, instant messaging, and downloading files.
Background
Transport layer security protocols were designed based on the processes of the Secure Socket Layer system, which was released by Netscape in 1995. The first Transport Layer security protocols were developed to eliminate the weaknesses of the Secure Socket Layer protocols and were released in 1999. The protocols were then modified three times by 2008 in order to prevent newly discovered security breaches.
Functions
The Transport Layer Protocol follows a clearly specified pathway during interactions between most applications.
The process is initiated when a
client application accesses the appropriate server and presents the correct
security functions.The server chooses a security
function that is supported by both applications and then presents its
choice to the client before displaying a private encryption key and
a digital security certificate.The client can then verify the
digital security certificate before using the private key to encrypt
information that only the server can decrypt.The process continues for both applications until the secure
connection is ended.
Current Uses
The best known use of Transport Layer Protocols is to secure web traffic by converting HTTP files into HTTPS files. The protocols are used in virtually every interaction between software applications, ranging from viewing online media to sending emails.