What Is TLS (Transport Layer Security)?
TLS (Transport Layer Security) is the cryptographic protocol that secures internet communications — it's the technology behind HTTPS connections. TLS is the successor to SSL (Secure Sockets Layer), though the term 'SSL' is still commonly used colloquially.
TLS encrypts data transmitted between a user's browser and a web server, preventing eavesdropping and tampering. It's essential for protecting sensitive information like login credentials, payment details, and personal data.
When someone refers to 'SSL certificates,' they're actually referring to TLS certificates in most modern contexts. The distinction matters mainly to security professionals — for practical purposes, SSL and TLS refer to the same concept of encrypted web connections.
Why This Matters for Startups
The SSL/TLS distinction is mostly academic for startups. What matters: ensure your website uses HTTPS (which means TLS encryption is active). Modern hosting platforms handle this automatically. If someone asks whether your site has 'SSL,' they mean 'is it served over HTTPS with encryption?' — and the answer should always be yes.
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