What is SSL/TLS?
SSL/TLS (Secure Sockets Layer/Transport Layer Security) is the cryptographic protocol that encrypts data transmitted between web browsers and servers, indicated by HTTPS and the padlock icon.
SSL/TLS Explained
SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) and its successor TLS (Transport Layer Security) are cryptographic protocols that encrypt communication between clients and servers. When you see HTTPS and the padlock icon in your browser, SSL/TLS is protecting your data. The protocol ensures three things: encryption (data can't be read in transit), authentication (the server is who it claims to be), and integrity (data hasn't been tampered with). SSL/TLS certificates are mandatory for any website handling sensitive data, and Google uses HTTPS as a ranking factor. At M3L Software, SSL/TLS setup is included in every project and maintenance plan. We automate certificate management with Let's Encrypt, configure proper cipher suites, and implement HSTS for maximum security.
Key Features
Common Use Cases
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between SSL and TLS?
TLS is the modern successor to SSL. SSL 3.0 was deprecated in 2015 due to vulnerabilities. When people say 'SSL certificate' today, they usually mean a TLS certificate. Modern browsers use TLS 1.2 or 1.3.
Do I need an SSL certificate?
Yes. HTTPS is required for payment processing, recommended by Google for SEO, and expected by users. Free certificates from Let's Encrypt make it easy. There's no reason not to use HTTPS.
How much does SSL cost?
Free with Let's Encrypt (automated). Premium certificates from DigiCert or Comodo cost $50-$500/year but offer extra validation levels. For most websites, Let's Encrypt is perfect.
Related Terms
DNS
The Domain Name System (DNS) translates human-readable domain names (like google.com) into IP addresses that computers use to identify each other on the network.
Read moreCORS
Cross-Origin Resource Sharing (CORS) is a browser security mechanism that controls which domains can make requests to your API, preventing unauthorized cross-origin access.
Read moreJWT
JSON Web Token (JWT) is a compact, URL-safe token format used for securely transmitting information between parties, commonly used for API authentication and authorization.
Read moreWebhook
A webhook is an HTTP callback that automatically sends data to a specified URL when a specific event occurs, enabling real-time event-driven communication between systems.
Read moreNeed Help with SSL/TLS?
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