Security · Website glossary

TLS

Quick answer · What is TLS?

Transport Layer Security is a protocol that provides encryption, integrity protection, and authentication for network connections.

IN PRACTICE

TLS: an example

A browser and server negotiate TLS before exchanging an HTTPS page.

KEEP IN MIND

TLS protects data in transit between its endpoints, not every copy stored in applications or backups.

Put the idea to work

Frequently asked questions

What is a practical example of TLS?

A browser and server negotiate TLS before exchanging an HTTPS page.

Does TLS protect data stored in applications and backups?

TLS protects data in transit between its endpoints, not every copy stored in applications or backups.

Which concepts should I read alongside TLS?

HTTPS: HTTP communicated over an encrypted TLS connection that protects transport between participating endpoints.
Encryption: A transformation that makes readable data unintelligible without the appropriate cryptographic key.