Definition: Transport Layer Security (TLS)

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Transport Layer Security (TLS) is a protocol used to secure data transmitted over the internet. It provides a secure communication channel between two systems by encrypting the data in transit and ensuring its authenticity. TLS is the successor to the Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) protocol and provides a similar level of security.

TLS is widely used to secure a variety of online services, including email, file transfers, and web browsing. When a user connects to a website using TLS, the website’s server and the user’s browser negotiate a secure connection, establish a unique session key, and then use this key to encrypt all data transmitted between them. This ensures that the data is protected from eavesdropping and tampering.

TLS is a crucial component of online security, as it helps protect sensitive information such as passwords, credit card numbers, and other personal data from being intercepted or misused. By implementing TLS, organizations can help to ensure the privacy and security of their customers’ data and build trust in their online services.

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