SSL/TLS
The family of protocols that encrypts communication over the internet and verifies the identity of the other side; the basis of the browser padlock.
// EXPLANATION
SSL is old and considered insecure; the protocol in use today is TLS (current version 1.3), though the name "SSL" persists out of habit. TLS uses asymmetric cryptography for authentication and faster symmetric encryption for the data itself.
// ALSO KNOWN AS
SSL/TLSSSLTLS
// RELATED TERMS
HTTPSHTTP wrapped in TLS encryption; it prevents data between browser and site from being eavesdropped on or altered.
Digital certificateAn electronic document that binds a public key to an identity (for example a domain name) and is signed by a trusted authority.
TLS handshakeThe short exchange at the start of a connection in which the parties agree on protocol version, cipher suite and session key.
AESThe most widely used symmetric block cipher standard in the world; it works with 128-bit blocks and 128/192/256-bit keys.
RSAAn asymmetric encryption algorithm based on the difficulty of factoring large numbers, used for key exchange and digital signatures.
