KoolSpan U: Weekly Word Wednesday – Transport Layer Security (TLS)

The successor to Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) protocol, the original internet massage transmission security tool, today the Transport Layer Security (TLS) protocol is used for ensuring privacy throughout client-server-based interactions over the web. The TLS protocol is composed of two parts:

TLS Record Protocol – provides security using a generalized encryption method such as the Data Encryption Standard (DES).
TLS Handshake Protocol – allows the client and server to agree on their own unique encryption algorithm before exchanging any information.

Many organizations, such as those that process payment information and those that are related to health services, are required by law to be secured with the TLS protocol. One can ensure that a company’s web server is secured via TLS or SSL by taking a look at the beginning of the URL bar on their browser, as a secure server will include the padlock symbol or acronym “https”.

Whether or not an organization is mandated to implement these safeguards, it is often a good idea if for no other reason than to provide peace of mind to website visitors accessing your application. With data breaches becoming more and more frequent, any extra security can’t hurt.

To learn more about how you can protect your mobile data, check out our line of mobile security and encryption products.

Francis Knott

Francis Knott has over 17 years of mobility, technology, interactive media, software and healthcare experience. Mr Knott is an expert at building companies, growing revenue and launching and marketing new products. In the past, he has worked in software and product development, mobile social media, and mobile applications development.