TLS Certificates

What is a TLS certificate?

Transport layer security (TLS) is a security technology that secures internet connections and e-transactions via data encryption. TLS instantly establishes a secure connection between a server and a browser during every session, protecting online transactions and logins. 

The authentication of a TLS certificate or secure sockets layer (SSL) certificate is indicated by the presence of a padlock icon and a hypertext transfer protocol secure (HTTPS) on the browser address bar. This technology protects electronic communication and online data on both the user and website ends during the transfer.

Companies use SSL & TLS certificates to authenticate their website and assure users of its legitimacy. This ensures their website provides visitors with encrypted private browsing.

In the realm of technology and business, solutions related to SSL and TLS certificates play a pivotal role in furnishing companies with certificates for visitors navigating their sites. These tools are instrumental in safeguarding the confidentiality and integrity of visitor information and aligning with contemporary standards mandated by search engines. Failure to implement SSL or TLS may result in penalties or exclusion from prominent search engine listings, thereby affecting site traffic.

Types of TLS certificates

The type of TLS certificate varies depending on the validation and domain. There are also various levels of validation and domain types based on the certificate support.

• Domain-validated certificates: Ideal for personal websites, small business sites, and blogs, this certificate verifies whether the requesting party of the certificate controls the domain or not. Even though this certificate does not identify the organization’s identity, it provides basic encryption.
• Organization-validated certificates: These certificates are suitable for organizations and businesses aiming to build trust and establish online credibility. This certificate verifies domain ownership and the existence and legal identity of the organization, with the organization’s particulars displayed on the certificate.
• Extended validation certificates: Also called EV certificates, these certificates offer the highest level of validation and assurance. This certificate carries out a rigorous verification process on the legal entity, which includes operational existence, domain ownership, and authentication.
• Single domain certificate: A domain is the core part of a website, whereas the web address extension preceding the main domain is called the subdomain. A single domain certificate only secures a single domain or subdomain and is, therefore, beneficial for managing small websites.
• Wildcard certificate: A wildcard certificate authorizes secure connection via a single certificate for multiple subdomains. It is extremely beneficial for organizations with multiple subdomains or a large website.
• Multi-domain certificate: Multiple domains can be included in a single certificate, which allows a secure connection between the user and the organization. This type of certificate helps manage multiple domains, websites, and different servers having the same ownership.

Benefits of using a TLS certificate

• Data protection:  TLS certificate technology secures private data by encrypting all communications between the website and the browser by adding an extra layer of security.
• SEO enhancement: Most search engines have made TLS certification a compulsory ranking factor where the websites with TLS certification are ranked higher in the search list. This ensures that users and visitors are guided to a protected website, which increases customer trust and confidence.
• Regulatory compliance facilitation: While fortifying regulatory compliance, the certification also secures data transmission, meeting the encryption standards set by the industry. Aligning with industry and legal regulations to protect sensitive data is integral to confidentiality software.

Impacts of using a TLS certificate

• False sense of security: Relying solely on TLS certificates will not protect the data against various complex vulnerabilities. While it provides data encryption, a comprehensive security strategy like firewalls, network security features, anti-phishing, and safe browsing filters with various other authentication methods is essential to add an extra layer of security to the user data.
• Performance and certificate management: Encryption processes can add to the computational overhead, leading to a potential decline in communication speed while also affecting the latency and impacting real-time applications. In addition, keeping track of certificate expiration and renewal can be challenging without continuous monitoring.

However, disabling a TLS certificate on a website will lead to multiple browser warnings, reducing customer trust and negatively impacting user experience.  Additionally,  the risk of data breaches and security vulnerabilities will increase, resulting in compliance violations.

Basic elements of a TLS certificate

Since TLS certificates are digital deliverables used to secure browser communications, crucial components contributing to TLS functionality include public keys, private keys, digital signatures, subject alternative names, version, revocation information, and the issuer, i.e., the certificate authority. The best way to describe the basic elements of a TLS certificate is by explaining how a TLS/SSL certificate works.

How do TLS/SSL certificates work?

Upon successful login, the browser and server communicate to establish a secure TLS-encrypted connection. Here, the browser verifies the authenticity of the web server by requesting identifiable information. The server then shares its TLS certificate and public key with the client, facilitating the establishment of a secure connection. 

The browser proceeds to verify the certificate authority associated with the TLS certificate validating and matching the website domain. Subsequently, the browser transmits a symmetric session key, usually an encrypted public key, which the server decrypts using its private key. This culminates in the encryption of transmitted data by both the server and browser, initiating a secure session that ensures user privacy and establishes a safe browsing environment.

It is important to note that every TLS certificate is associated with a unique number called a digital signature. To make sure other external parties do not tamper with the certificate during the process of the session, the recipient of the certificate generates a new unique number to compare with the original digital signature. 

TLS certificate best practices

By following the best practices, every organization can improve the security of their websites and enhance their TLS certification, ensuring the protection of sensitive data during communication and transactions. To make TLS certificates work, follow these best practices:

• Avoid outdated and weak algorithms: One can ensure safe encryption by using robust algorithmic encryption through strong cryptographic algorithms and key lengths. 
• Use perfect forward secrecy (PFS) and secure private key storage: The organization must safeguard the private key associated with the TLS certificate by storing it in a secure location and using hardware security modules for additional security. Subsequently, the PFS process must be implemented to guarantee no past communications are compromised, even if the private key is weakened and is prone to cyber attacks.
• Use extended validations and regularly conduct security training: Extended validation (EV) certification enhances the TLS certification by providing additional validation. Using EV certification allows organizations to display their name on the browser's address bar. Also, the periodic training of organization personnel will ensure best practices of certificate handling and key management. 

TLS certificates vs. SSL certificates

Often used interchangeably, transport layer security (TLS) and secure sockets layer (SSL) are cryptographic protocols crafted to ensure secure data transmission over computer networks, such as the internet.

SSL was the initial protocol developed by Netscape, with versions like SSL 2.0 and SSL 3.0. However, due to vulnerabilities spotted in the SSL, TLS was introduced as its more secure successor. 

TLS encompasses various versions, including TLS 1.0 and subsequent releases, each improving any lacking security features and addressing the weaknesses found in SSL. While TLS and SSL certificates serve the fundamental purpose of encrypting data in transit, TLS is considered more secure and is widely adopted in modern web security practices.

Learn about how to encrypt files at an individual level to protect them against malicious hackers.