Transport Layer Security (TLS) is the protocol that maintains the privacy and integrity of data exchanged between your computer and a website. It’s a secure tunnel that protects sensitive information like passwords, credit card numbers, and personal data when in transit. More secure and widely utilized than its now outdated predecessor, SSL, TLS is the one that’s utilized today.
The other way of protecting data in transit is through VPNs or proprietary encryption techniques, but TLS is the web standard for communication security.
Secure your websites
- 97% of web traffic is encrypted using TLS, rendering data private in billions of daily interactions.
- TLS encryption websites have 20% greater user trust and engagement than non-secure websites.
- Cyberattacks exploiting unencrypted data have fallen by 30% in organizations that have fully implemented TLS across their networks.
- As concerns about privacy increase, experts estimate that TLS will be nearly 100% of reliable websites in 2025.
Keeping it confidential
TLS is the unsung hero of the internet. It quietly ensures that our sensitive information stays confidential and unaltered as it travels globally.
Troy’s quote reiterates that TLS is not just a technical requirement. It is a lifeline that constitutes the foundation of our online communication. His real-world experience drives home the reality that trusted communication lies at the core of online trust.
Avoid security breaches
Cloudflare, the performance and security leader for websites, uses TLS encryption to protect millions of web requests daily. They enabled TLS on its worldwide network, and Cloudflare has greatly reduced the risk of data interception and tampering. As a result, websites using Cloudflare’s services experience faster load times and a 95% decrease in security breaches due to interceptions.
In another instance, Spotify, the world’s most popular music streaming platform, relies on TLS encryption to safeguard user data and transactions. Every time a user streams music or makes a purchase, TLS ensures their personal and payment information remains confidential. After its TLS protocol update, Spotify noticed a 25% improvement in transaction security and dramatically reduced customer complaints about privacy concerns. This robust security framework is one of the primary reasons that Spotify enjoys a strong reputation for protecting user data.
Don’t let your guard down
Challenge: Perhaps the largest obstacle to TLS encryption is ensuring that all servers and endpoints are correctly configured – misconfigurations can lead to vulnerabilities and failed connections.
Solution:
- Perform regular audits of your TLS configurations using tools like Qualys SSL Labs.
- Stay current with the newest TLS versions and turn off obsolete protocols (e.g., TLS 1.0 and 1.1).
TLS best practices
- Have your servers implement TLS 1.2 or later.
- Use online tools to audit your configuration.
- Use automation to ensure renewals do not cause downtime.
- Configure your server only to offer secure cipher suites.
- Provide training in TLS best practices.
- Integrate TLS with VPNs, firewalls, and other protocols for a layered defense.
