Transport Layer Security (TLS) is a cryptographic protocol that provides secure communications between a web server and a user’s browser. It is an updated and more secure version of the previous protocol, Secure Sockets Layer (SSL).
TLS ensures data privacy and integrity by encrypting the data transmitted between the server and the client, making it difficult for unauthorized parties to intercept or tamper with the data.
TLS is essential for websites that handle sensitive information, such as online banking, e-commerce transactions, or password-protected user accounts. When a website has TLS implemented, users will see “https://” in the address bar, along with a padlock icon, indicating that the connection is secure.
Implementing TLS on your website involves obtaining an SSL/TLS certificate from a trusted certificate authority (CA) and installing it on your web server. This certificate verifies the identity of your website and encrypts data transmitted between your server and your users’ browsers.
Some benefits of implementing TLS include:
- Enhanced security: TLS protects sensitive user data from eavesdropping and tampering.
- Improved trust: A secure connection reassures users that their information is safe, fostering trust in your website.
- Better search engine rankings: Search engines, such as Google, give a slight ranking boost to websites using HTTPS.
External resources:
- Let’s Encrypt – A free, automated, and open certificate authority that provides SSL/TLS certificates.
- Google’s HTTPS as a ranking signal – Google’s official blog post on the importance of HTTPS for search rankings.