TLS (transport layer security) is a protocol used to secure communications over a computer network, ensuring that data transmitted between a website and its visitors remains private and protected from cyber threats. When you visit a website with HTTPS in the URL, it means that TLS is being used to encrypt the connection, protecting the data sent and received. TLS is essential for ensuring secure online transactions, safeguarding personal information, and improving trust with users.

Key elements of TLS

To better understand how TLS works, here are its core elements:

1. Encryption: TLS uses encryption algorithms to scramble data before it’s sent, ensuring that only the intended recipient can read the information.
2. Authentication: TLS verifies the identity of the website you’re connecting to by using digital certificates and a server's private key, ensuring that users aren’t connecting to fake or malicious sites.
3. Integrity: TLS ensures the data hasn’t been altered during transmission by using hash functions, allowing users to trust that the data received is exactly what was sent.

Why TLS matters

For website owners, implementing TLS is critical not only for security but also for building trust with visitors. Websites without TLS can be flagged by major web browsers as insecure, which may discourage potential customers from interacting with your site.

Besides improving security, TLS is also beneficial for SEO. Google rewards secure websites (those with HTTPS) with higher rankings in search results. So, securing your website with TLS not only helps protect data but also boosts your visibility on search engines.

How TLS works on websites

Here’s how TLS functions when you visit a website:

1. Handshake: When a user connects to a website, a TLS handshake occurs where the server and client agree on the type of encryption and authenticate each other. During this process, they generate a unique session key.
2. Encryption: Once the TLS handshake protocol and key exchange are complete, both the client and the server encrypt the data they send back and forth, ensuring no one can read it while it's in transit.
3. Secure communication: After the handshake and encryption, both parties can exchange data securely throughout the session. The user can be confident that the website is protected by the TLS protocol and their personal data remains safe.

Examples of TLS in action

An example of transport layer security TLS in action is when you log into your bank account online. The login page uses HTTPS (which stands for HTTP Secure) to ensure that your username, password, and other sensitive information are encrypted and protected while being sent to the web servers.

Another common example is when you make an online purchase. Websites that offer TLS protect your credit card information, shipping address, and other payment details from being intercepted.

How to check if your website uses TLS

If you want to ensure your website uses TLS, you can follow these steps:

1. Check the URL. Look for "HTTPS" at the beginning of the website URL, which indicates that TLS is being used to secure the connection.
2. Use SSL checker tools. You can use SSL protocol testing tools online to confirm that the SSL certificate is properly installed and the site is secure.
3. Browser padlock icon: A padlock icon before the URL indicates that TLS encryption is active.

FAQs about TLS

Why is TLS important for websites?

TLS is crucial for protecting sensitive information like passwords, credit card details, and personal data from hackers and cybercriminals. It also builds user trust by showing that your site is secure and safe to interact with.

How does TLS differ from SSL?

TLS is the updated version of SSL (secure sockets layer). SSL is outdated and less secure. The Internet Engineering Task Force developed TLS to provide stronger encryption and better protection for online communications. In practice, the transport layer security protocol is often referred to as SSL, but they are not the same.

What’s the difference between HTTPS and HTTP?

HTTPS is the secure version of HTTP, and it uses TLS encryption to protect data during transmission. Websites that use HTTPS offer a secure, encrypted connection, whereas HTTP does not.

How do I implement TLS on my website?

To implement TLS on your website, you’ll need an SSL/TLS certificate, which can be obtained through your hosting provider or a certificate authority (CA). Once installed, your website will use HTTPS for secure communication.

Does B12 support TLS?

Yes! B12 sites come with a free TLS certificate, which encrypts your website traffic to keep your visitors' data secure. B12’s AI-powered website builder automatically configures your site with TLS encryption as part of the setup process, ensuring secure connections and showing your clients that your site is always protected with HTTPS.

Build a secure website with B12

With B12’s AI-driven website builder, you don’t need to worry about manually installing TLS certificates or handling complicated security configurations. B12 automatically ensures your website is secure, keeping your visitors safe with TLS encryption. Start building your secure website today!