Transport Layer Certificates (TLS): A Quick Primer

SSL is unarguably one of the most discussed topics in the web security realm.

Currently, 82.9K% K of all websites use a valid SSL certificate, a solid 18.5% jump from five years ago. What some people may not know, though, is that SSL and TLS are the same concept. 

Read on to discover the nuts and bolts of TLS certificates and why they’re an essential piece of website security.

What are TLS Certificates?

The less popular term for SSL (Secure Sockets Layer), TLS (Transport Layer Security), is a security protocol that establishes secure, encrypted communication between two machines. A TSL certificate is a tiny data file that leverages this protocol to fulfill two crucial roles:

• Authentication: TLS certificates authenticate and affirm the identity of a website. When a client initiates a connection with a web server, it wants to ascertain that it connects to a legitimate server and not a malicious actor masquerading as the server. The certificate contains details about the server’s real identity. This information is digitally verified and signed by a trusted CA (Certificate Authority).

• Secure data transmission: Web browsers display a padlock icon when a website is secured with a TLS certificate. At the same time, the HTTPS protocol is activated. A secure connection between the web server and a client’s browser must be in place for this to happen. 

It’s worth noting that TLS is an updated version of SSL. Following several iterations of SSL, Tim Dierks and Christopher Allen developed TLS 1.0 in 1999 as the evolutionary progression from SSL 3.0. Still, most people prefer using the term SSL and not TLS.

What Role Do TLS Certificates Play?

In the grand scheme, the internet is a much better place now that TLS certificates are in the mix. By facilitating a secure session between a web server and a browser, TLS ensures all communication is encrypted and completely safe. 

Other perks of TLS certificates:

• Strengthens customer trust: TLS certificates provide a high encryption level, which customers want and look for when browsing. The padlock symbol reassures them that unauthorized parties will not tap their information. Instead, it will be sent directly to the intended servers. 

• Protection against attacks: With TLS certificates intact, certain threats simply can’t thrive. Good examples include phishing and man-in-the-middle attacks. The certificates hamper any malicious activity by making the intercepted data unreadable or displaying the website owner’s details in the address bar.

• Search engine ranking: The most significant search engine in the world, Google, deems TLS certificates to be a ranking signal. Websites with HTTPS are given a slight boost in rankings. Have that, and you can start saying hello to enhanced visibility and traffic.

How to Manage TLS Certificates

Let's start with how not to manage TLS certificates. Doing it manually shouldn't be a consideration whatsoever. That's because it's too insecure, too error-prone, and too much unnecessary work. 

Even a small-scale enterprise, let alone a large organization, uses thousands of certificates to function optimally. For a PKI manager, keeping track of every single certificate on a network along with its innumerable details is nothing short of a nightmare. However much you try, tiny-teeny details like numerous CAs and different expiry dates will ultimately slip through the cracks.

Fortunately, you don't have to tolerate these hiccups in an age where automation reigns supreme. With an automated TLS management platform in your security ranks, you can attain centralized visibility of your certificate inventory. Complete variables of every single certificate on your network are available from one single-pane-of-glass interface. This way, renewals can be done on time since monitoring the expiry status is easier. That’s a big perk from a security perspective. But it also means fewer or zero human-induced errors.

That said, the best tool is the one that has automation built into its core. A certificate manager platform like Sectigo packs all the above capabilities under the hood, and offers automation.

Stop TLS Certificate Issues In Their Tracks With Automated Management

Obtaining valid TLS certificates is undoubtedly essential, but managing them properly is more critical. Automation has to be part of the equation because manual efforts are as flawed as they’re outdated. Beefed-up security, reduced human errors, and simplified certificate renewals are guaranteed if you implement an automated certificate management system. Three benefits can catapult your organization to the top of customers’ minds and hearts.