Encrypting data between you and websites
Day 149 of 149
π Full deep-dive with code examples
The Sealed Envelope Analogy
Sending a postcard:
- Everyone can read it (mail carriers, neighbors)
- No privacy!
Sending a sealed, locked box:
- Only the recipient has the key
- Contents are private
SSL/TLS is the sealed box for your internet data!
It encrypts the data sent over the connection between your browser (client) and a website (server), protecting it while it travels across the network.
Why It Matters
Without SSL/TLS:
- Passwords can be sent in plain text
- Credit card numbers can be exposed
- Someone who can observe the network may be able to read or change what you send
- On public WiFi, attackers can potentially intercept traffic
With SSL/TLS:
- Data sent over the connection is encrypted (and integrity-protected)
- It helps prevent eavesdropping and tampering while data is in transit
- Reduces risk on public WiFi (but it doesnβt stop a compromised device or server)
How You Know It's Working
Look for:
- https:// (not http://)
- Your browser indicating an encrypted connection
- Certificate details in the site info/security UI
Note: a lock icon means the connection is encrypted and the certificate checks out β it doesnβt automatically mean the site itself is trustworthy.
How It Works (Simplified)
- Handshake: Browser and server agree on encryption method
- Certificates: Server proves its identity
- Key exchange: They create a shared secret key
- Encrypted connection: All data encrypted with that key
Think of it like:
- Meeting someone, showing ID, agreeing on a secret code, then speaking in code!
SSL vs TLS
- SSL: Old protocol family (legacy; SSL 2.0/3.0 are no longer recommended)
- TLS: Modern protocol family (what we actually use today)
- People still say "SSL" but mean TLS
TLS 1.3 is the newest widely deployed version, and TLS 1.2 is still commonly used.
In One Sentence
SSL/TLS encrypts data between your browser and websites, turning readable information into scrambled text that only you and the website can understand.
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