What is the difference between TLS and SSL protocols?

TLS (Transport Layer Security) is an evolution and replacement for SSL (Secure Sockets Layer). The main difference lies in the version and improved security.

Main differences:

• Versions: TLS is the successor to SSL. The latest version of SSL is 3.0. Then came TLS 1.0, 1.1, 1.2, and 1.3.
• Cryptographic algorithms: TLS uses more modern and secure encryption and hashing algorithms compared to SSL. For example, SSLv3 is vulnerable to the POODLE attack, while newer versions of TLS are resistant to it.
• Handshake procedure: The process of establishing a secure connection in TLS is more efficient and secure.
• Support for extensions: TLS supports various extensions that enhance the protocol's functionality and security, such as Server Name Indication (SNI).

In fact, when people talk about SSL today, they most often mean TLS, since SSLv2 and SSLv3 are considered outdated and unsafe for use.