What is the difference between SSL and OpenSSL?

Summary of the Article: What is the difference between SSL and OpenSSL?

OpenSSL is an open-source software cryptography library widely used for encrypting communication over computer networks using Transport Layer Security (TLS) and Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) protocols. SSL and TLS are cryptographic protocols that authenticate data transfer between servers, systems, applications, and users. SSL, which refers to Secure Sockets Layer, and TLS, which refers to Transport Layer Security, are essentially the same but different. SSL has not been updated since SSL 3.0 in 1996 and is now considered deprecated due to several known vulnerabilities. Most modern web browsers no longer support SSL. On the other hand, OpenSSL is a command-line tool used to generate private keys, create CSRs, install SSL/TLS certificates, and identify certificate information. It has advantages such as good licensing terms, availability of source codes, platform independence, and a wide range of functionality. However, it also has disadvantages like poor documentation and code quality in some parts of the library. To install SSL in OpenSSL, you need to copy the certificate files to your server, locate and configure the SSL-enabled block in the Apache configuration file. SSL is an older technology that contains security flaws, while TLS is the upgraded version of SSL that fixes existing vulnerabilities and supports encrypted communication channels more efficiently. Whether you need both SSL and TLS depends on your requirements, but credit unions and banks are recommended to use TLS 1.1 or 1.2 to ensure a protected connection. TLS has replaced SSL and works in much the same way, using encryption to protect the transfer of data and information. OpenSSL stands for Secure Sockets Layer, and it provides an open-source implementation of the SSL and TLS protocols.

Questions:

1. Does OpenSSL use SSL?

OpenSSL is an open-source software cryptography library widely used by applications to encrypt communication over computer networks using Transport Layer Security (TLS) and Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) protocols.

2. What is the difference between OpenSSL TLS and SSL?

SSL refers to Secure Sockets Layer whereas TLS refers to Transport Layer Security. Basically, they are one and the same but entirely different. How similar both are SSL and TLS are cryptographic protocols that authenticate data transfer between servers, systems, applications, and users.

3. Why is SSL no longer used?

SSL has not been updated since SSL 3.0 in 1996 and is now considered deprecated. There are several known vulnerabilities in the SSL protocol, and security experts recommend discontinuing its use. In fact, most modern web browsers no longer support SSL at all.

4. What is OpenSSL and what is it used for?

OpenSSL is an open-source command-line tool that is commonly used to generate private keys, create CSRs, install SSL/TLS certificates, and identify certificate information.

5. What is the disadvantage of OpenSSL?

The advantages of OpenSSL include good licensing terms (commercial use of modified code is permitted), availability of source codes, platform independence, and wide functionality. On the other hand, the disadvantages include poor documentation and poor code quality (“hacks”) in some parts of the library.

6. How to install SSL in OpenSSL?

To install an SSL certificate in OpenSSL, you need to copy the certificate files to your server and configure the SSL-enabled block in the Apache configuration file.

7. Should I use SSL or TLS?

SSL is an older technology that contains some security flaws. Transport Layer Security (TLS) is the upgraded version of SSL that fixes existing SSL vulnerabilities. TLS authenticates more efficiently and continues to support encrypted communication channels.

8. Do you need both SSL and TLS?

Most browsers will allow the use of any SSL or TLS protocol. However, credit unions and banks should use TLS 1.1 or 1.2 to ensure a protected connection. The later versions of TLS will protect encrypted codes against attacks and keep your confidential information safe.

9. What is SSL replaced by?

TLS means Transport Layer Security. SSL is now replaced with TLS. SSL moved through versions 1.0, 2.0, and 3.0. TLS is the upgraded version of SSL.

10. What has SSL been replaced by?

Transport Layer Security (TLS) is the successor protocol to SSL. TLS is an improved version of SSL. It works in much the same way as SSL, using encryption to protect the transfer of data and information. The two terms are often used interchangeably in the industry, although SSL is still widely used.

11. What does SSL stand for in OpenSSL?

SSL stands for Secure Sockets Layer. OpenSSL is a general-purpose cryptography library that provides an open-source implementation of the SSL and TLS protocols.