List of TLS Versions: Which is the Latest TLS Version?

You are browsing your favourite website and seeing a little padlock next to the browser URL. That padlock tells you your data is safe.

Today, more than 70% of websites use the newest version of TLS, called TLS 1.3, while older versions like TLS 1.0 and 1.1 are now outdated. This post will explain TLS, list its versions, and show why using the latest version is important.

Every time you shop online or check your email, your data travels over the internet. It is important that this information stays private. That’s where TLS comes in. TLS, which stands for Transport Layer Security, is like a secret code that scrambles your information so that no one else can read it.

In recent years, cyber threats have become more advanced. To protect your data, websites now use stronger security methods.

Recent statistics show that almost 70% of modern websites use TLS 1.3. Older versions, such as TLS 1.0 and TLS 1.1, have many security holes and are no longer safe. Big companies like Microsoft and Adobe are stopping support for these older protocols.

In this post, we will explain what TLS is, go through its different versions, and look at why TLS 1.3 is the best choice today. Whether you are a business owner or simply want to know more about how your online data is protected, this guide will help you understand everything about the TLS.

What is TLS?

TLS stands for Transport Layer Security. It is a tool that makes sure the data you send over the internet is safe and private. When you visit a website that starts with “https://”, TLS is working in the background to protect your connection.

TLS works by creating an encrypted tunnel between your device (Browser) and the website’s server. This means that even if someone intercepts the data, they cannot understand it. TLS also helps to confirm that you are really talking to the right website. This is done with digital certificates that are like online ID cards.

When your computer connects to a website, a process called a handshake happens. During this TLS handshake, your computer and the server agree on which type of encryption to use. They then create a session key, which is used to scramble the data during that visit. This key is temporary and unique to your session, which adds an extra layer of security.

Also Read: SSL vs TLS: Which is Best Cryptographic Protocol Should You Use?

Over the years, TLS has changed and improved. The earliest version of TLS was based on SSL (Secure Sockets Layer), which was developed by Netscape. However, SSL is no longer safe to use. TLS has now evolved to newer versions that are much stronger and faster.

Today, websites mainly use TLS 1.2 and TLS 1.3. TLS 1.3, the latest version, is designed to be faster and more secure. It speeds up the handshake process and always uses methods that protect your data, even if someone gets hold of the long-term keys later on.

In short, TLS is the key technology that helps keep your online communications safe. It ensures that your personal and financial information is not easily stolen by hackers.

List of TLS Versions

TLS has come a long way over the years. Here is a quick list of the main versions:

SSL 1.0/SSL 2.0/SSL 3.0: These were the early versions. SSL 2.0 and SSL 3.0 have many security problems and are no longer used.

TLS 1.0 (1999): This was the first version of TLS. It improved on SSL but still has weaknesses by today’s standards.

TLS 1.1 (2006): This version fixed some issues in TLS 1.0, such as handling some errors in the encryption process.

TLS 1.2 (2008): TLS 1.2 brought in better encryption methods and became very popular. It is still used by many websites today.

TLS 1.3 (2018): The newest version. TLS 1.3 is much faster and stronger than the previous versions. It cuts down on the time it takes to set up a secure connection and always uses advanced security methods.

Also Read: Difference between TLS 1.2 and 1.3 Version

Each new version of TLS has been created to overcome the weaknesses of the older versions and to protect against modern cyber threats. As a result, TLS 1.3 is the best option for keeping your online data safe.

TLS 1.1, 1.2, 1.3 Explained

Let’s take a closer look at the three most common versions today:

TLS 1.1

Released in 2006, TLS 1.1 improved on TLS 1.0 by fixing some problems in the way data was encrypted. However, over time, new attacks have shown that TLS 1.1 is not strong enough. Most browsers and companies have stopped using it.

TLS 1.2

TLS 1.2 was released in 2008 and is a big step up. It uses stronger encryption and better hashing algorithms (like SHA-256). Today, many websites use TLS 1.2 because it is secure and has been trusted for many years. However, it still takes a few extra steps during the connection process, which can slow things down a bit.

TLS 1.3

Introduced in 2018, TLS 1.3 is the newest version. It is faster because it needs fewer back-and-forth messages (round trips) during the handshake. TLS 1.3 also forces the use of methods that keep your data secure even if old keys are exposed.

This version is now widely used by modern web browsers and websites because it offers the best mix of speed and security.

These three versions show how TLS has improved over time. As technology advances, it is important to use the latest versions to stay protected.

TLS 1.1 and TLS 1.2 End of Life

Due to their vulnerabilities, TLS versions 1.0 and 1.1 no longer receive security approvals. The protocols were introduced in 1999 and 2006, and as the years passed, more vulnerabilities emerged against them. The outdated encryption procedures used by these protocols create a vulnerability for hacking attacks to succeed.

Major businesses along with governmental organizations insist companies should cease support for TLS 1.0 and TLS 1.1 implementations. Two major companies such as Adobe and Microsoft have decided to discontinue supporting their systems for these versions.

The evaluation bodies designated TLS 1.0 and TLS 1.1 for retirement during 2021. Such websites along with applications share greater vulnerability to cyber attacks when they operate on outdated versions.

If you are running a website or any online service, it is very important to upgrade to a newer version of TLS. Moving to TLS 1.2 is a minimum requirement, and upgrading to TLS 1.3 is even better because it is faster and more secure. Keeping outdated protocols can lead to data breaches and loss of customer trust.

By upgrading, you not only protect your data but also help your website load faster and run more efficiently. Simply put, using old TLS versions is like leaving the front door unlocked.

Latest TLS Version Currently Supported

Today, the best and most secure version of TLS is TLS 1.3. Introduced in 2018, TLS 1.3 is now the standard for securing websites and online services. Here are some of its key benefits:

Speed: TLS 1.3 speeds up the connection process by reducing the number of steps needed to create a secure link. This means websites load faster.

Security: It uses modern encryption methods and forces the use of forward secrecy. This means that even if someone steals a key later, past communications remain secure.

Simplicity: TLS 1.3 has a simpler design compared to TLS 1.2. Fewer steps in the handshake process mean fewer chances for mistakes.

Wide Support: Most modern browsers like Chrome, Firefox, Safari, and Edge support TLS 1.3. Big cloud services such as AWS, Azure, and Google Cloud also use it by default.

For any business or website owner, upgrading to TLS 1.3 is an easy and important step. It protects customer data, speeds up connections, and ensures that your site meets today’s security standards.

Why TLS Matters for Your Online Security?

TLS functions as the security solution that protects website information during your visits. Your data remains secure through TLS because this encryption standard functions as an envelope during online activities including email logins and internet shopping.

The importance of TLS arises from these specific reasons:

• The TLS encryption system protects your information from being readable by anyone who intercepts it. A secure transmission occurs when a letter goes inside an envelope with a seal.
• When you connect to a website you can verify through TLS that you reached the intended website instead of reaching a fake imposter site. A digital certificate displayed on the server functions as an authenticated digital identification.
• TLS ensures protection of data through encryption because it verifies data integrity during communication. Online payment processes along with digital messaging depends heavily on this security protocol.
• The faster setup time of secure connections becomes possible through the adoption of newer TLS 1.3. The security protocol results in quicker webpage loading times that create a smoother online browsing experience.
• The padlock icon in the address bar designates websites that implement TLS for data protection. The basic security indicator establishes trust by proving to users that their data remains secure.

Recent studies show that almost all secure websites now use TLS 1.2 or TLS 1.3. The switch to TLS 1.3 has been driven by the need for both stronger security and improved performance. In fact, many companies have reported faster website load times after upgrading to TLS 1.3.

For business owners, upgrading to the latest TLS version is not just about security—it’s also about reputation. Customers feel safer when they see that a website is secure, which can lead to higher sales and better customer retention. With the rising number of cyber threats, sticking with old security protocols can leave your business vulnerable to attacks and data breaches.

Upgrading to TLS 1.3 is a clear win. It makes your website faster and more secure and shows your customers that you take their privacy seriously.

Future Trends

TLS will keep developing into the future. Stronger and faster security protocols assume greater importance because the frequency and complexity of cyber threats is increasing. Current researchers together with companies focus on progressing beyond the existing TLS 1.3 security model.

The adoption of post-quantum cryptography stands as a main operational trend in current security development. Better quantum computer technology in the future poses a threat to the current encryption methods.

Scientists are developing modern algorithms with resistance against quantum attacks. New approaches for TLS security could be integrated into upcoming versions to defend data against quantum computer attacks.

Conclusion

Cyber threats becoming more advanced, so ensuring that your website is protected with the latest TLS version is essential. TLS 1.3 offers faster performance, stronger encryption, and better security. If your website is still using outdated TLS versions, now is the time to upgrade. Protect your business and build trust with your customers by implementing the latest TLS security standards.

Need a TLS certificate? Contact us today to get the right TLS Certificate for your website and ensure your online security stays ahead of evolving threats.

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