SSL vs TLS
Differences, use cases, and when to use each
SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) is the deprecated predecessor to TLS (Transport Layer Security). All versions of SSL (2.0, 3.0) have known vulnerabilities. TLS 1.2 and 1.3 are the current secure standards. The term 'SSL' is still colloquially used to mean TLS.
Quick Comparison
| Feature | SSL | TLS |
|---|---|---|
| Status | Deprecated (all versions vulnerable) | Current standard (TLS 1.2 and 1.3) |
| Versions | SSL 2.0, 3.0 | TLS 1.0, 1.1 (deprecated), 1.2, 1.3 |
| Security | Broken (POODLE, DROWN attacks) | Secure (TLS 1.2+) |
| Performance | Slower handshake | TLS 1.3: faster 1-RTT handshake |
| Current Use | None (disabled by browsers) | TLS 1.2/1.3 universal |
When to Use Each
When to Use SSL
You should not use SSL — all versions are deprecated and insecure. If you're thinking 'SSL', you mean TLS. The term SSL survives in marketing and documentation but refers to TLS in practice.
When to Use TLS
Use TLS 1.2 or 1.3 for all encrypted communications. TLS 1.3 is preferred for its improved security and faster handshake. Disable TLS 1.0 and 1.1 on your servers.
Pros & Cons
SSL
TLS
Verdict
Always use TLS 1.2 or 1.3. Disable SSL entirely (it's off by default in all modern systems). When someone says 'SSL certificate,' they mean a TLS certificate — the naming convention just stuck.