The SSL-TLS Handshake Process

[x32x01]

The SSL-TLS Handshake Process​

The SSL/TLS Handshake Process is a crucial part of securing communication between a client and a server over the internet. Here's a simplified breakdown:

1. Client Hello: The client sends a request to the server, including information about supported SSL/TLS versions, cipher suites (encryption methods), and a random number.
2. Server Hello: The server responds with its SSL/TLS version, selected cipher suite, and its own random number. It also sends its digital certificate to the client, which contains the server's public key.
3. Authentication and Pre-Master Secret: The client verifies the server's certificate using trusted certificate authorities (CAs). If valid, the client generates a pre-master secret, encrypts it using the server's public key, and sends it to the server.
4. Session Keys: Both the client and the server generate session keys from the pre-master secret and the two random numbers exchanged earlier. These session keys are symmetric (same key for encryption and decryption), ensuring fast encryption.
5. Finished Messages: Both client and server send a Finished message, encrypted with the session key, confirming that the handshake was successful and secure.

After the handshake, the secure communication begins, with all subsequent data encrypted using the session keys. This process ensures data privacy and integrity during transmission.