# What is TLS?

*Development · Last updated: November 7, 2026*

> Transport Layer Security

It is the standard protocol that secures data exchange over the internet by encrypting it.

## Overview

TLS is the security layer that prevents communication between two computers from being read or modified from the outside. The lock icon you see in your browser is an indicator that this protocol is working. It guarantees confidentiality and integrity by encrypting the data.

***Analogy:** It is like writing a letter, putting it in a sealed and locked steel case, and sending it; no one along the way can look inside.*

## How it works

The moment a connection is established, a private encryption agreement is made between the two parties. Data is encrypted before being sent and decrypted when it reaches the other side.

## Where it is used

It is used in HTTPS on websites, email transmission, and all secure network connections.

## Commonly confused with

It is confused with a VPN; while a VPN tunnels the entire network, TLS generally protects application-layer connections.

## Questions and answers

**What is its former name?**

Its former name is known as SSL, but today the current and secure version is TLS.

**Can the encryption be broken?**

When properly configured, it is nearly impossible to break with today's technology.

## Related terms

- [End-to-End Encryption](https://trescout.com/en/dictionary/end-to-end-encryption/)
- [Network Stack](https://trescout.com/en/dictionary/network-stack/)
- [VPN](https://trescout.com/en/dictionary/vpn/)

## Related tools

- [Etcd](https://trescout.com/en/discover/etcd/)
- [Openssl](https://trescout.com/en/discover/openssl/)

This explanation was written in plain language for TreScout with AI and **machine-translated** from the Turkish original · the Turkish version prevails. If something looks wrong or missing, write to [hello@trescout.com](mailto:hello@trescout.com). [Read in Turkish →](https://trescout.com/dictionary/tls/)

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Source: TreScout Dictionary · https://trescout.com/en/dictionary/tls/