How SSL/TLS Works
Client Hello
Browser connects to server and requests a secure connection, sharing supported TLS versions and cipher suites.
Server Hello
Server responds with its SSL certificate, chosen cipher suite, and public key.
Certificate Verification
Browser verifies the certificate against trusted Certificate Authorities (CAs) and checks expiration.
Key Exchange
Browser and server perform a key exchange to establish a shared symmetric encryption key.
Encrypted Communication
All data is now encrypted with the shared key. The padlock appears in the browser.
Certificate Types
🔒 Domain Validation (DV)
- Encrypts data in transit
- Verifies domain ownership
- Padlock in browser
- Ideal for blogs, small sites
Best Practices
- Always use TLS 1.2 or 1.3 (disable older versions)
- Enable HSTS (HTTP Strict Transport Security)
- Use strong cipher suites and disable weak ones
- Set up automatic certificate renewal
- Redirect all HTTP traffic to HTTPS
- Use Certificate Transparency logs
Frequently Asked Questions
What is SSL/TLS?
Do I need an SSL certificate?
What is the difference between DV, OV, and EV certificates?
About SSL Info
What this tool does
Privacy and security tools generate cryptographic hashes (MD5, SHA-1, SHA-256, SHA-512), check password strength, look up IP addresses and WHOIS records, validate emails, and generate privacy policies and legal documents.
Why use this tool
Verifying file integrity, checking whether a password meets security requirements, and generating legal boilerplate are routine tasks for developers and site owners. Doing them locally keeps sensitive data off third-party servers.
How it works
Hash generation uses the Web Crypto API (SubtleCrypto.digest) for standard algorithms. Password strength analysis evaluates entropy, checks against common password lists, and estimates crack time. IP and WHOIS lookups query public databases.
Pro tip
SHA-256 is the go-to hash for file integrity checks. MD5 and SHA-1 are still seen in legacy systems but should not be used for security purposes, as collision attacks against them are practical.
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