What is Transport Layer Security protocol? - Security Center 5.9

Security Center Administrator Guide 5.9

Applies to
Security Center 5.9
Last updated
2022-10-25
Content type
Guides > Administrator guides
Language
English
Product
Security Center
Version
5.9

Transport Layer Security (TLS) is a protocol that provides communications privacy and data integrity between two applications communicating over a network. When a server and client communicate, TLS ensures that no third party may eavesdrop or tamper with any message. TLS is the successor to the Secure Sockets Layer (SSL).

What you should know

TLS is used for connections to the Directory from client workstations and expansion servers. With TLS, you have the option to enforce Directory authentication on client workstations and servers during software installation.

What are the benefits of TLS?

TLS provides numerous benefits to clients and servers over other methods of authentication, including:
Strong authentication
Authenticate the Directory to client applications, proving the identity of the server before connecting to it. Protects against man-in-the-middle (MITM) attacks.
Data integrity
All data are transmitted with an integrity check value.
Message privacy
Protects against eavesdropping.
NOTE: The potential of such threats is present only if you allow connections from the WAN (as opposed to through a secure VPN) or when your corporate network has been physically compromised.
Algorithm flexibility
Provides options for the authentication mechanisms, encryption algorithms, and hashing algorithms that are used during the secure session.
Ease of use
Most of its operations are completely invisible to the client. This allows the client to have little or no knowledge of the security of communications and still be protected from attackers.

Limitations

  • Man-in-the-middle protection is only enforced if you choose to turn on Directory authentication on each machine (Client or Server).
  • Client certificate are not supported for Config Tool and Security Desk.