Testing TLS 1.2 with OpenSSL

When it comes to ensuring the security of online transactions, SSL certificates play a crucial role. Also referred to as TLS certificates, these digital documents verify the identity of websites and encrypt sensitive data transmitted over the internet. In this article, we'll explore how to test TLS version 1.2 using OpenSSL on both Windows and Linux operating systems.

To begin with, it's essential to understand the difference between TLS and SSL. While both protocols protect data transfer and information exchange, TLS uses stronger encryption algorithms and provides better authentication and integrity checking compared to SSL. The main reason for this is that authentication was not mandatory in SSL 2.0 and weak in SSL 3.0, leading to its depreciation by the IETF (Internet Engineering Task Force) in 2015.

So, why is it important to check your system's TLS version? For two primary reasons: firstly, to ensure you're using the most up-to-date version of the protocol, which benefits from the latest security improvements. Secondly, some older versions of TLS are known to be vulnerable to attacks, making it essential to avoid using them if possible.

To verify your TLS version on Linux, follow these simple commands:

On Windows, you can use OpenSSL to check your TLS version as well. Simply open a command prompt and enter the following command:

openssl s_client -connect 'website URL':443

Replace 'website URL' with the actual URL of the website you're trying to test. The output will display information about the connection, including the TLS version in use.

In conclusion, testing your TLS version 1.2 using OpenSSL is a straightforward process that can be completed on both Windows and Linux operating systems. By doing so, you'll ensure that your online transactions are secure and protected from potential vulnerabilities. Remember to always prioritize the latest security protocols to safeguard your sensitive data.

Openssl test tls 1.2 with cert