When you see that little padlock icon in your browser's address bar, it means your connection is protected by something called TLS. But what exactly is TLS? Let me break it down in simple terms.

What is TLS?

TLS stands for Transport Layer Security. You might have also heard of SSL—TLS is essentially the upgraded, modern version of SSL. While people still use the terms interchangeably, technically we're all using TLS now.

Think of TLS as an encrypted tunnel between you and the website you're visiting. Without it, any sensitive information you type—passwords, credit card numbers, personal details—would be sent in plain text, like writing on a postcard anyone could read. With TLS, that information is locked in a secure box that only you and the website can open.

Why Should You Care About TLS Versions?

TLS has gone through several versions, much like operating systems or smartphones. Newer versions are generally more secure. The main versions you'll encounter today are:

TLS 1.2: Released in 2008, still widely used and considered secure
TLS 1.3: Released in 2018, the latest standard—faster and more secure

Older versions like TLS 1.0 and 1.1 are now considered insecure and have been deprecated by major browsers.

TLS 1.2 vs TLS 1.3: What's the Difference?

Speed Improvements

The most noticeable improvement in TLS 1.3 is speed.

With TLS 1.2, establishing a secure connection requires 2 round trips (we call this a "handshake"). Imagine a phone call:

You: "Hello?"
Them: "Hello!"
You: "I'd like to chat securely."
Them: "Okay, let's start!"

TLS 1.3 cuts this down to just 1 round trip:

You: "Hello, I'd like to chat securely!"
Them: "Great, let's go!"

This is especially beneficial for mobile users, where network latency is typically higher.

Enhanced Security

TLS 1.3 removed many outdated cryptographic algorithms that were considered potentially vulnerable. It's like upgrading from an old lock that burglars have learned to pick to a modern one they haven't cracked yet.

Specifically, TLS 1.3:

Removed RSA key exchange (vulnerable to passive eavesdropping)
Removed CBC mode encryption (known vulnerabilities)
Dropped MD5 and SHA-1 hash algorithms

Simpler Configuration

TLS 1.3 has a cleaner, more streamlined design with fewer options to configure. For server administrators, this means less room for misconfiguration that could create security holes.

How to Check Your Website's TLS Version

Use GuardSSL to scan your website, and you'll see the Protocol field in the results. If it shows TLSv1.3, congratulations—you're using the latest and most secure version.

Should You Upgrade to TLS 1.3?

Short answer: Yes, you should.

TLS 1.3 is widely supported:

All modern browsers support it
Most cloud providers enable it by default
It improves user experience noticeably

If your site is still on TLS 1.2, don't panic—it's still secure. But if you have the option to upgrade to TLS 1.3, it's worth doing sooner rather than later.

Key Takeaways

TLS encrypts the communication between browsers and websites
TLS 1.3 is faster and more secure than TLS 1.2
Avoid older versions (1.0 and 1.1) as they're no longer safe
Use GuardSSL to quickly check your website's TLS version

Keeping your website on the latest TLS protocol is the first step in protecting your users.

What is TLS Protocol? Understanding TLS 1.2 vs TLS 1.3