TLS Encryption
TLS (Transport Layer Security) is a cryptographic protocol that provides authenticated, encrypted communication over a computer network, and is the successor to the deprecated SSL protocol.
What it means
TLS protects data in transit between a user's browser and the server by establishing an encrypted tunnel. During the TLS handshake, the server presents its digital certificate to prove its identity, and a session key is negotiated to encrypt all subsequent data. TLS 1.3 (current version) provides forward secrecy, meaning that even if a server's private key is later compromised, past sessions cannot be decrypted.
Why it matters for e-signatures
Every interaction with SignOwl — viewing a document, clicking to sign, submitting authentication data — is protected by TLS. This prevents man-in-the-middle attacks that could intercept or alter document contents during transmission.
Related terms
Frequently asked questions
How can I verify a site is using TLS?
Look for the padlock icon in your browser's address bar and a URL beginning with 'https://'. You can click the padlock to view the site's certificate details.
Is TLS 1.2 still acceptable?
TLS 1.2 is still widely deployed and considered secure when properly configured. TLS 1.3 is preferred for new deployments due to its improved performance and removal of legacy cipher suites.
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