What is SSL/TLS?

SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) and TLS (Transport Layer Security) are cryptographic protocols designed to provide secure communication over a computer network. TLS is the successor to SSL and is now more commonly used, though the terms are often used interchangeably. These protocols ensure privacy, integrity, and authentication in data transmission between two communicating applications, typically a web browser and a server.

SSL/TLS works through a process called the 'handshake':

• Client Hello: The client initiates the connection and sends supported cryptographic information.

• Server Hello: The server chooses the strongest mutually supported cipher and sends its digital certificate.

• Authentication: The client verifies the server's digital certificate with a trusted Certificate Authority (CA).

• Key Exchange: The client and server agree on a symmetric encryption key for the session.

• Secure Communication: With the shared key established, data can now be securely exchanged.

For Flowdrive users, SSL/TLS is crucial in several ways:

• Secure File Transfer: When uploading or downloading files, SSL/TLS ensures that your data is encrypted in transit, protecting it from interception.

• API Security: Flowdrive's APIs use SSL/TLS to secure communications between your applications and our servers.

• Web Interface Protection: When accessing Flowdrive through a web browser, SSL/TLS secures your login credentials and session data.

• Compliance: Many industries require the use of SSL/TLS for data protection, making it essential for regulatory compliance.

• Trust: The visible security indicators (like the padlock icon in browsers) associated with SSL/TLS help build user trust in the Flowdrive platform.

SSL/TLS works in conjunction with HTTPS to provide a secure browsing experience and is a fundamental component of File Hosting security.

1. When a user accesses their Flowdrive account via https://app.flowdrive.com, the SSL/TLS protocol ensures that all data exchanged is encrypted.

2. A developer integrating Flowdrive's API into their application uses SSL/TLS to secure the authentication process and all subsequent data transfers.

3. During a large file upload to Flowdrive, SSL/TLS protects the file contents as they travel across various networks to reach Flowdrive's servers.