TLS stands for “Transport Layer Security” and is closely related to “SSL” (Secure Socket Layer). TLS is one of the standard ways that computers transmit information over an encrypted channel. In general, when one computer connects to another computer and uses TLS, the following happens:

1. Computer A connects to Computer B (no security)
2. Computer B says “Hello” (no security)
3. Computer A says “Lets talk securely over TLS” (no security)
4. Computer A and B agree on how to do this (secure)
5. The rest of the conversation is encrypted (secure)

In particular:

• The meat of the conversation is encrypted
• Computer A can verify the identity of Computer B (by examining its SSL certificate, which is required for this dialog)
• The conversation cannot be eavesdropped upon (without Computer A knowing)
• The conversation cannot be modified by a third party
• Other information cannot be injected into the conversation by third parties.

TLS (and SSL) is used for many different reasons on the Internet and helps make the Internet a more secure place, when used. One of the popular uses of TLS is with SMTP.  See also:

• How Does Secure Socket Layer (SSL or TLS) Work?
• The Case for Email Security (Why normal email is insecure)

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Several months back, we discussed Enforcing Email Security with TLS when Communicating with Banks. This is a critical stipulation for many banks that have strict requirements that all email messages be encrypted in transit via TLS when communicating with them.

Bank of America

Bank of America (BoA) is a case in point.  Their requirements are as follows:

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Section 1: Introduction to Email Security

You may already know that email is insecure; however, it may surprise you to learn just how insecure it really is. For example, did you know that messages which you thought were deleted years ago may be sitting on servers half-way around the world? Or that your messages can be read and modified in transit, even before they reach their destination? Or even that the username and password that you use to login to your email servers can be stolen and used by hackers?

This article is designed to teach you about how email really works, what the real security issues are, what solutions exist, and how you can avoid security risks.

Information Security and integrity are becoming more important as we use email for personal communication and business. While you are reading this article imagine how security problems can affect your business or personal life…. if they have not already.

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