Transport Layer Security TLS

Transport Layer Security (TLS) is a cryptographic protocol used to secure the transmission of data between two systems over a network. It provides confidentiality, integrity, and authentication, ensuring that information exchanged between servers, applications, and users cannot be intercepted, modified, or accessed by unauthorised parties.

TLS is widely used to protect web traffic, email communication, APIs, and messaging services, including online SMS services that transmit sensitive information between applications and mobile networks. 

How Transport Layer Security Works

TLS operates by establishing an encrypted communication channel between two endpoints. The process typically includes:

TLS Handshake

The client and server verify each other, agree on encryption methods, and securely exchange cryptographic keys. During this handshake, the server presents a digital certificate to confirm its identity.

Session Key Generation

After the handshake, both sides generate a shared session key used to encrypt and decrypt all data sent during the session.

Secure Data Transmission

All subsequent communication is encrypted, preventing third parties from reading or tampering with data in transit. TLS also verifies message integrity to ensure that transmitted data has not been altered or injected with malicious content. 

Key Features of TLS

Encryption 
Protects data from being viewed by unauthorised individuals during transmission.

Authentication 
Confirms the identity of the communicating parties using digital certificates issued by trusted certificate authorities (CAs).

Data Integrity 
Uses cryptographic hashing to ensure that data has not been modified while in transit.

Together, these functions create a secure and trusted communication environment for web services, APIs, and online messaging systems.

Why Transport Layer Security Is Important

TLS is essential for safeguarding data exchanged over public and private networks. Its benefits include:

• Protecting sensitive or confidential information in transit

• Preventing eavesdropping, man-in-the-middle attacks, and data manipulation

• Supporting compliance with security frameworks such as ISO 27001 and other regulatory standards

• Ensuring stable, encrypted connections for platforms handling user authentication, personal information, financial data, or message delivery

For online SMS and messaging platforms, TLS ensures that communication between applications, SMS gateways, and service endpoints remains encrypted and protected from unauthorised access. 

TLS and Modern Internet Security

TLS is the successor to SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) and is now the industry standard for encrypted communication. Most secure websites, cloud services, SMS APIs, and messaging platforms rely on TLS to maintain encrypted connections.

It also plays a critical role in securing HTTPS, encrypted email, VoIP, file transfers, and SMS delivery pathways, making it one of the most relied-upon protocols in modern digital security. 

TLS and Notifyre

Email Encryption: Notifyre ensures secure email communication by enabling TLS v1.2 encryption by default for all emails sent and received. This protects sensitive information from interception or tampering during transmission.

Email to SMS Service: When users send SMS messages via email, Notifyre applies TLS encryption to secure the email content before it is converted into SMS and delivered through carrier networks.

Email to Fax Service: Similarly, emails sent to fax numbers are encrypted using TLS during transmission to Notifyre’s servers, ensuring confidentiality before the fax is processed and delivered.

Website & Application Encryption: Notifyre’s web platform and applications use HTTPS secured by SSL/TLS to protect all data exchanged between users and servers. This includes login credentials, account information, and message content.