Transport Layer Security (TLS): Issues & Protocol

Transport layer security (TLS) is the modern version of the now-deprecated secure socket layer (SSL) protocol. Due to multiple vulnerabilities within SSL, organizations require a more robust protocol to coincide with the increasing number of web-based technologies. For example, unlike SSL, TSL allows you to negotiate encryption on regular ports and protocols such as IMAP and POP. This enables secure communication over a wide range of ports and protocols.

This has led to TLS becoming the standard practice for transmitting data between web clients and servers. This cryptographic protocol secures your data with a layer of encryption as it is transmitted over the internet.

While TLS provides enhanced security in most situations, it still has its share of attacks by cybercriminals trying to gain access to an organization’s confidential data. It is important to learn how malicious actors use TLS to introduce malware, how these attacks infiltrate environments—with references to some well-known examples—and how Trend Micro Cloud One™ – Workload Security uses zero-config TLS inspection across data to protect your organization from malicious actors.

Various TLS Attack Methods

TLS is used to encrypt web and email communications, giving you an advantage over cybercriminals looking to access your data while in transmission. Since TLS is encrypted, there is a high chance that the information sent via the connection is not being inspected. This creates an attack vector for malware and can provide attackers access to your network without being blocked.

It is important to shine a light on the most notable TLS attacks and explore up-to-the-minute solutions.

Man-in-the-Middle (MITM) Attacks

This significant threat to organizations involves a malicious element “listening in” on communications between parties. These types of cyberattacks compromise data being sent and received, as interceptors don’t just have access to information but can also input their own data.

An example of a MITM attack is active eavesdropping. By taking advantage of a weakened network, often unsecured based on lack of a firewall or due to using a device outside of a professionally-managed environment,…