SSL
VS
TLS
Encryption Protocol
🏆 Winner: TLS
⚡ Quick Answer

SSL is outdated and insecure (deprecated in 2015). TLS is the modern version. When people say "SSL certificate" they actually mean TLS.

Factor SSL TLS
Security ❌ Insecure ✅ Secure
Status Deprecated (2015) Active standard
Latest Version SSL 3.0 (1996) TLS 1.3 (2018)

SSL

Deprecated encryption protocol (last version 1996).

✓ Pros

  • None - it's obsolete

✗ Cons

  • Insecure
  • Deprecated in 2015
  • Vulnerable to attacks
  • Not used anymore

TLS

Modern encryption standard (TLS 1.3 since 2018).

✓ Pros

  • Secure
  • Modern encryption
  • Faster (TLS 1.3)
  • Current standard

✗ Cons

  • None

The Verdict

Always use TLS. SSL hasn't been used since 2015. When you see "SSL certificate," it's actually TLS. The term stuck for marketing reasons.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why do people still say SSL?
Marketing. "SSL certificate" sounds familiar. But the actual protocol is TLS - SSL is dead.

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Last updated: April 21, 2026 • Report an error

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