CompTIA CySA+ Practice Test

Which encryption protocol provides the best security for web communications?

1. SSLv1

2. SSLv2

3. SSLv3

4. TLS

The correct answer is: TLS

The encryption protocol that provides the best security for web communications is TLS. TLS, which stands for Transport Layer Security, is the successor to SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) and addresses numerous vulnerabilities present in earlier versions of SSL. TLS includes more robust encryption algorithms and improved authentication mechanisms, making it better equipped to protect data integrity, confidentiality, and authentication in web communications. It also supports more secure key exchange methods, which further enhances its security against various types of cyber attacks. By contrast, the earlier versions of SSL (including SSLv1, SSLv2, and SSLv3) are now considered obsolete and insecure. These versions had known vulnerabilities and weaknesses that could be exploited by attackers, such as susceptibility to man-in-the-middle attacks and other forms of exploitation. Due to these significant security flaws, the use of SSL is highly discouraged, and many web browsers and services have completely phased it out in favor of TLS to ensure safe communications over the internet. In summary, TLS stands out as the best choice for secure web communications due to its advanced security features and ability to protect against modern threats that were not effectively addressed in the SSL versions.