How does Transport Layer Security (TLS) contribute to secure online communications?

Transport Layer Security (TLS) plays a vital role in securing online communications primarily by encrypting data that is exchanged between applications across a network. This encryption helps to protect the confidentiality and integrity of the data, making it unreadable to anyone who intercepts it during transmission. When a user connects to a secure website, TLS works by establishing a secure session layer that employs cryptographic techniques to ensure that the data remains secure as it travels over potentially insecure networks, such as the Internet.

By encrypting the data, TLS prevents attacks like eavesdropping, where unauthorized parties might otherwise capture sensitive information such as personal details or payment information. Additionally, TLS ensures that the data has not been altered during transmission, further bolstering secure communication. This core functionality is essential for a variety of online activities, including banking transactions, online shopping, and confidential communications, making TLS a foundational technology for modern internet security.