What is SSL/TLS?
SSL/TLS (secure sockets layer/transport layer security) is a standard security protocol for establishing an encrypted link between a server and a client. SSL/TLS allows sensitive data (think financial information, personal data, etc.) to be transmitted securely.
Unencrypted web traffic is open to “eavesdropping”, which means that sensitive data can be intercepted between the server and client. Originally called SSL and now more commonly referred to as TLS (or both), SSL/TLS has become increasingly important as the tech world – and end users – focus more squarely on transport security. Transport security for web traffic is essential, as non-HTTPS sites are now seen as “not secure” by major web browsers.
SSL/TLS support is available in Varnish and secures traffic at two ends. First is the client-facing TLS, designed to be a minimalistic and fast TLS proxy, and the second is on the backend, which is ideal for companies that require inter-machine TLS connectivity or if an origin server is in a different location from Varnish servers.
Find out more about how to use Varnish to secure your web traffic.