SSL: Secure Socket Layer

Secure Socket Layer is a public key cryptosystem, which is used over application layer to provide encryption to the data passing over HTTP. SSL breaks the incoming data into fixed size blocks, fragments them, compresses them, encrypts and adds a MAC header and passes it to the receiving end. It has four protocols.

• Handshake protocol- Used for establishing a connection.




• Cipher-spec protocol- To notify the handshake is over.




• Record–protocol– Carries actual data.




• Alert protocol– Used for any notification.

Cryptography attacks:

• Chosen plaintext attack




• Chosen ciphertext attack




• Known plaintext attack




• Meet in the Middle attack




• Rubber hose attack




• Timing Attack