When it comes to securing connections and protecting data, two acronyms that are often mentioned are SSL and SSH. Both protocols use encryption to secure connections and protect data but are used for different purposes.
SSL, or Secure Sockets Layer, is primarily used to secure connections between web servers and web clients, while SSH, or Secure Shell, is used to access and manage remote servers securely.
In this article, we will look closer at the differences between SSL and SSH, including how they work, the types of encryption they use, and the types of use cases they are best suited for.
What is SSL?
Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) is a protocol to secure connections between web servers and clients. It creates an encrypted link between the two, which ensures that all data passed between them is private and cannot be intercepted by third parties.
This is particularly important for sensitive information like credit card details or login credentials.
How SSL Works?
When a web client (such as a web browser) connects to a web server configured to use SSL, the server will present a digital certificate to the client. The certificate contains information about the server’s identity, such as its domain name, and is signed by a trusted third-party known as a certificate authority (CA).
The client will verify the certificate by checking that a trusted CA signs it and that the certificate’s domain name matches the server’s domain name. Once the certificate is verified, the client and server will establish an SSL connection by agreeing on a set of encryption protocols and creating a unique session key.
Once the SSL connection is established, all data transmitted between the client and server will be encrypted using the session key. This ensures that third parties intercepting the data cannot read it.
Types of SSL Certificates
Several types of SSL certificates can be used to secure a website. Some of the most common types include:
- Domain Validated (DV) Certificates: These are the most basic type of SSL certificate and are typically issued quickly. They only verify that the person requesting the certificate owns the domain name.
- Organization Validated (OV) Certificates: These certificates provide more information about the organization that owns the domain name. They typically require additional documentation, such as proof of business registration, before being issued.
- Extended Validation (EV) Certificates: These are the most secure SSL certificates typically used by large organizations and e-commerce sites. They require the most extensive validation process and provide the most information about the organization.
What is SSH?
Secure Shell (SSH) is a network protocol allowing you to securely access and manage remote servers. System administrators commonly use it to access and manage servers remotely. Like SSL, SSH uses encryption to secure the connection and ensure that data cannot be intercepted.
How SSH Works?
When users want to connect to a remote server using SSH, they typically use an SSH client program, such as OpenSSH, on their local machine. They will then enter the login credentials for the remote server, such as the server’s IP address and a username and password.
Once the user has entered their credentials, the SSH client will initiate a “handshake” process with the remote server. During this process, the client and server will agree on a set of encryption protocols and create a unique session key for the connection.
The client will also authenticate the server using the server’s host key. The host key is a unique identifier generated when the server is set up and stored on the client’s machine.
Once the handshake is complete, the client and server will have established a secure connection. All data transmitted between the client and server will be encrypted using the session key, ensuring that third parties cannot intercept it.
Public Key Authentication
One of the key differences between SSH and SSL is the method of authentication used. While SSL relies on trusted third-party certificate authorities (CAs) to issue digital certificates, SSH uses a “public key authentication technique.”
In public key authentication, the user generates a pair of encryption keys – public and private keys. The public key is stored on the remote server, while the private key is kept on the user’s local machine.
When the user attempts to connect to the remote server, the server will use the public key to encrypt a unique challenge, which is then sent to the client. The client will then use their private key to decrypt the challenge and prove their identity to the server.
Related: [Solved] ssh_exchange_identification: read: connection reset by peer
What is the Difference Between SSL and SSH?
While SSL and SSH use encryption to secure connections, they are used for different purposes. SSL is primarily used to secure connections between web servers and clients, while SSH is used to securely access and manage remote servers.
Another key difference is the type of encryption they use. SSL uses a public key infrastructure (PKI) which requires a trusted third party, a certificate authority (CA), to issue digital certificates. On the other hand, SSH uses a technique called “public key authentication,” which does not require a trusted third party.
Another difference between SSL and SSH is that SSL is designed to work with the Transmission Control Protocol (TCP), while SSH works with the Secure Shell (SSH) protocol.
Conclusion
SSL and SSH are used to secure connections and protect data but for different purposes. SSL is used mainly for securing web connections, while SSH is used for securely accessing and managing remote servers.
While they may seem similar, they use different methods of encryption and different protocols, making them suitable for different use cases.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use SSL for remote server access?
SSL is primarily used to secure connections between web servers and clients, not for remote server access. While it is possible to use SSL to secure a remote server connection, it is not the most common or recommended method. SSH is the more commonly used protocol for remote server access and management.
Can I use SSH for web connections?
SSH is primarily used for remote server access and management, not web connections. While it is possible to use SSH to secure a web connection, it is not the most common or recommended method. SSL is the more commonly used protocol for securing web connections.
Is SSL more secure than SSH?
SSL and SSH use encryption to secure connections and protect data, but they are used for different purposes. SSL is primarily used for web connections and has different types of certificates, which can provide different levels of validation and information about the organization.
SSH is mainly used for remote server access and management. It uses public key authentication, considered more secure than traditional username and password authentication.
Can I use both SSL and SSH together?
Yes, it is possible to use SSL and SSH together to secure connections. For example, a web application might use SSL to secure the connection between the client and the web server and SSH to secure the connection between the web server and the application server.
This can provide an added layer of security for sensitive information.
