But what is TLS mutual authentication and how does it improve the security of your internal sites and resources? Get ready to start the clock\u2026<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Let\u2019s hash it out.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n<\/span><\/span>\n\n\n Mutual TLS authentication, also known as two-way authentication, is the process of two parties verifying each other\u2019s identities to establish a secure, encrypted TLS connection. These authenticating entities can be users, devices, and servers. This differs from a standard TLS connection in which only the server\u2019s identity is verified.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This identification verification process occurs when a website and the web client connecting to it (e.g., a browser like Chrome or Firefox) present their verified digital identities to the other before fully connecting. By \u201cverified digital identities,\u201d we mean X.509 digital certificates, and by \u201cdigital certificates<\/a>,\u201d we mean:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Here\u2019s a quick overview of how this process works:<\/p>\n\n\n\n These digital certificates are critical elements of public key infrastructure (PKI)<\/a>, which makes secure online communications possible via otherwise potentially insecure networks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n They provide public key signatures<\/a> from the trusted certification authorities<\/a> (CAs) that issued them. Depending on how each certificate is used, the CAs are either public (for external connections) or private (for internal uses only)<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This TLS authentication process, known as a TLS handshake<\/a>, takes place on the backend when a user connects to a website. Traditionally, this one-way authentication process involves a browser verifying that the web server it\u2019s connecting to is legitimate before establishing a secure connection.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Mutual TLS authentication takes this a step further by having the connecting user\u2019s web client authenticate to the browser to provide two-way authentication.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Here\u2019s a visual overview that demonstrates the differences between these two processes:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Want a closer look at how the TLS mutual authentication process works in the TLS handshake? Say no more:<\/p>\n\n\n\n It all boils down to two key points: passwordless authentication and stringent security. Password security<\/a> can be tricky: security misconfigurations can happen, users and password admins don\u2019t always follow best practices (e.g., not using password salting<\/a> before hashing secrets), and other things can go wrong.<\/p>\n\n\n\n mTLS provides companies with more robust authentication and digital security than traditional usernames and passwords can provide. We\u2019ve all seen what happens when passwords are stored insecurely:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Using PKI digital certificates to authenticate users, devices, and applications means there are no passwords for bad guys to phish or steal via breaches and leaks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Organizations often use these digital certificates to secure their internal APIs, apps, and sensitive systems. Mutual TLS is commonly used to secure the authenticated connections for a variety of internal systems, endpoints, and other resources, including:<\/p>\n\n\n\nWhat Is Mutual Authentication in TLS (mTLS)?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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![\"Two-way](\"https:\/\/www.thesslstore.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/how-two-way-authentication-works-1024x696.png\")
The Role of Digital Certificates in Secure Communications<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
How mTLS Works<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
![\"A](\"https:\/\/www.thesslstore.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/traditional-tls-vs-mtls-shadow-1024x838.png\")
![\"An](\"https:\/\/www.thesslstore.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/how-mutual-authentication-works.png\")
Why Companies Use mTLS<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Where You\u2019ll Typically Find It in Use<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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