What Is OpenSSL?
OpenSSL is a software library that provides cryptographic functionality, including secure communications over computer networks. It is widely used to implement the secure sockets layer (SSL) and transport layer security (TLS) protocols, which are used to establish secure connections between networked computers. OpenSSL is used in many software applications and operating systems to provide security and encrypt data transmitted over networks. It is also commonly used to generate digital certificates and manage public critical infrastructure (PKI).
We use OpenSSL because it’s a widespread, open-source implementation of the Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) and Transport Layer Security (TLS) protocols. These protocols are used to encrypt data that is transmitted over the Internet, making it secure from eavesdropping and tampering.
OpenSSL is used by various applications, including web browsers, email clients, and file transfer programs. Many web servers also use it to secure their traffic.
Here are some of the reasons why we use OpenSSL:
- Open-source: OpenSSL is open-source software that is free to use and modify. This makes it a popular choice for organizations that want to be able to audit the code and ensure that it is secure.
- Secure: OpenSSL is a well-respected and widely-used implementation of the SSL and TLS protocols. It has been audited by security experts and is considered very safe.
- Portable: OpenSSL is a portable software that can easily be ported to different platforms. This makes it a good choice for organizations that need to deploy their applications on various platforms.
- Reliable: OpenSSL has been in use for many years and has a proven track record of reliability. It is unlikely to suffer from unexpected bugs or security vulnerabilities.
OpenSSL is a good choice for organizations that need to secure their communications over the Internet. It is open-source, secure, portable, and reliable.