When using computer systems and software, there is constant communication happening within the network. Ports are both a sending and receiving point and have specific numbered addresses for the system to know where the information is being sent. To make this communication process work, there has to be several parts. For example, with a telephone, there needs to be a sender, receiver, and a signal to connect the two.
These ports are programmed to direct traffic to the right places, or in other words, they are the helpers that direct systems involved to identify which service is being requested. Services range anywhere from handling unencrypted HTTP web traffic with port 80 to port 21, FTP, which transfers information and files between clients and servers.
The TLS/SSL port is port 443, HTTPS, and uses the TLS/SSL certificates to keep the port connections secure. HTTP is port 80 and is the unsecure protocol port.
What TCP ports are most frequently used for TLS/SSL certificates?
Managing TLS/SSL certificates means also having the right knowledge on hand when it comes to security and network connections. It may therefore be useful to know what some of the most common TCP (or transmission control protocol) ports are.
We’ve compiled a list of these common TCP ports and what their functions are for reference.
Unsecured port numbers and their function:
- 80, HTTP
- 21, FTP
- 110, POP3
- 143, IMAP
- 289, LDAP
- 119, NNTP
Secured port numbers and their function:
- 443, HTTPS
- 990, FTPS
- 995, POP3S
- 993 IMAPS
- 636, LDAPS
- 563, NNTPS
What is port 443 used for?
Port 443 uses the TLS/SSL certificates to keep the port connections secure. TLS/SSL certificates’ main function is to secure information so that web traffic or cybercriminals can’t access the moving information. This is why many companies use HTTPS over HTTP in order to protect their information from being exposed or stolen while it is being sent and received.
HTTP vs HTTPS and SSL vs TLS: How they work together
HTTP and HTTPS are not 2 separate protocols. Rather, HTTPS is a specified version of HTTP since it specifically uses TLS/SSL certificates. HTTPS is therefore just a more secure version of HTTP and is safer to use to transfer information.
SSL certificates are an outdated term for what are now called TLS certificates. They essentially perform the same security functions, a lot of people are still using the term SSL while others are using TLS. It’s important to remember that they are the same thing, which is why TLS/SSL is one of the more common ways to refer to the certificates so that people can understand that they are the same.
The default network will start as HTTP. To make your network secure, you’ll need to install a TLS/SSL certificate onto the web server that you are using. Once this is done, the certificate will authenticate your organization’s identity to start up the HTTPS protocol. This will ensure that data can be transferred securely from a web server to a web browser.
Why are SSL ports important?
TLS/SSL certificates are going to be your most reliable ticket to a safe transfer of information. While safety is incredibly important, here are are few other things to consider:
- PCI compliance requires HTTPS usage: To have any type of online payments, you have to be compliant with the Payment Card Industry. This will also keep both your information and your customer’s information safe.
- Cybercrime: With more businesses, users and internet hackers using the internet every day, it’s safe to say that security is of the utmost importance now more than ever. Keeping your business safer by using an SSL certificate port is going to be one of your best preventative measures to take when it comes to cyber security.
- HTTPS is faster than HTTP: If you have a TLS/SSL certificate protected page making it HTTPS, then your information will likely load much faster than on an HTTP page.
Learn more about machine identity security, and how it can benefit your organization!
