Perfect Forward Secrecy is a security feature used in encrypted communications. It ensures that if someone gets access to the encryption keys used today, they still cannot read past conversations. This is because each session uses a unique, temporary key that is not stored after the session ends. Even if a server’s long-term private key…
Secure key exchange is the process of safely sharing secret cryptographic keys between two parties over a potentially insecure channel. This ensures that only the intended participants can use the key to encrypt or decrypt messages, even if others are listening in. Techniques like Diffie-Hellman and RSA are commonly used to achieve this secure exchange,…
OCSP Stapling is a method used to check if a website’s SSL certificate is still valid without each visitor having to contact the certificate authority directly. Instead, the website server periodically gets a signed response from the certificate authority and ‘staples’ this proof to its SSL certificate during the connection process. This makes the process…
A Certificate Revocation List (CRL) is a list published by a certificate authority that shows which digital certificates are no longer valid before their scheduled expiry dates. Certificates can be revoked for reasons such as compromise, loss, or misuse of the private key. Systems and users check CRLs to ensure that a certificate is still…
Certificate pinning is a security technique used to ensure that a website or app only communicates with trusted servers. It works by storing a copy of the server’s digital certificate or public key within the app or client. When the app connects to a server, it checks that the server’s certificate matches the stored one….
TLS handshake optimisation refers to improving the process where two computers securely agree on how to communicate using encryption. The handshake is the first step in setting up a secure connection, and it can add delay if not managed well. By optimising this process, websites and applications can load faster and provide a smoother experience…
Secure protocol design is the process of creating rules and procedures that allow computers and devices to communicate safely over a network. This involves making sure that information is protected from eavesdropping, tampering, or unauthorised access while being sent from one place to another. The design must consider possible threats and ensure that communication remains…
Packet capture analysis is the process of collecting and examining data packets as they travel across a computer network. By capturing these packets, analysts can see the exact information being sent and received, including details about protocols, sources, destinations, and content. This helps identify network issues, security threats, or performance problems by providing a clear…
Network flow analysis is the study of how information, resources, or goods move through a network, such as a computer network, a road system, or even a supply chain. It looks at the paths taken, the capacity of each route, and how efficiently things move from one point to another. This analysis helps identify bottlenecks,…
Route Origin Validation is a security process used in internet routing to check if the organisation announcing a particular block of IP addresses is authorised to do so. It helps prevent accidental or malicious rerouting of data by verifying the legitimacy of route announcements. This process relies on a system where network owners register which…