Comparison SSH vs SSL to keys, locks, doors, and bricks is a great way to understand their roles in providing security for computer communication.
SSL (Secure Sockets Layer):
SSL is a technology used to secure the communication between your web browser and a website’s server. It’s primarily used for securing data transferred over the internet, like when you’re shopping online or logging into your bank account.
SSH (Secure Shell):
SSH, on the other hand, is used for securely connecting to remote servers or computers over a network. It’s commonly used by system administrators, developers, and IT professionals to access and manage servers.
Which Is More Secure?
Both SSL vs SSH are highly secure when used correctly. The level of security often depends on how well they are implemented and configured.
For internet browsing and securing online transactions, SSL is essential and widely adopted. It’s user-friendly and automatically integrated into web browsers, so you don’t need to do much to benefit from it.
On the other hand, SSH is crucial for secure remote server access and management. While it may require more technical knowledge to set up, it provides robust security for server-related tasks.
ssh is like a key (private) and the lock (public)
ssl is like the door and the bricks.
ssl provides a secure link between the two computer servers. eg, Yours and the one your connecting to.
ssh is how the connecting computer can verify itself and gain access.
Security Comparison:
Both SSL and SSH are champions of security when used correctly:
- SSL secures your internet browsing, online shopping, and email. It ensures your data stays safe as it travels from your computer to a website’s server. The little padlock in your browser’s address bar means SSL is on duty, protecting you.
- SSH, on the other hand, is your go-to for remote computer access and control. It’s used by tech-savvy folks to manage servers. With SSH, you have a strong, secret key to enter the remote computer’s world securely.
Uses:
USe SSL for Web traffic, email, and online activites
Use SSH for securely accessing and manging remote servers and network devices
SSL Here’s how it works
- Encryption: SSL encrypts the data that’s sent between your device and the website’s server. This means that even if someone intercepts the data, they can’t read it because it’s scrambled without the proper decryption key.
- Authentication: SSL also helps ensure that you’re connecting to the right website and not a malicious one. When you see that little padlock icon in your browser’s address bar, it means the website’s identity has been verified, and the connection is secure.
- Widely Used: SSL is used for most websites that start with “https://” in their URL. It’s easy to use and doesn’t require much technical knowledge from the end user.
SSH Here’s how it works:
1. Authentication:
SSH uses encryption to ensure that the connection between your computer and the remote server is secure. It also uses public and private keys to verify your identity, making it much harder for unauthorized users to access the server.
Secure Remote Access:
- SSH allows you to remotely control and manage a server as if you were physically present. This is extremely useful for tasks like troubleshooting, software updates, and file transfers.
3. Technical Knowledge Needed:
- SSH is a bit more technical and might require some setup, such as generating keys and configuring access on the server. It’s not typically used for everyday internet browsing.
Read also: How to Disallow Multiple SSH Requests