What is the Current SSL/TLS Protocol?

The Current SSL/TLS Protocol refers to the specific version of the SSL/TLS protocol that was negotiated and is actively being used for the secure connection. This represents the agreed-upon protocol version between the client and server after the TLS handshake process, which may differ from the maximum protocol version supported by either party.

Protocol Version Negotiation

During the TLS handshake, the client and server negotiate the highest mutually supported protocol version:

Client Hello: Client announces supported protocol versions
Server Response: Server selects the highest common version
Fallback Prevention: Modern implementations prevent downgrade attacks
Version Compatibility: Ensures interoperability across different systems

Security Implications and Best Practices

The current protocol version directly impacts the security posture of the connection. TLS 1.3 offers the strongest security with improved encryption and reduced handshake complexity, while older versions like TLS 1.0 and 1.1 are deprecated due to known vulnerabilities. Organizations should monitor current protocol usage to ensure clients are connecting with secure versions and identify systems that may need updates to support modern TLS versions. Regular auditing of current protocol usage helps maintain optimal security while ensuring compatibility with legitimate client systems.