SSH vs SSL: What Are the Similarities and Differences?

SSH and SSL confusion seems to be understood as both the security protocols protect the data.

SSL protects your data online. On the other hand, SSH allows you to access network services securely.

SSH vs. SSL comparison is quite helpful to understand them deeper.

Let us examine the two to know more about them.

SSH Meaning

SSH is the secure shell. This cryptographic protocol allows people to access a server securely on the internet.

How Does SSH Work?

Let’s say a person has a server (be it a computer or a hard drive), and he intends to access it from another computer that is not in the same location.

Then that person will log in on that server with the secure shell connection from the second computer and control the original server. This way, he can add or delete files. He can also reformat the disk.

While running websites, most often, the site files are hosted on some other server.

This is where SSH comes into play. It secures that connection between the computer and the server you intend to access.

SSH makes strong security between the two endpoints so you can access files safely.

Functions of SSH

It has two functions: encryption and authentication.

A) Encryption

The data transferred between the two endpoints is encrypted.

B) Authentication

SSH employs identity verification.

Benefit of SSH

• Because of SSH, you can transfer files from the remote server security, and it won’t be intercepted by cybercriminals. This way, it makes your site more secure.
• It allows you to issue remote commands securely.

SSH vs. SFTP

SFTP stands for SSH file transfer protocol.

SSH secures the data between two endpoints. At the same time, SFTP makes use of SSH to secure data transfer on an internet connection.

SFTP establishes an authenticated connection and offers a large amount of file transfer protection. It keeps files safe during the process with the SSH protocol.

SSH vs. Telnet

Tenet is the telecommunication and network. This networking protocol is designed for LAN. Telnet protocol isn’t secured.

In telnet, data is transferred in simple plain text. In contrast, SSH transfers data in an encrypted format.

What is SSL?

SSL is the secure socket layer. This is a data encryption tool for websites.

SSL secures the data transmitted between the browser and the webserver.

What is an SSL Certificate?

SSL certificates move the site from HTTP to HTTPS and make it more secure.

An SSL certificate verifies the website’s ownership and gains user trust. It keeps the data secure.

Main Functions of SSL

The two main functions of SSL with which it secures your data online are data encryption and authentication.

A) Data Encryption

The SSL certificates make use of a robust encryption algorithm to encrypt the data sent between the web server and the browser.

B) Authentication

Authentication saves you from communicating with a malicious client. The browser first confirms the website identity and then establishes an encrypted connection with it via the SSL.

An organization or an individual gets an SSL certificate only after verifying its identity by the certification authority (CA). CA is a trusted third party.

How Does SSL Work?

SSL actually encrypts the back-and-forth communication between a user and a website. This way, it protects the data that you enter on a website and prevents hackers from stealing it.

When you submit your important information like credit card details on a website, it might happen that a hacker sits in between your web browser and the site on which you are adding the details.

This man in the middle can steal your credit card details.

In contrast, a website with an SSL does not allow anyone to steal your data and thus improves privacy and site security.

The SSL certificate installed on your site acts as your identity testimony.

SSL has two keys. A private key and a public key. The public key is public and is available to everyone. In contrast, the private key is stored on the web server.

Data encryption is done with the public key, and its decryption occurs with the private key.

Benefits

• It secures the information (for example, password, credit card details, etc.) that you enter on a website.
• Websites with SSL enabled to have a better SEO ranking as Google is emphasizing it.
• Having an SSL certificate on the site helps you get the user’s trust and more sales.
• It protects online transactions.
• Also, it protects intranet-based traffic.

Check out IPsec VPN Vs. SSL VPN: How they Work?

SSL vs. TLS: What is the Difference Between SSL & TLS?

The improved version of SSL is the TLS. This modern version of SSL offers improved security.

SSH vs SSL

SSH means the secure shell, whereas SSL stands for the secure socket layer.

1. Working

SSH works in creating a secure remove link to the server. On the other hand, SSL creates a secure connection between the user and the website.

2. Protection

SSH offers protection to your site files while making them on the server through a remote connection. It makes sure that they are not stolen or compromised.

In comparison, the SSL protects the information that a user types in on your site.

3. Port

SSL runs on port 22 while SSH runs on port 443.

4. Performance Dependency

The SSL performs its task depending on the SSL/TLS certificates. In comparison, the SSH performs its duty based on the network tunnels.

5. Threat & Data Protection

SSL protects you from identity theft and the man in the middle attack. Where is SSH offers impressive protection against data manipulation, DNS spoofing, IP address spoofing, IP source routing, data sniffing, etc.

6. Benefits

SSH’s benefit is that it offers site file security. It secures your connection to the server.

On the other hand, SSL offers SEO improvement and builds user trust. Furthermore, SSL increases overall site security.

SSH vs SSL vs HTTPS

HTTPS is a protocol that offers encrypted communication with SSL or TLS.

HTTPS is a connection that secures data using TLS/SSL.

On the other hand, SSH allows you to have a secured remote connection.

Summary

Saving information online is the need of the day. SSL and SSH are two important web security protocols that protect your data online. They make use of reliable encryption technologies and prevent hackers from stealing your data.

SSL and SSH no doubt have some similarities, but they come up with differences too.

SSH vs. SSL comparison helps you understand the two security modes in depth.

Also, Read Two Way SSL