TLS (Transport Layer Security) is a security protocol that protects data during the process of transmission. The following are the steps you can use to determine the TLS version of a website. To open Chrome DevTools, use the F12 key, go to the Security tab, and select the padlock icon located at the bottom of the URL.
For Firefox users, you can click on the Tune icon and then select the Connection secure option to get the TLS details. To get TLS information, in the command line, type nmap –script ssl-enum-ciphers -p 443 example.com.
You can get detailed TLS analysis of a website using SSL Labs’ Server Test, which is an online tool.
What is a TLS and what is the importance of it?
In this article, we will learn more about what TLS is and why it is important to check the TLS version of a website. TLS is an acronym for Transport Layer Security, which is the security protocol that replaces the older SSL protocol and is used to provide security when data is sent over a network. A digital handshake that provides your users with the confidence that their information is secure from prudential interception – be it a large corporation’s sensitive customer information or this simple search query.
TLS has been around for quite a few years and has gone through several iterations, with each new version being stronger than the previous one in terms of encryption and security. For instance, TLS 1.0 and 1.1 are now considered insecure and are being deprecated, while TLS 1.2 and 1.3 are the most secure versions currently in use. To ensure that you are using the most secure version of TLS for your website, it is important to know how to check the TLS version of a website.
Do you have to know the TLS version?
Still, haven’t understood the importance of the issue? Well, the use of weak TLS versions exposes websites to risks such as MITM attacks and data leakage. If you have ever thought what TLS version am I using and got an answer that it is an older version, then you should act. Chrome and Firefox have deprecated support for the older TLS versions, which means users may be unable to establish a connection with certain websites that do not conform to the new standards.
In business, the issue of the proper TLS version is not only a technological issue but may also affect the visitors’ trust and even the website position in the search engines. For instance, Google includes the use of secure protocols when coming up with its search engine algorithms. So, it is not only useful but also necessary to know how to check what TLS version is used on your website.
How to Check What TLS Version is Being Used?
There are multiple ways to check the TLS version of a website.
Here’s a breakdown of the most common methods:
- Using Your Web Browser
- Using Online TLS Checker Tools
- Command-Line Tools for Advanced Users
- Using Browser Extensions
1. Using Your Web Browser
Your browser is often the quickest way to check a website’s TLS version:
Google Chrome:
- Open the website to check.
- Click the padlock icon in the address bar.
- Select “Connection is secure” (or similar wording).
- Check the TLS version in security settings (may not be explicitly shown).
Mozilla Firefox:
- Visit the website to investigate.
- Right-click and select Inspect or press Ctrl+Shift+I (Windows/Linux) or Cmd+Opt+I (Mac).
- Open the “Security” tab in developer tools.
- View certificate details and TLS version.
2. Using Online TLS Checker Tools
If you’re not comfortable using developer tools, online tools can help you find TLS version effortlessly. Tools like SSL Checker or Why No Padlock allow you to enter a website’s URL and analyze its TLS configuration. These tools provide detailed reports, including the TLS version, certificate details, and potential vulnerabilities.
3. Command-Line Tools for Advanced Users
If you’re a bit more technically savvy, command-line tools can offer a faster and more precise way to check TLS versions.
Here’s how:
Using OpenSSL:
- Open a terminal or command prompt.
- Run this command:
openssl s_client -connect example.com:443 -tls1_2
Replace example.com with the website you’re testing. The -tls1_2 flag forces the connection to use TLS 1.2. If the connection is successful, the website supports that TLS version. You can replace -tls1_2 with -tls1_3 to test for TLS 1.3.
This method is particularly useful for developers who need to check TLS version of website programmatically.
Note: If the connection fails, the server likely doesn’t support the specified TLS version.
Using cURL:
- Install cURL if it’s not already on your system.
- Run the following command:
curl -I --tlsv1.2 https://example.com
4. Using Browser Extensions
Browser extensions like SSL/TLS Capabilities of Your Browser (available for Chrome) can help you see what TLS version is being used. These extensions provide real-time information about the TLS version and other security settings of the websites you visit.
Why You Should Regularly Check TLS Versions
Knowing how to check TLS version is not just a technical exercise—it’s a critical step in maintaining online security.
Here’s why:
- Security: Newer TLS versions (like TLS 1.2 and 1.3) offer stronger encryption and protection against cyber threats.
- Compliance: Many regulatory standards, such as PCI DSS, require the use of up-to-date TLS versions.
- User Trust: Websites using outdated TLS versions may display security warnings, deterring users from visiting.
Final Thoughts
Checking a website’s TLS version is a straightforward yet critical step to ensure secure online interactions. Whether you’re using a browser, an online tool, or command-line utilities, staying informed about TLS protocols can help protect your data and ensure compliance with security standards. Remember, security is a moving target—regularly monitoring and updating your systems is key to staying ahead of potential threats.
By following the methods outlined above, you can easily determine what TLS version is being used and take steps to enhance your online security.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What TLS version am I using?
You can check your TLS version using browser developer tools, online TLS checkers, or command-line utilities like OpenSSL. These methods reveal the TLS version used for a specific website.
How can I find the TLS version in use?
You can check the TLS version by using browser developer tools (e.g., Chrome’s Security tab), online tools like SSL Checker or OpenSSL commands, or browser extensions that display TLS information.
How do I check a website’s TLS version?
To check a website’s TLS version, inspect its security settings using browser developer tools, enter the URL into an online TLS checker, run OpenSSL or similar command-line tools, or use a browser extension that provides TLS details.
Priya Mervana
Verified Web Security Experts
Priya Mervana is working at SSLInsights.com as a web security expert with over 10 years of experience writing about encryption, SSL certificates, and online privacy. She aims to make complex security topics easily understandable for everyday internet users.
