SSH vs SSL: Key Differences and Use Cases

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When it comes to internet security, two widely used protocols – SSH and SSL – are often confused due to their similar roles in securing communications. However, the two protocols serve different purposes, as each is a security protocol with different use cases. Understanding the difference between SSH and SSL is essential, whether you manage remote servers or secure online transactions.

In this article, we'll take a detailed look at the differences mobile app development service between SSH and SSL , how they work, and when you should use each.

Table of contents

What is SSH?
What is SSL?
Key Differences Between SSH and SSL
Common Misconceptions About SSH and SSL
What is SSH?
SSH (Secure Shell) is a cryptographic network protocol that provides secure communication between a client (such as your computer) and a remote server. It was designed to replace older protocols such as Telnet , which transmitted data, including passwords, in clear text, making it easy for attackers to intercept.

How SSH Works
SSH uses public key cryptography to authenticate the remote server and user. Here's how the process typically unfolds:




The client requests a secure connection to a remote server, typically over port 22 .
The server sends its public key to the client.
Both the server and the client agree on an encryption method to establish a secure session.
The process of server and client authentication involves authenticating the client using a password or private key .
After authentication, the communication between the client and the server is encrypted , making it unreadable to anyone trying to intercept it.
This makes SSH the primary protocol for system administrators who need to remotely and securely manage servers. It also provides features such as secure file transfers using tools such as SCP or SSH File Transfer Protocol (SFTP) .

For more detailed information on how SSH works, you can refer to the official OpenSSH documentation .

SSH Usage Examples
Remote Server Management : System administrators use SSH client to securely log into remote servers.
File Transfer : Using SCP or SFTP , you can transfer files between computers securely.
Tunneling : SSH allows you to create tunnels, which allows you to securely send traffic from one network to another.
What is SSL?
SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) , which has now been largely replaced by TLS (Transport Layer Security) , is a protocol designed to secure communications over a network. SSL is most commonly used to encrypt data between a web server and a browser, ensuring that any information being transmitted, such as passwords or credit card information, is secure from intruders.