The SSL/TLS protocol is used when security for data sent over the Internet is important. These protocols ensure a secure connection across a TCP/IP network for MCP applications.

On a ClearPath MCP server, these protocols provide encryption, and client and server authentication, before data is exchanged. Currently, secure Web objects owned by Web Transaction Server, SOCKETSUPPORT, FTP, and Security Center support SSL/TLS.

SSL/TLS provides a common security layer for all TCP/IP applications. When SSL/TLS is enabled, the client application and the server application agree on the security parameters that will be used in securing the data. Data can then be transmitted over the network as encrypted and be decrypted when it reaches the destination system, before being presented to the application. As part of the SSL/TLS protocol, the identity of the server is authenticated, and optionally the client is authenticated.