Comparison between SSL and SSH

Here’s a clear comparison between SSL and SSH, two important network security protocols:

🔐 SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) / TLS (Transport Layer Security)

• Purpose: Secures data transfer over the internet (primarily for websites).
• Use Cases:
  • Secures web traffic (HTTPS)
  • Used in email protocols (IMAPS, SMTPS, POP3S)
  • Used in VPNs, VoIP, etc.
• Port Example: HTTPS runs on port 443
• Encryption: Encrypts data between client and server to prevent eavesdropping.
• Authentication: Uses digital certificates (X.509) to verify the server identity.
• Typical Users: Web browsers, APIs, mail clients, etc.
• Example: When you visit https://www.example.com, SSL/TLS encrypts the connection between your browser and the server.

🔐 SSH (Secure Shell)

• Purpose: Securely access and control remote systems (especially for system admins).
• Use Cases:
  • Remote login to servers (like Linux/Unix servers)
  • Secure file transfer (SCP, SFTP)
  • Port forwarding/tunneling
• Port Example: SSH runs on port 22
• Encryption: Encrypts terminal session and data over the connection.
• Authentication: Uses passwords or SSH keys (public/private key pair).
• Typical Users: System administrators, DevOps engineers, developers.
• Example: Running ssh [email protected] to log into a server remotely.

🆚 Key Differences: