Introduction
In the ever-evolving landscape of cybersecurity and internet protocols, it's crucial to stay up-to-date with the latest security standards. One of the significant shifts in recent years has been the gradual phasing out of older TLS (Transport Layer Security) versions by service and software providers. TLS 1.1 and older versions are no longer supported by many services and software, and this shift is driven by the need for improved security and the adoption of newer, more robust encryption protocols. In this article, we'll explore why we at Maxer as a hosting provider and the server software that we use have dropped support for these older TLS versions and which operating systems support TLS 1.2 and later.
The Need for Stronger Security
TLS, the successor to SSL (Secure Sockets Layer), is a crucial protocol for securing data transmission over the internet. It encrypts the data exchanged between a client (e.g., a web browser or email program) and a server, ensuring that sensitive information remains confidential and protected from unauthorized access.
Over time, vulnerabilities and weaknesses have been discovered in older TLS versions, particularly TLS 1.0 and 1.1. These vulnerabilities, such as BEAST (Browser Exploit Against SSL/TLS) and POODLE (Padding Oracle On Downgraded Legacy Encryption), made it clear that these older protocols were no longer sufficiently secure to protect against modern cyber threats.
As a result, the security community, browser vendors and service providers started encouraging the use of more secure TLS versions, such as TLS 1.2 and later. These newer versions of TLS employ stronger encryption algorithms and offer improved security features, making them better equipped to defend against cyberattacks.
Why We and Other Service/Software Providers Are Dropping Support
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Compliance Requirements: Many industries, including finance, healthcare, and e-commerce, have strict regulatory requirements for data security. To meet these compliance standards, we are compelled to use the latest encryption protocols. Older TLS versions no longer meet the necessary security criteria.
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Vulnerabilities and Exploits: As mentioned earlier, known vulnerabilities in TLS 1.0 and 1.1 can be exploited by attackers. We prioritize security and want to protect our customers' data. Discontinuing support for these vulnerable protocols is a proactive measure to enhance security.
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Industry Standards: The industry as a whole has been moving towards deprecating older encryption standards in favor of newer, more robust ones. This includes not only TLS, but also cryptographic algorithms and hashing functions. We adopt these industry standards to ensure the highest level of security for our customers.
Operating Systems That Support TLS 1.2 and Later
To take full advantage of the enhanced security provided by TLS 1.2 and later versions, it's essential to use operating systems that support these protocols. Most modern operating systems do support these secure TLS versions, ensuring that users can connect securely to websites, email accounts and other services. Here's a list of some common operating systems and their support for TLS 1.2 and later:
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Windows: Windows 7 (starting with build 7601 [SP1]) and later versions including Windows 8, 8.1, 10 and 11 support TLS 1.2. Windows Server 2008 R2 and later also offer TLS 1.2 support. Only Windows 10 and Windows Server 2019 or later versions are currently supported by Microsoft and still receive security updates.
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macOS: macOS 10.9 (Mavericks) and later versions have TLS 1.2 support built-in. Only macOS 11 and later versions are currently supported by Apple and still receive security updates.
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Linux: Most Linux distributions released in recent years have TLS 1.2 and later support by default. It's essential to keep your Linux system updated to ensure you have the latest security enhancements.
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Android: Android 5.0 (Lollipop) and newer versions support TLS 1.2 and later. Only Android 11 and later are currently supported by Google and still receive security updates.
TLS support is not relevant only in operating systems, but also third-party software, such as browsers and email programs. Here you can find a more detailed list of popular applications and their TLS support: TLS Protocol Compatibility - GlobalSign Support
Conclusion
The retirement of TLS 1.1 and older versions by software and service providers is a significant step towards improving online security. As cyber threats continue to evolve, the importance of robust encryption protocols cannot be overstated. By migrating to TLS 1.2 and later, we and other service providers are taking a proactive approach to safeguarding sensitive data and meeting compliance requirements.
To ensure that your online interactions remain secure, it's essential to use up-to-date operating systems that support TLS 1.2 and later. By doing so, you contribute to a safer online environment and reduce the risk of falling victim to cyberattacks that exploit vulnerabilities in outdated security protocols.
Updated by SP on 04/10/2023
