17 November 2022

SSH Vs SSL | Difference | Comparison

Secure Shell(SSH) and Secure Socket Layer(SSL) both are network protocols. SSH uses encryption to secure the connection between a client and a server. SSL  is a technology for establishing an encrypted link between a web server and a browser. So main difference between SSH and SSL is that SSH is used to establish a secure channel to the different computers through which commands, data transfers, etc can be done. SSH allows you to issue commands, whereas SSL is used to securely transfer data between two parties. So let's debate SSH Vs SSL to understand more about it.

What is SSH?

SSH stands for Secure shell. It is a network protocol that uses cryptography to connect to servers and network equipment across the internet. It is a type of network protocol that is used to access remote computer systems. It uses port 22 and uses public key cryptography for authentication. 

What is SSL?

SSL stands for Secure Socket Layer, It is a networking protocol known as this one that allows for secure transmission over an insecure network. Public key encryption, which is used by SSL, calls for a certificate. Web browsing, messaging services, emailing and other networking activities like FTP network all uses SSL. 

SSH Vs SSL | Difference between SSH and SSL:

  • SSH is a cryptographic tunneling protocol and has a username/password authentication system. While the SSL does not have a username/password authentication system like SSH.
  • SSH work on port number 22, and SSL works on port number 443.
  • SSH completely depends on the network tunneling. SSL is asynchronous as it depends on the certificates.
  • SSH is a remote protocol. SSL is a security protocol.
  • SSH is for securely executing commands on a server. SSL is used for securely communicating personal information.
  • SSH works on the three-stage process for server and client authentication process. While X.509 digital certificates are typically required for server and client authentication when using SSL.
  • SSH is appropriate and effective for securely executing commands across the internet. SSL is best suited for securely transferring critical data like in credit cards and banking.
  • SSH encrypts the communication between two computers over the internet. While SSL encrypts the communication between the browser and the server.
  • SSH is a network cryptographic network protocol, and SSL is a security protocol.
  • SSH provides data confidentiality by using symmetric key algorithms. While SSL adopts the combination of both symmetric and asymmetric encryption algorithms to provide data privacy.
  • SSH is working based on network tunnels. SSL is working based on digital certificates.
  • In SSH, Data integrity is measured with algorithms like SHA, SHA-2, and SHA-256. While the SSL,  data integrity is measured with the meassge digest and added to encrypted data before the data is sent. 
Explore more information:
Thank you for reading this article. Still, if you have any questions or queries in your mind on SSH Vs SSL then please ask us in the comment section below.