Transport Layer Security (TLS) is a cryptographic protocol that creates secure, private network connections over the public internet. It protects data passing over the internet by encrypting it with asymmetric and symmetric keys, ensuring authentication, data privacy, and integrity. TLS is used to secure web traffic, email, messaging, video conferencing, and other internet applications. Its most recognizable use is securing web traffic, but it also protects other forms of internet communications. TLS works in two stages: setting up a secure connection between a client and server and then using cryptography to protect the exchanged records. It uses digital certificates to confirm the server's and sometimes the client's identities and has built-in integrity checks to prevent tampering with data in transit. TLS is essential for protecting data passing over the public internet, especially when browsing the web or accessing other online services.