TLS/SSL Port Meaning
A TLS/SSL port is a portion of the network used for the creation of secure connections on the Internet using the Transport Layer Security or Secure Socket Layer. Such protocols are used for encryption and authentication so that data being exchanged between a client, like a web browser, and a server does not get compromised and is complete.
Through the use of encryption to communicate, TLS/SSL can assist in combating spying, interference, and falsification of messages.
Common SSL Certificate Port Numbers
HTTPS - Port 443
TCP port 443 is used for the communication between a client and a server protected with the HTTPS protocol.
Its primary usefulness is in running secure web connections. Whenever a user goes to a webpage under HTTPS, the communication session between his/her browser and the web server is secure by SSL/TLS.
This ensures that all collected information, ranging from personal details, payment information, and account details, is not accessible to bad people who may intercept the information passed between the browser and the server.
SMTPS - Port 465
Port 465 was previously assigned for Secure SMTP (Simple Mail Transfer Protocol Secure). It also includes the general use of emails in security.
While nowadays most mail providers have extended support for it and switched to STARTTLS on TCP 587, TCP 465 for secure SMTP is still in use by some providers.
This port ensures that the email, which was sent by a client to a mail server, is encrypted so that unauthorized people cannot have access to the content of the mail as they are being transmitted.
SMTP with STARTTLS - Port 587
Port 587 is the current port for SMTP, or the Simple Mail Transfer Protocol, that supports STARTTLS. It is used for sending emails safely, and it is also used for many other purposes.
An example of an extension is STARTTLS, which tells the mail server to change an unsafe connection into a safe connection through SSL/TLS. SMTP port is used and advocated widely for the submission of mail.
This is because it guarantees that emails are protected by encryption as they pass from the client to the mail server.
IMAPS - Port 993
Port 993 is the default port for SSL/TLS protected IMAP protocol used in internet communication.
It is adopted for pulling down emails from a mail server in a safe manner. IMAP enables users to read their emails on several computers/places, and port 993 ensures that the connection between the email client and the server is secure.
This ensures that email data is secure at the various points where it is accessed or manipulated in devices.
POP3S - Port 995
For instance, the secure version of POP3, otherwise known as Post Office Protocol 3, commonly uses port 995, which is over SSL/TLS. It is used for downloading messages safely from a mail host.
POP3 normally over an SSL connection downloads emails for offline use, and to make sure this download is encrypted, we use Port 995. This aids in enforcing the confidentiality and integrity of the email data during the transfer from the server to the local device.
LDAPS - Port 636
This port is used by LDAP over SSL/TLS, which is the standard secure LDAP port or port 636. It is used for creating secure directory services.
LDAPS is utilized for encrypting the connection between clients and LDAP servers, which can be employed for maintaining user identification and also other directory info.
Through the use of port 636, the organizations enhance the security of directory data from other people who might have an intention of eavesdropping on the data or accessing it in any other unlawful way.
XMPP over SSL - Port 5223
The commonly used port for encrypted XMPP (Extensible Messaging and Presence Protocol) is port 5223. It is used to provide a method of secure instant messaging.
XMPP is used for broadcasting instant messages and presence information, and port 5223 ensures that the XMPP communication is secure.
This is important because it offers privacy and security to the messages exchanged by the users, and this helps to prevent interception and malicious alteration.
Web, Email, and cPanel TCP Ports
Email Ports:
- Port 25 (SMTP): This port is used for sending outgoing email messages. SMTP (Simple Mail Transfer Protocol) is the protocol used for email transmission.
- Port 587 (SMTP Submission): This port is also used for sending email messages, especially by email clients and other mail user agents. It supports the use of STARTTLS for encryption.
- Port 110 (POP3): This port is used for receiving email messages from a server using the POP3 (Post Office Protocol version 3) protocol.
- Port 995 (POP3S): This port is used for secure POP3 email retrieval over SSL/TLS encryption.
- Port 143 (IMAP): This port is used for retrieving email messages from a server using the IMAP (Internet Message Access Protocol) protocol.
- Port 993 (IMAPS): This port is used for secure IMAP email retrieval over SSL/TLS encryption.
Web Ports:
- Port 80 (HTTP): This is the default port for the unencrypted data transfer that comes with the HTTP protocol. Port 80 is largely used for browsing the internet in order to access various websites.
- Port 443 (HTTPS): This is the port used to access this HTTPS traffic, which is HTTP over SSL/TLS encrypted. Port 443 helps in the secure transmission of data between web browsers and servers, and thus, personal information like login credentials and payment information.
cPanel Ports:
- Port 2082 (cPanel): This port is used for unencrypted HTTP access to cPanel. It provides web-based management of hosting accounts and servers.
- Port 2083 (cPanel SSL): This port is used for HTTPS access to cPanel, providing secure web-based management of hosting accounts and servers.
- Port 2086 (WHM): This port is used for unencrypted HTTP access to WebHost Manager (WHM), which is used for server administration tasks in cPanel hosting environments.
- Port 2087 (WHM SSL): This port is used for HTTPS access to WHM, providing secure server administration tasks in cPanel hosting environments.
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