Mutual TLS
Mutual TLS (mTLS) is a security protocol that enables two-way authentication between a client and a server using TLS/SSL certificates. It requires both parties to present and validate digital certificates, ensuring that each endpoint verifies the other's identity before establishing a secure connection. This provides stronger security than standard TLS, which only authenticates the server to the client.
Developers should use mTLS in scenarios requiring high-security communication, such as microservices architectures, API gateways, IoT device authentication, and internal service-to-service communication in zero-trust networks. It is essential for preventing man-in-the-middle attacks and ensuring that only authorized clients can access sensitive services, making it ideal for financial, healthcare, and government applications.