· 2 min read

TLS-ECDHE-PSK-WITH-NULL-SHA Cipher Suite

A breakdown of the Cipher Suite TLS_ECDHE_PSK_WITH_NULL_SHA, its strengths, and its weaknesses.

Key Exchange Mechanism

Elliptic Curve Diffie Hellman Ephemeral - ECDHE

Grade - A

ECDHE (Elliptic Curve Diffie-Hellman Ephemeral) is used because it enhances security through the use of ephemeral keys, which are temporary and unique for each session. This ensures that even if one session’s key is compromised, past and future sessions remain secure. ECDHE provides perfect forward secrecy, meaning that the compromise of long-term keys does not affect the confidentiality of past communications. The ephemeral nature of the keys significantly reduces the risk of long-term data breaches and enhances the overall robustness of the cryptographic protocol.

Authentication

Pre-Shared Key - PSK

Grade - A

PSK (Pre-Shared Key) cipher suites are used for authentication in secure communication protocols like TLS. They allow parties to establish a shared secret beforehand, ensuring confidentiality and integrity of data exchanges without the overhead of public key infrastructure (PKI), suitable for constrained environments or specific security requirements.

Cipher

Null Cipher - NULL

Grade - F

Null encryption ciphers are bad because they provide no encryption, leaving data transmitted over the network completely unprotected. This means that any information sent, such as passwords, personal details, or confidential messages, can be easily intercepted and read by anyone with access to the network traffic. Without encryption, the confidentiality and integrity of the data are compromised, making it highly vulnerable to eavesdropping, tampering, and unauthorized access. In essence, using Null encryption defeats the primary purpose of secure communication protocols, which is to safeguard data from potential threats.

Hash

Null Hash - NULL

Grade - F

Null hashes are bad in cipher suites because they provide no integrity protection, making the communication vulnerable to undetected tampering or data corruption. This compromises the security by allowing potential attackers to alter messages without detection, undermining the confidentiality and trustworthiness of the communication.Null hashes are bad because they provide no integrity checks, leaving data transmitted over the network completely unprotected. This means that any information sent, such as passwords, personal details, or confidential messages, can be easily intercepted and read by anyone with access to the network traffic. Without encryption, the confidentiality and integrity of the data are compromised, making it highly vulnerable to eavesdropping, tampering, and unauthorized access. In essence, using Null encryption defeats the primary purpose of secure communication protocols, which is to safeguard data from potential threats.

    Share:
    Back to Blog

    Related Posts

    View All Posts »
    Anti Spam Laws Around the World

    Anti Spam Laws Around the World

    Spam, unsolicited electronic communication, has become a global issue that affects individuals, businesses, and governments alike. Various countries have developed anti-spam laws to protect consumers from unwanted emails, messages, and other forms of digital marketing. These laws vary by region, but they generally focus on requiring consent from recipients, providing clear opt-out mechanisms, and penalizing violators with hefty fines. Below is an overview of key anti-spam regulations from the United States, Canada, New Zealand, Australia, Ireland, and the United Kingdom.

    What is Risk Reductin in Cyber Security - 50 Ways to Reduce Risk

    What is Risk Reductin in Cyber Security - 50 Ways to Reduce Risk

    Explore the essentials of risk reduction in cyber security and learn how to proactively protect your organization. Uncover strategies for minimizing vulnerabilities, strengthening defenses, and implementing best practices to lower potential cyber threats and ensure robust digital security.

    What is Risk Transfer in Cyber Security - 40 Ways to Transfer Risk

    What is Risk Transfer in Cyber Security - 40 Ways to Transfer Risk

    Discover how risk transfer in cyber security can safeguard your organization. Learn about strategies to mitigate potential cyber threats by shifting liability, utilizing insurance, and partnering with third-party experts. Explore effective ways to protect your digital assets.