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CCSP · Question #51

The Transport Layer Security (TLS) protocol creates a secure communications channel over public media (such as the Internet). In a typical TLS session, who initiates the protocol?

The correct answer is B. The client. The Transport Layer Security (TLS) protocol is typically initiated by the client to establish a secure communication channel with a server.

Submitted by skyler.x· Apr 18, 2026Cloud Platform & Infrastructure Security

Question

The Transport Layer Security (TLS) protocol creates a secure communications channel over public media (such as the Internet). In a typical TLS session, who initiates the protocol?

Options

  • AThe server
  • BThe client
  • CThe certifying authority
  • DThe ISP

How the community answered

(26 responses)
  • B
    88% (23)
  • C
    4% (1)
  • D
    8% (2)

Why each option

The Transport Layer Security (TLS) protocol is typically initiated by the client to establish a secure communication channel with a server.

AThe server

The server responds to the client's initiation; it does not typically initiate the TLS handshake itself.

BThe clientCorrect

In a typical TLS handshake, the client initiates the secure connection by sending a "ClientHello" message to the server, indicating its intention to communicate securely. This message includes information like supported TLS versions and cipher suites, setting the stage for the server to respond and begin the key exchange process.

CThe certifying authority

The certifying authority issues certificates but does not directly initiate individual TLS sessions.

DThe ISP

The ISP provides network connectivity but is not involved in initiating the application-layer TLS protocol.

Concept tested: TLS handshake initiation

Source: https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/win32/secauthn/tls-handshake-protocol

Topics

#TLS handshake#Client-server interaction#Protocol initiation#Network security

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