The SSL Handshake

The standard SSL handshake consists of three steps.

The standard SSL handshake steps are:
  1. The client sends a connection request, which includes the SSL options the client supports, to the server.

  2. The server returns its certificate and a list of supported encryption algorithms called CipherSuites, key-exchange algorithms, and digital signatures.

  3. Both client and server agree on a CipherSuite, and a secure, encrypted session is established.