Interview Questions/Phone Screen/TLS Handshake Basics
IntermediatePhone
2 min

TLS Handshake Basics

SecurityTLSNetworking
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Interview Question

Briefly describe the TLS handshake steps and how the client verifies the server.

Key Points to Cover
  • ClientHello/ServerHello negotiate version and cipher
  • Server sends certificate; client validates chain/hostname
  • Key exchange (e.g., ECDHE) → shared secrets; session keys derived
Evaluation Rubric
Mentions hello/cipher negotiation34% weight
Explains certificate validation33% weight
Describes key exchange and session keys33% weight
Hints
  • 💡SNI and ALPN are often negotiated here.
Potential Follow-up Questions
  • Why is forward secrecy important?
  • How do client certificates change this?
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