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DevOps & Automation · Intermediate

Mutual TLS (mTLS)

TLS in which both client and server present and verify certificates, providing two-way authentication and encryption.

Definition

Service meshes automate mTLS by issuing short-lived workload certificates (often SPIFFE identities), enabling zero-trust service-to-service communication. It is also used for API clients and device telemetry.

Example

Istio PeerAuthentication with mode: STRICT rejects plaintext traffic between services.

Exam tip

Standard TLS authenticates only the server; mTLS authenticates both sides.

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