DLTS or Datagram Transport Security is a protocol built on TLS (Transport Layer Security) responsible for securing datagram-based communications. DTLS is an extension of UDP or User Datagram Program which allows quick transmission of data across the internet. 

The DTLS protocol prevents cyber attacks including cyber eavesdropping and impersonation, ensuring data packets sent over the Internet arrive in the correct order. DTLS finds popular usage in online gaming, VPNs, and streaming services which require quick and easy transmission of data without much delay. 

DTLS, Datagram, and UDP Explained in Simple Terms 

DTLS (Datagram Transport Layer Security)

DTLS is a security and communication protocol used to secure data that is transmitted over networks, also known as “datagrams”. These datagrams are small packets of data that are sent through networks using the User Datagram Protocol (UDP). 

DTLS is an extension of the Transport Layer Security (TLS) protocol which is used to secure data communications over the Internet. While DTLS uses the same infrastructure as the TLS protocol, it avoids the need for using IPsec or building a new security layer for every app – common challenges developers face with TLS, often making it a superior choice among some experts. 

Datagram 

A datagram is a small packet of data that is sent independently from one device to another using the Internet. It’s like sending individual postcards, each with a unique address, but having no control over the order in which the postcards will be delivered or whether they will be delivered at all. 

UDP (User Datagram Protocol)

User Datagram Protocol is a communication protocol that facilitates the transfer of data over the internet, prioritizing speed of data transfer over reliability. UDP fails to check the order in which data arrives at the destination address, sometimes getting all mixed up in the process or getting lost during the transmission process. It’s very popular used when streaming videos or online games where missing out on a few data packets doesn’t make much of a difference. 

How Does DTLS Work? 

DTLS adds a layer of security to communications by encrypting data packets, preventing tampering, and eavesdropping on conversations. 

DTLS is based on the TLS protocol but is modified to work over UDP, which doesn’t guarantee the safe transmission of data. Data sometimes arrives all jumbled up and re-ordered at the destination or doesn’t arrive at all! DTLS also handles these out-of-order packets by ensuring a smooth and protected experience while also facilitating fast data delivery. 

What is DTLS Used For?

Given below are some use cases of Datagram Transport Layer Security (DTLS) keeping in mind the requirement of quick data transport over a secure network gateway: 

1. Online Gaming: Games are fast-paced, and always require very quick data delivery. DTLS ensures in-game communications are secure without slowing down the game. 
2. Video Steaming: In Video Streaming users require a smooth and secure experience without the lags or buffers. DTLS enhances the live video streaming experience by ensuring security while facilitating quick data transfer. 
3. Video Calls: Similar to video streaming, DTLS also makes sure users experience private and smooth video and voice calls, without delay.  
4. Virtual Private Networks (VPNs): Various VPNs that prioritize user experience and security use DTLS to help users access content securely while enabling a seamless performance with reduced delays. 

DTLS Vs TLS

The Benefits of DTLS

The primary benefits of Datagram Transport Layer Security are highlighted below:

1. Data Security

DTLS encrypts data sent over networks and decrypts it at the destination once it reaches the intended recipient. This prevents information from being tampered with, forged, or eavesdropped on while in transit and adds an essential layer of security to communications. 

2. Reliability with Speed

DTLS also offers reliability without compromising on data transmission speed. This makes it useful for live streaming, online gaming, and IoT (Internet of Things) devices. These activities require very quick data transmission, which DTLS facilitates while making it significantly more secure as an added benefit! 

Challenges of DTLS

While DTLS resolves several issues introduced by UDP, it also introduces a few issues stemming from TLS and UDP being its foundational elements:

1. Unwanted Delays: The increased stress of handling packet loss, and reordering, along with the introduction of an added layer of security may cause delays and jitters along the way. 
2. Retransmissions: Since UDP is unreliable when handling data packets and may lead to the loss of packets in certain situations, DTLS retransmits packets often increasing bandwidth usage. 
3. DoS Attacks: Attackers often flood networks with excessive handshake requests, during the DTLS handshake phase making it vulnerable to DoS (Denial of Service) attacks. 
4. Resource-intensive: Due to the retransmission requirements, security features and packet loss handling benefits of DTLS, it might be quite resource-intensive. This isn’t ideal for devices with limited resources.  

Final Words 

In a world susceptible to cyber attacks, impersonation, and data manipulation, one must prioritize data security and protection on top of smooth performance. DTLS is a helpful protocol in that aspect, although albeit it comes with its own set of drawbacks. 

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*** This is a Security Bloggers Network syndicated blog from PowerDMARC authored by Yunes Tarada. Read the original post at: https://powerdmarc.com/what-is-dtls/