Embracing Security with TLS 1.3 in SAP

In the ever-evolving landscape of digital communication, security is of paramount importance. One of the key players in this field is the Transport Layer Security (TLS) protocol. The latest version, TLS 1.3, brings several enhancements to the table, particularly in terms of security and performance.

TLS 1.3 Support

The CommonCryptoLib (CCL) library has introduced support for TLS 1.3 starting from version 8.5.48. However, it’s important to note that this feature is not enabled by default. This is where the SAP S/4HANA Kernel 793 comes into play, as it is the only version that supports TLS 1.3.

Activation

Enabling TLS 1.3 requires a bit of configuration. Specific profile parameters need to be set in DEFAULT.PFL. Once these parameters are configured, a system restart across all instances is necessary to bring the changes into effect.

Hypothetical Effects of TLS 1.3

TLS 1.3 can have several hypothetical effects on your system:

1. Improved Security: TLS 1.3 removes outdated and insecure features present in previous versions, making your system more secure against attacks.
2. Increased Performance: TLS 1.3 has a simplified handshake process, which can lead to faster connection times and improved performance.
3. Better Privacy: With the introduction of “0-RTT Resumption”, TLS 1.3 provides better privacy by encrypting more of the handshake process.

Third-Party Integration

Third-party services integrated with your system might be limited to a certain version of TLS. If these services do not support TLS 1.3, they might face connectivity issues. Here are some suggestions:

1. Check Compatibility: Before enabling TLS 1.3, check if your third-party services support it. You can usually find this information in their documentation.
2. Plan for Fallback: Ensure your system can gracefully fall back to a previous version of TLS if a service does not support TLS 1.3.
3. Contact Vendor: If a service does not support TLS 1.3, you might want to contact the vendor and ask about their plans for supporting it.

Remember, while TLS 1.3 provides many benefits, it’s important to ensure that your entire system, including third-party services, is ready for it to avoid any potential issues.

Kernel Patches

To address specific issues related to TLS 1.3, several Kernel patches are available. These patches serve various purposes, such as preventing accidental activation of the protocol and improving cache efficiency.

Conclusion

The introduction of TLS 1.3 support is a significant step forward in enhancing the security and performance of digital communications. By understanding how to enable this feature and apply the necessary patches, users can leverage the benefits of TLS 1.3 and contribute to a safer digital environment.