Transport Layer Security (TLS) is a cryptographic protocol designed to provide secure communication over a computer network. It ensures that data transmitted between a client and a server remains private and integral, protecting it from eavesdropping and tampering. TLS is widely used in various applications, including web browsing, email, and instant messaging. By encrypting the data exchanged, TLS helps to establish trust between parties, making it a fundamental component of secure online transactions and communications.