Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) Practice Exam 2026 – Your All-in-One Guide to Exam Success!

The first step in the SSL connection procedure is when the client sends a "Hello" message to the server. This message is known as the ClientHello message and serves multiple purposes. It initiates the secure session establishment process between the client and server, indicating that the client wishes to establish an SSL connection.

In the ClientHello message, the client communicates its SSL version, offers a list of cryptographic algorithms (cipher suites) that it supports, and includes a randomly generated number. This information is critical as it helps the server understand the capabilities of the client and choose appropriate parameters for the secure connection.

Subsequent steps involve the server responding with its own "Hello" message, the exchange of certificates for authentication, and the finalization of the secure session. Understanding this initial step is essential since it lays the groundwork for all the remaining phases of the SSL handshake process, ultimately ensuring a secure communication channel.