Datagram Transport Layer Security (DTLS) is a communications protocol. This protocol provides a layer of security for datagram-based applications. DTLS permits secure communications and is based on the Transport Layer Security (TLS) protocol. Embedded security helps ensure that messages are not forged, tampered with, or eavesdropped.

Let's review the relevant terminology:

• Communication protocol: A set of rules that govern how information is transmitted.
• Datagram: A structured transfer unit.
• Eavesdropping: Undetected when listening to in-transit data packets.
• Forgery: Transmission of a packet with a falsified sender.
• Network packet: A formatted unit of data for transmission.
• Tampering: The altering of data packets after the sender transmits them and before the intended receiver receives them.
• TLS protocol: The most common network security protocol. As an example, it uses IMPA and POP for email.

The recent DTLS Java enhancements were aimed at creating an API for versions 1.0 and 1.2 of the DTLS.

In the sections that follow, we will look at each of the DTLS versions, 1.0 and 1.2, and then review the changes made to the Java platform.