The acronym "TLS" stands for Transport Layer Security, a cryptographic protocol designed to provide secure communication over a computer network. TLS is widely used to encrypt data transmitted across the internet, thereby protecting it from eavesdropping, tampering, and forgery. TLS succeeds the older SSL protocol, offering stronger security features and enhanced performance. It ensures the confidentiality and integrity of data exchanged between clients and servers, making it essential for online transactions, email communications, and other sensitive exchanges. TLS plays a crucial role in establishing trust and security in modern digital communications.