When implementing SSL encryption in Tableau Server, what is a critical step to ensure secure communication between the server and clients?

The foundational step for enabling Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) or Transport Layer Security (TLS) is to establish the server's identity. This is accomplished by obtaining a digital certificate from a trusted Certificate Authority (CA) and installing it on Tableau Server. This certificate allows clients (e.g., web browsers, Tableau Desktop) to verify that they are communicating with the legitimate server and not an imposter. Once the server's identity is verified, a secure, encrypted communication channel can be established. Without a valid and trusted certificate, the entire chain of trust is broken, and secure communication cannot be guaranteed.

A. Configuring specific encryption algorithms (cipher suites) is a security hardening step performed after SSL is enabled, not the initial critical step to enable it.

C. A dedicated SSL decryption server (SSL offloading) is an optional architectural choice for performance, not a mandatory requirement for implementing SSL on Tableau Server.

D. Client devices and applications like web browsers have SSL/TLS capabilities enabled by default; the primary configuration is required on the server side.

1. Tableau Server Documentation: The official documentation outlines the process for configuring SSL. The first and primary requirement listed is to obtain an SSL certificate that meets specific criteria. The guide states

"Before you can configure Tableau Server to use SSL

you must obtain an SSL certificate...".

Source: Tableau Help

"Configure SSL for External HTTP Traffic to and from Tableau Server

" Section: "Requirements for SSL".

2. University Courseware: In computer networking and security courses

the role of the certificate is taught as fundamental to the TLS handshake. The server presents its certificate to the client for authentication as one of the first steps in establishing a secure session.

Source: MIT OpenCourseWare

6.857 Computer and Network Security

Fall 2017. Lecture 15 notes on "Network Security & TLS" describe the server certificate as essential for the client to authenticate the server.

3. Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF) Standard: The official standard for TLS protocol

RFC 5246

specifies the handshake process. The "ServerHello" message sequence includes the server sending its certificate to the client. This is a non-optional part of the standard handshake for authenticated sessions.

Source: IETF RFC 5246

"The Transport Layer Security (TLS) Protocol Version 1.2

" Section 7.4.2

"Server Certificate."