Prerequisites:

1. PRTG Installation: Ensure PRTG Network Monitor is installed and running in your environment.
2. Access to SSL/TLS-enabled Services: You need access to the SSL/TLS-enabled services (e.g., web servers, mail servers) you want to monitor for protocol version usage.
3. Administrator Access: Obtain administrative access to configure sensors and settings in PRTG.

Setting Up SSL/TLS Protocol Version Monitoring:

1. Add SSL/TLS-enabled Device(s): In PRTG, navigate to "Devices" and add the SSL/TLS-enabled device(s) you want to monitor.
2. Install HTTP Advanced Sensors: Click on the device you added, then go to "Add Sensor" > "By Type" > Select "HTTP Advanced Sensor."
3. Configure Sensor Parameters: Define the parameters for monitoring, including the URL of the SSL/TLS-enabled service endpoint(s) and any authentication details required.
4. Select Protocol Version Metrics: Choose the protocol version metrics you want to monitor, such as SSLv3, TLS 1.0, TLS 1.1, TLS 1.2, and TLS 1.3.
5. Test Configuration: Verify that the sensors can successfully retrieve SSL/TLS handshake data and protocol version usage information from the service endpoint(s).

Monitoring SSL/TLS Protocol Version Usage:

1. Real-time Monitoring: Access the PRTG dashboard to view real-time updates on SSL/TLS protocol version usage.
2. Protocol Version Distribution: Monitor the distribution of SSL/TLS protocol versions used by clients connecting to the SSL/TLS-enabled services to assess compatibility and security posture.
3. Legacy Protocol Identification: Identify and track the usage of legacy SSL/TLS protocol versions (e.g., SSLv3, TLS 1.0) that may pose security risks or compliance concerns.
4. TLS 1.2 Adoption: Monitor TLS 1.2 adoption rates to ensure that clients and servers are transitioning to the latest recommended protocol version for enhanced security and compliance with industry standards.
5. TLS 1.3 Adoption: Track TLS 1.3 adoption rates to assess the deployment and support of the latest TLS version and benefit from its improved security features and performance enhancements.

Best Practices:

1. Protocol Hardening: Implement SSL/TLS protocol hardening measures to disable deprecated or insecure protocol versions (e.g., SSLv3, TLS 1.0) and enforce the use of modern, secure protocol versions (e.g., TLS 1.2, TLS 1.3).
2. Client Communication Analysis: Analyze client communication patterns to identify outdated or non-compliant clients using insecure protocol versions and enforce protocol version upgrades or remediation measures.
3. Server Configuration Review: Review SSL/TLS server configurations, including cipher suite settings, protocol version support, and certificate configurations, to ensure alignment with security best practices and compliance requirements.
4. Security Compliance Monitoring: Monitor SSL/TLS protocol version usage to assess compliance with security standards (e.g., PCI DSS, HIPAA) and regulatory requirements and address any non-compliant configurations promptly.
5. Client Education and Awareness: Educate clients and end-users about the importance of using up-to-date, secure protocol versions and encourage them to update their software and devices to ensure secure communication.

Troubleshooting:

1. Connection Issues: Ensure that PRTG can establish HTTP connections to the SSL/TLS-enabled service endpoints and retrieve protocol version usage data successfully.
2. Sensor Configuration: Double-check sensor settings, including URL and authentication details, and verify that the correct sensor type is used for monitoring SSL/TLS protocol version usage.
3. Service Configuration: Review SSL/TLS service configuration settings, including protocol version support and cipher suite preferences, to troubleshoot compatibility issues and ensure proper protocol negotiation.
4. Client Compatibility: Investigate client-side compatibility issues with modern SSL/TLS protocol versions and assess the need for client updates or configuration changes to support newer protocol versions.
5. Security Vulnerabilities: Identify and mitigate security vulnerabilities associated with outdated or insecure SSL/TLS protocol versions by enforcing protocol version upgrades, applying security patches, or implementing additional security controls.

By leveraging PRTG Network Monitor to track SSL/TLS protocol version usage, you can enhance security, ensure compliance, and maintain compatibility within your network environment. Real-time monitoring, proactive alerting, and comprehensive analysis enable you to detect and address protocol version-related issues promptly, minimize security risks, and optimize SSL/TLS configuration settings. With PRTG, you can effectively manage and monitor SSL/TLS protocol version usage to meet the security and operational needs of your organization.