GnuTLS
GnuTLS is an open-source LGPL-licensed library implementing SSL, TLS, and DTLS secure communications protocols for software developers and system administrators building applications on Unix and Windows platforms.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2000
- HeadquartersAttica, United States
- Headcount11–50
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingSoftware
What GnuTLS does
GnuTLS is a community-driven open-source project that implements the SSL, TLS, and DTLS secure communications protocols. It exposes a C language API for session management, certificate handling, and cryptographic operations, and supports standards including TLS 1.0 through 1.3, DTLS 1.0 and 1.2, DANE, OCSP, SRP, and PSK authentication. The library is distributed under the GNU Lesser General Public License version 2.1 (LGPLv2.1+), which permits integration into both free and proprietary software, and runs across most Unix platforms and Windows.
The product portfolio centers on the libgnutls core library, supplemented by command-line tools: p11tool for PKCS#11 token and HSM management, srptool for SRP password file administration, and tpmtool for Trusted Platform Module key operations. GnuTLS integrates with PKCS#11 modules (including Gnome Keyring), TPM chips via CHAPS and opencryptoki wrappers, and hardware acceleration paths including AES-NI, VIA PadLock, and /dev/crypto. The library is embedded as a base security component across major Linux distributions.
The project operates a community-led open-source go-to-market model with no direct monetization. Distribution occurs through gnutls.org and FTP mirrors, operating system package managers, and a public GitLab repository; user support runs through the gnutls-help mailing list and Twitter announcements. The user base consists of software developers integrating TLS into applications and system administrators deploying secure server infrastructure. No pricing tiers, customer contracts, or revenue streams exist at the project level; sustained development is supported through contributions from individuals at organizations such as Red Hat.
GnuTLS firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- GnuTLS
- Legal name
- GnuTLS
- Website
- https://gnutls.org
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2000
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 11–50 employees
- Short description
- GnuTLS is an open-source LGPL-licensed library implementing SSL, TLS, and DTLS secure communications protocols for software developers and system administrators building applications on Unix and Windows platforms.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
GnuTLS industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Cryptographic Security Library
- NAICS
- Software Publishers (5132)
- SIC
- Services-Prepackaged Software (7372), Services-Computer Programming Services (7371)
- akta.pro primary industry
- API Security & Service-to-Service Security (mTLS, Service Mesh Security) (HDABAHAN)
Keywords
Where GnuTLS is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Attica
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Markets served
GnuTLS business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Software
- Cost components
- Personnel, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure
Revenue model
- Open Source Library Distribution: GnuTLS is distributed as open source software under the GNU Lesser General Public License version 2.1 (LGPLv2.1+). The library is free to use and can be incorporated into both free and proprietary programs.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Freemium | Pay-as-you-go | Open Source - Free Download |
Go-to-market motion1 record
Distribution channels3 records
Marketing channels4 records
GnuTLS product offering
Product offeringCore offering
GnuTLS is a secure communications library that implements the SSL, TLS (1.0-1.3), and DTLS (1.0, 1.2) protocols and exposes them through a C language API. It provides APIs to parse and write X.509, PKCS #12, and other cryptographic structures, and ships companion command-line tools (tpmtool, srptool, p11tool) for TPM, SRP, and PKCS #11 token operations. The library and tools are distributed together under the GNU Lesser General Public License version 2.1+, free to use in both free and proprietary programs.
Product overview
GnuTLS is a single, unified security library focused on transport layer security. The core offering is the GnuTLS Library (libgnutls) implementing SSL, TLS, and DTLS protocols with associated cryptographic operations. The product portfolio includes several command-line tools: tpmtool for TPM chip operations, srptool for SRP authentication management, and p11tool for PKCS #11 token management. The library and tools are distributed together under the GNU LGPL v2.1+ license, providing a complete secure communications back-end for application developers.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- GnuTLS Library (libgnutls) Core secure communications library implementing SSL, TLS, and DTLS protocols with a C language API for application developers. Provides APIs for session management, certificate handling, key generation, and cryptographic operations across Unix and Windows platforms.
- tpmtool Command-line tool for handling cryptographic data from TPM chips, supporting key generation, public key extraction, key listing, deletion, signature testing, and TPM key import/export operations.
- srptool Tool for managing SRP (Secure Remote Password) authentication, creating and manipulating SRP password files (tpasswd) and configuration files (tpasswd.conf) to enable TLS authentication without relying on public key infrastructure.
- p11tool Tool for managing PKCS #11 tokens and objects. Provides access to cryptographic operations on smart cards and Hardware Security Modules (HSMs) through the PKCS #11 interface.
Companies that use GnuTLS
Customer profileSegments2 records
Ideal customer profiles2 records
GnuTLS technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed Yes
API detail
- Has API
- Yes
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Integration8 records
Feature12 records
GnuTLS partnerships and signals
Strategic signalScale indicators4 records
Recent moves5 records
Expansion highlights4 records
GnuTLS competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- OpenSSL: The dominant open-source TLS/SSL library. Directly comparable to GnuTLS in scope (SSL/TLS/DTLS protocol implementation, X.509 handling, OpenSSL API) and competes for the same set of Linux distribution, application, and embedded use cases.
- wolfSSL: Commercial-grade TLS library with embedded focus. Overlaps GnuTLS in TLS/DTLS protocol coverage and hardware crypto support, and competes for the same embedded/IoT and constrained-device customer base.
- Network Security Services (NSS): Mozilla-maintained crypto library used in Firefox and other applications. Overlaps GnuTLS in TLS protocol implementation, certificate handling, and PKCS #11 integration, serving similar developer and application segments.
- MatrixSSL: Embedded-focused TLS implementation with a comparable feature footprint (TLS/DTLS, X.509, hardware acceleration). Targets the same embedded and IoT design wins that GnuTLS pursues.
- mbed TLS: Arm-maintained TLS library originally targeting embedded and IoT devices. Comparable to GnuTLS in C API, TLS protocol coverage, and target developer segments, particularly in resource-constrained environments.
Emerging players
- BoringSSL: Google's fork of OpenSSL maintained for Chromium and Android. Comparable in TLS/DTLS feature surface and platform ambitions, with the strategic difference of being backed by a single large consumer rather than distributed community maintenance.
- BearSSL: Lightweight, security-focused TLS library aimed at embedded systems. Comparable to GnuTLS in targeting constrained-device deployments with a small code footprint and TLS/DTLS protocol support.
- Rustls: Memory-safe TLS library written in Rust. Provides overlapping TLS 1.2/1.3 functionality and is increasingly chosen over C-based libraries on the strength of its memory-safety posture and lower historical CVE volume.
- LibreSSL: OpenBSD-maintained fork of OpenSSL focused on code quality and security hardening. Comparable to GnuTLS in providing a permissive-licensed TLS implementation, but targeting a different Unix-flavored distribution ecosystem.
- Botan: C++ cryptography library offering TLS protocol support alongside a broader cryptographic toolkit. Comparable to GnuTLS in targeting application developers needing TLS and PKI functionality, with a more general crypto scope.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat4 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
GnuTLS social profiles
Digital presenceGnuTLS financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
GnuTLS leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
GnuTLS funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
GnuTLS M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about GnuTLS
What does GnuTLS do?
GnuTLS is a secure communications library that implements the SSL, TLS (1.0-1.3), and DTLS (1.0, 1.2) protocols and exposes them through a C language API. It provides APIs to parse and write X.509, PKCS #12, and other cryptographic structures, and ships companion command-line tools (tpmtool, srptool, p11tool) for TPM, SRP, and PKCS #11 token operations. The library and tools are distributed together under the GNU Lesser General Public License version 2.1+, free to use in both free and proprietary programs.
Is GnuTLS a public or private company?
GnuTLS is a private company. It is classified as unknown and is currently operating.
When was GnuTLS founded?
GnuTLS was founded in 2000. It employs 11 to 50 people.
Where is GnuTLS based?
GnuTLS is headquartered in Attica, United States, in the North America region.
How does GnuTLS make money?
One revenue line is on record: open Source Library Distribution.
Who are GnuTLS's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are OpenSSL, wolfSSL, Network Security Services (NSS), MatrixSSL and mbed TLS. Emerging players are BoringSSL, BearSSL, Rustls, LibreSSL and Botan.
Does GnuTLS have an API?
Yes. GnuTLS provides a C language application programming interface (API) to access secure communications protocols (SSL, TLS, DTLS), as well as APIs to parse and write X.509, PKCS #12, and other cryptographic structures. The API includes functions for key generation, certificate handling, session management, and cryptographic operations. Documentation available at gnutls.org/manual and can be purchased as a book from lulu.com. Developer documentation is at gnutls.org/manual/html_node.
What industry is GnuTLS in?
GnuTLS's product category is Cryptographic Security Library. Its primary akta.pro industry code is HDABAHAN, API Security & Service-to-Service Security (mTLS, Service Mesh Security). Its NAICS code is 5132 and its SIC code is 7372.