Does anyone know if the kafka output uses ssl/tls security or can be encrypted without filters?
I don't believe kafka offers SSL at all, and the docs make no mention of supporting it either.
No, it doesn't.
Curious though to hear why do you need it?
Don't wish to set up Logstash on my Kafka node, and I would like info to be securely wired.
You can always encrypt the data prior to transmission. Here is a blog from back in February: http://www.symantec.com/connect/blogs/end-end-encryption-though-kafka-our-proof-concept
Also I think encrypted transport is planned for Kafka in the future.