As internet usage and security threats are at an all-time high, prioritize security measures to safeguard your website and visitors’ information. SSL/TLS & HTTPS encryption are great ways to ensure your website’s security. Learn more about SSL/TLS & HTTPS benefits, the steps for implementation, and how to check for SSL/TLS certification below.
SSL/TLS & HTTPS Encryption
SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) and TLS (Transport Layer Security) encryption help establish secure connections between the website’s server and the visitor’s web browser. The protocol used for this secure connection is called HTTPS (HyperText Transfer Protocol Secure).
Implementing SSL/TLS & HTTPS on your website adds an extra layer of security and encrypts all the information exchanged between the visitor and the server. This makes it nearly impossible for hackers to steal information exchanged between the website server and the visitor’s browser.
Implementing SSL/TLS & HTTPS
To implement SSL/TLS & HTTPS, the first step is to acquire an SSL/TLS certificate from a trusted SSL provider. This certificate is then installed on the website’s server. Your website host can assist you with the installation process, or you can hire an expert to do it for you. Once successfully installed, all the pages of your website are available via HTTPS.
It’s also important to note that SSL/TLS & HTTPS have an expiry date. Generally, SSL/TLS certificates come with an expiration period of one or two years. If this certificate is not renewed before it expires, your website becomes vulnerable to cyber-attacks, rendering it insecure.
Check For SSL/TLS & HTTPS Certification
It’s essential to ensure your website’s SSL/TLS & HTTPS certification is valid. You can check this by accessing your website via HTTPS. Also, take note of the padlock sign in the address bar because your website visitors will look for this sign to confirm that your website is secure. The browser will also indicate the security status with a green padlock if valid.
In addition to this, you can obtain and install an SSL/TLS Checker plug-in or use online SSL/TLS checking tools. These tools will verify your website’s SSL/TLS certification details, validity period, and server configuration to ensure it’s set up correctly.
Common Mistakes When Implementing SSL/TLS & HTTPS Security Measures
While implementing SSL/TLS and HTTPS security, several mistakes could make your website vulnerable to security breaches, putting your users’ confidential information at risk. Read on to learn more.
1. Not Using HTTPS Everywhere
Switching to HTTPS is an excellent move for securing your website throughout the entire website. Ensure all your website pages and resources are on HTTPS-enabled URLs rather than just encrypting the login or checkout pages.
Besides, if your website uses HTTP pages and images, your users are still vulnerable to cyber-attacks, rendering your SSL/TLS implementation efforts ineffective.
2. Not Implementing TLS Correctly
TLS (Transport Layer Security) is the more advanced version of SSL (Secure Socket Layers), providing your website with an additional layer of security. However, you must configure TLS correctly to make your SSL/TLS implementation effective. Improper TLS configurations could result in undesired security outcomes, such as weak encryption, leading to cyberattacks.
3. Ignoring Mixed Content Warnings
Mixed Content warnings could arise when some components of your website identify as HTTP while others are HTTPS authenticated, thus rendering the SSL/TLS implementation ineffective. Ensure that all the resources and sections of your website are securely using HTTPS, including images, CSS, JavaScript, and other media files.
4. Ignoring Certificate Expiration
Certificate Expiration is a common mistake when implementing SSL/TLS & HTTPS security. Website owners often forget to renew their SSL/TLS certificates, exposing them to cyber-attacks. Ensure to monitor your SSL/TLS certificate renewal dates and timely renew them before expiration to secure your website and protect users’ confidential data.
5. Not Testing HTTPS Implementation
One of the most significant mistakes you can make is not testing your HTTPS implementation. While implementing SSL/TLS and HTTPS security, regularly test for potential misconfigurations, vulnerabilities, and security breaches. Testing your HTTPS implementation will help you identify issues before they cause harm, ensuring you maintain your website’s security.
Implementing SSL/TLS and HTTPS security protocols is essential, but avoiding common mistakes during implementation is equally important.
Conclusion
SSL/TLS & HTTPS certificates are necessary for secure connections between your website and web users. It’s a simple process of obtaining a certificate and installing it on your server to begin enjoying secure connections. By prioritizing security, you will protect your website and its data and the information and data of your website visitors. Get your website’s SSL/TLS certificate today and make it a secure place for your online community.