What are the best practices for implementing HTTPS on your web server?

1 Choose a certificate authority

The first step to enable HTTPS is to obtain a digital certificate from a trusted certificate authority (CA). A digital certificate is a file that verifies your server's identity and contains a public key that your clients can use to encrypt their requests. A CA is a third-party organization that issues and validates certificates, and that browsers and operating systems trust. You can choose from different types of certificates, depending on your needs and budget. For example, you can get a free certificate from Let's Encrypt, a nonprofit CA that provides automated and renewable certificates for anyone. Or you can get a paid certificate from a commercial CA that offers more features and support.

2 Configure your server

The next step is to configure your web server to use the certificate and to handle HTTPS requests. The exact process may vary depending on your server software, such as Apache, Nginx, or IIS. However, the general steps are to install the certificate and its private key on your server, enable the HTTPS port (usually 443), and update your server configuration file to redirect HTTP requests to HTTPS. You may also need to modify your web application code to use HTTPS links and resources, and to avoid mixed content errors.

3 Test and optimize your HTTPS

Once you have configured your server, you should test and optimize your HTTPS performance and security. You can use online tools, such as SSL Labs or Security Headers, to scan your server and check for any issues or vulnerabilities. For example, you may want to ensure that your server supports the latest versions of TLS, the protocol that enables HTTPS encryption, and that you use strong ciphers and algorithms. You may also want to enable features, such as HTTP Strict Transport Security (HSTS), which tells browsers to always use HTTPS for your site, or Certificate Transparency (CT), which logs and monitors your certificate issuance and usage.

4 Monitor and renew your certificate

The final step is to monitor and renew your certificate regularly. A digital certificate has an expiration date, after which it becomes invalid and browsers will warn your visitors that your site is not secure. To avoid this, you should renew your certificate before it expires, and update your server accordingly. Depending on your CA and server software, you may be able to automate this process with scripts or tools, such as Certbot or AutoSSL. You should also keep track of any changes or updates from your CA or server software that may affect your HTTPS configuration or security.

Implementing HTTPS on your web server may seem daunting, but it is worth the effort. HTTPS not only protects your data and your visitors, but also improves your SEO, your credibility, and your user experience. By following these best practices, you can ensure that your web server is secure and compliant with the HTTPS standards.

5 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?