How to Deploy HTTPS? A Complete Guide to HTTPS Certificate Application and Configuration

with the continuous upgrading of search engine algorithms and increasingly strict cyber security requirements, HTTPS is no longer the exclusive configuration of large platforms, but a must-have standard for all regular websites. It can not only build an encryption barrier for user data transmission, but also improve the ranking weight of websites in search engines. This article will dismantle the complete HTTPS deployment process for you from HTTPS certificate application to server configuration and post-verification optimization, so that zero-based administrators can successfully complete the security upgrade of the website.

first, understand the core value of HTTPS?

many novice knowledge of HTTPS only stay in the address bar lock logo, in fact, its value is far more than this, understand the necessity of these can help you deploy more clearly.

1, data transmission encryption protection

HTTPS encrypt all data between the browser and the server through the SSL/TLS protocol, the user's account password payment information and other sensitive content will not be stolen or tampered with by third parties during the transmission process, avoiding the risk of network hijacking and data leakage from the root, which is the security guarantee that HTTP plaintext transmission cannot achieve.

2, improve search engine ranking

Google Baidu and other mainstream search engines have clearly used HTTPS as a ranking weighting factor, HTTPS-enabled websites will get higher weight in search results, while also avoiding being marked as unsafe websites by browsers, reducing user bounce rate, and further enhancing website traffic acquisition ability.

How to apply for a suitable HTTPS certificate?

HTTPS certificate is the core certificate of deployment. At present, there are two types of free and paid options on the market, which need to be selected according to the size and needs of the website.

1, free HTTPS certificate application channel

individual webmasters or small websites can give priority to Let's Encrypt, Alibaba Cloud free SSL certificate and other channels, such certificates use automated application process, through the ACME protocol can quickly complete the domain name verification, certificate valid period of more than 90 days, support one-click renewal, can meet the basic HTTPS encryption needs, and without any cost.

2, paid HTTPS certificate selection points

enterprise-level e-commerce platforms or websites involved in transactions recommend choosing paid HTTPS certificates, such as OV or EV certificates, which need to verify the real identity of the enterprise and provide users with higher trust, the address bar will display the enterprise name, while supporting multi-domain wild-card, suitable for websites with multiple subdomains, valid period up to 1-2 years, but also get technical support and compensation protection from service providers.

HTTPS configuration methods for different servers?

get the HTTPS certificate, you need to configure it according to the server environment used by the website, which is a key step in HTTPS deployment.

1, HTTPS configuration of Nginx server

upload the downloaded HTTPS certificate file to the specified directory of the Nginx server, then modify the nginx.conf configuration file, add the listening rules of port 443, configure the certificate file path and SSL protocol version, and finally set the HTTP request to automatically jump to HTTPS, and restart the Nginx service to complete the configuration.

2, HTTPS configuration of Apache server

first open the Apache SSL module, then place the HTTPS certificate file in the cert directory of the server, modify the htpd.conf and htpd-ssl.conf configuration files, specify the certificate path and SSL encryption suite, set the 80 port to automatically jump to port 443, and finally restart the Apache service.

4. Verification and optimization after HTTPS deployment?

completion of HTTPS configuration does not mean the end of deployment, but also need to carry out a series of verification and optimization to ensure that HTTPS can operate stably and efficiently.

1, HTTPS deployment effectiveness verification

can be preliminarily verified by the lock-shaped logo in the browser address bar, click the logo to view the valid period and issuing authority of the certificate; you can also use the server testing tool of SSL Labs to get a detailed HTTPS security rating after entering the website domain name, check whether there are protocol vulnerabilities or configuration errors, and make timely adjustments and fixes.

2, performance optimization after HTTPS deployment

HTTPS encryption will bring slight performance loss, can be optimized by opening the HTTP/2 protocol, configure OCSP Stapling, enable browser caching, etc. At the same time, all HTTP resource links in the website should be replaced with HTTPS to avoid mixed content problems, resulting in browser prompts are not safe, affecting the user experience and the security rating of the website.

To sum up, HTTPS deployment is a complete process from cognition to execution. First clarify the security and traffic value of HTTPS, then select the appropriate HTTPS certificate according to the needs of the website, and then complete the certificate configuration corresponding to the server environment. Finally, do a good job of verification and optimization after deployment. As long as you follow this process step by step, you can successfully complete the HTTPS upgrade of the website, create a safe and reliable access environment for users, and at the same time improve the comprehensive operation strength of the website.