Configuring HTTPS and Security Settings

Server configuration optimization balances security with compatibility and performance. Enable only TLS 1.2 and TLS 1.3, disabling older SSL/TLS versions vulnerable to attacks. Configure cipher suites to prefer modern, secure algorithms while maintaining compatibility with your user base. Enable Perfect Forward Secrecy through ECDHE cipher suites. Set appropriate certificate chain order and ensure intermediate certificates are included.

Implementing security headers enhances HTTPS protection beyond basic encryption. HTTP Strict Transport Security (HSTS) forces browsers to use HTTPS connections, preventing downgrade attacks. Start with shorter max-age values for testing before extending to longer periods. Content Security Policy headers can upgrade insecure requests automatically. X-Frame-Options prevents clickjacking attacks. These headers work together to create defense-in-depth security.

Performance optimizations ensure HTTPS doesn't negatively impact user experience. Enable OCSP stapling to eliminate certificate revocation checking delays. Configure session resumption to reduce handshake overhead for returning visitors. Implement HTTP/2 to benefit from multiplexing and server push capabilities. Use CDN services for SSL termination and geographic distribution. Modern optimizations often result in HTTPS sites loading faster than their HTTP counterparts.

Testing the HTTPS implementation thoroughly prevents issues from reaching production. Use online SSL testing tools like SSL Labs' SSL Test to verify proper configuration and identify weaknesses. Check certificate chain validity and intermediate certificate installation. Verify that all supported browsers can connect successfully. Test on various devices and networks to ensure broad compatibility. Monitor server logs for SSL handshake errors or cipher suite incompatibilities.