In the modern digital world, online security is an important issue to tackle. The online world has changed dramatically in recent times. Some years ago, site owners did not even bother to install an SSL certificate on their website. Today, it has become a necessary thing to have for those who have a website or online business. An SSL certificate is required to run a website and to have traffic on the website. Because users only like to visit a website that has an SSL certificate from a well-known source. Not only you can get rid of the security warning by using an SSL certificate, but you also enjoy many other features. However, it is necessary to adopt the right practices to install an SSL certificate.
A lot of companies are choosing HTTPS. About 50% of top websites are now using HTTPS. Not only top brands have been using it, but also individuals are rapidly adopting it, thanks to its effectiveness regarding online security.
If you are running a website, most probably you have already installed an SSL certificate or maybe planning to have one for your website. In both of these cases, just installing an SSL certificate is not sufficient. Because you have to adopt best practices when you install an SSL certificate for its proper functioning. You have to make sure that an SSL certificate has been properly installed without creating any issues. Therefore, we will here discuss some of the best practices when you install an SSL certificate on your website to avoid online attacks.
1- Purchase an Appropriate SSL Certificate
The SSL certificates have many types depending on their size, function, and validation method. For example, three types of SSL certificate validation are in use these days. These types include i) domain validation or DV SSL certificates, ii), organization validation or the OV SSL certificates, and iii) extended validation or the EV SSL certificates. All these types have separate functions and requirements. We will discuss these types briefly.
I) Domain validation (DV)
When you only wanted to encrypt the data using your SSL certificate, Domain Validation (DV) is the best option for you to use. It is the least expensive type of validation of an SSL certificate. Another advantage of it is the time it needs to issue a certificate. It takes minutes for issuance due to the automated process.
ii) Organization Validation (OV)
The OVs are mid-level SSL certificates. These types of SSL certificates are issued only useful for an organization or large business. Therefore, you require a registered business to get an OV SSL certificate. Before providing you this certificate, the certificate authority needs to verify your business details. It almost takes three working days for issuance. All the details about your business are visible to your customers when you get an OV.
iii) Extended Validation (EV)
It is the most advanced validation of an SSL certificate. The certificate authority requires complete detail of your business to issue an Extended Validation SSL certificate. It gives details of your business alongside the certificate details. For this reason, users trust your website more. If establishing credibility is crucial for your website, these SSL certificates are for you.
2- Buy SSL Certificate from a Well-known Certificate Authority
No matter how good is your SSL certificate, but the credibility of the certificate authority matters the most. Because all the certificate authorities are not the same. Some certificate authorities are more secure and credible than others. There are more than one factors to check before you buy an SSL certificate.
Following are the points that you should remember when choosing a certificate authority:
- Security history and name of the certificate authority.
- Services offered by the certificate authority.
- Popularity in the users of the certificate authority.
- How certificate authority manages the certificates.
- Customer service of the certificate authority.
- Reviews of their customers.
3- Protect Your Private Keys
Protecting your Private key is one of the best practices when you install an SSL certificate. This is a very important thing to do because your Private key is the core of your SSL certificate. Remember, any breach of the Private key compromise equals the comprise on the security of your website.
Following are some recommendations to protect the private key:
- Try to generate your private key on a secure computer
- Use a strong password
- Store your private key in a secure hard drive
- Revoke your certificate if the private key got compromised
- Always generate a new private key when you renew your SSL certificate
4- Implement HSTS
HSTS stands for HTTP Strict Transport Security. Almost half of the best websites redirect their customers on HTTPS URLs no matter if the customers wish to access an HTTP webpage. It happens because they have implemented HSTS on their website. Implementation of HSTS is convenient, you only require to add a new response header to your website. Once it is implemented, it will block all the insecure URLs.
5- Check the Certificates Validity Though Best Practices of SSL Certificate Management
Almost all SSL certificates come with a validity period. Expired SSL certificates can be fatal for the credibility of a website, it can cost them money and loss of visitors. You should keep a close look at the validity period of your SSL certificate, so you can renew it when it expired.
6- Configure Your Server in the Best Way
Updating your server is equally important as is updating the software. You need to update your server to configure your SSL certificate. Following is the list of things you have to do for configuration:
I) Configure to Use Latest Security Protocols
For using the latest security protocols, you need to configure your server to use TLS 1.2 and 1.3. Both these protocols include comprehensive enhancements over their previous versions. Most importantly, all the major browsers will accept them by the end of 2020.
ii) Configure to Use Secure Cipher Suites
Cipher suites have an important part in the SSL handshake. Handshake is the process of enabling a secure connection between server and user. If you’re using a cipher suite that’s been found vulnerable, you are putting your website at stake. That’s why using secure cipher suites that support 128-bit is essential.
iii) Configure to Use 2048-Bit Key Exchange
Diffie-Hellman key exchange is the most widely used key exchange method. It was found vulnerable in lower-strength key exchanges (768-bit and 1024-bit). That’s why DHE with at least 2048-bit security is recommended.