Company
Date Published
Author
Detectify
Word count
819
Language
-
Hacker News points
None

Summary

Implementing HTTPS is a fundamental step towards enhancing website security, although many websites, such as over 900 Swedish online stores analyzed, often overlook it. HTTPS can be enforced through several methods, such as using an external provider like Cloudflare, which is cost-effective but may not encrypt traffic completely, or through traditional methods requiring the purchase of certificates, which are more compatible with older systems. Let’s Encrypt offers a free, automated certificate solution similar to traditional methods but might not support older infrastructures fully. For optimal security, it is crucial to enforce HTTPS by redirecting HTTP requests to HTTPS using 301 redirects and to implement HTTP Strict Transport Security (HSTS) to prevent attackers from exploiting the initial unencrypted connection. Mixed content issues may arise during the transition to HTTPS, and addressing them is necessary to avoid negative impacts on SEO and accessibility. Additionally, regular certificate renewals and careful configuration, including reviewing the robots.txt file, are essential to maintain secure and functional HTTPS implementation.