When implementing HTTPS, there are a few common mistakes that organizations and developers should take steps to avoid. In this article, we’ll take a look at nine major mistakes that are commonly made during HTTPS implementation and give some tips on how to prevent them from happening.

1. Not Configuring the Server Securely

One of the most common HTTPS mistakes is not configuring the server securely. When setting up HTTPS, organizations must take steps to ensure that the server is configured correctly to support HTTPS. Common configuration mistakes include not setting up secure protocols and ciphers correctly, not hardening HTTP headers, and not following best practices when setting up the certificate.

For example, if an organization is using an Apache web server, they should ensure that they are implementing the most secure protocols and ciphers. They should also make sure that they are configuring their HTTP headers properly to prevent cross-site scripting and other web applications vulnerabilities. Finally, they should be sure to follow best practices when setting up their certificate, including the use of strong Diffie-Hellman parameters, properly validating the domain name, and ensuring that the certificate is not expired.

2. Not Enforcing HTTPS

Another common HTTPS mistake is not enforcing HTTPS. Organizations should ensure that all of their web traffic is routed over HTTPS. This can be done by setting up a redirect from HTTP to HTTPS when a user accesses the website, or by configuring the website’s back-end so that all traffic is routed over HTTPS by default.

Enforcing HTTPS also requires organizations to audit their codebase to check for any instances of hardcoded HTTP URLs. These should be updated to HTTPS URLs instead. Additionally, if the organization’s website includes any external links to websites that use HTTP, they should be updated to HTTPS links. Finally, if the organization is using any third-party services or plugins, they should ensure that these are also updated to support HTTPS.

3. Not Monitoring Traffic Properly

Organizations should also take steps to ensure that they are monitoring traffic properly. It is a good practice to set up alerting systems to monitor for anomalous traffic behavior. This could include monitoring for unusual requests, errors, or high traffic levels. It is also a good idea to ensure that logs are properly stored and monitored for any suspicious activity.

In addition, organizations should ensure that they are monitoring SSL/TLS in order to detect any issues with the connection such as expired certificates or exposure of sensitive data. They should also set up encryption monitoring in order to ensure that all transmitted data is properly secured.

4. Not Testing for Vulnerabilities

Organizations should also take steps to ensure that any HTTPS implementations are tested for vulnerabilities. Organizations should perform regular scans with automated tools such as security scanners or web proxies in order to detect any potential vulnerabilities. Additionally, they should also perform regular manual tests such as penetration tests or security audits in order to further strengthen their security.

5. Not Updating Software Regularly

It is important to ensure that any software or plugins used in the organization’s HTTPS environment are kept up to date. Software updates will patch any vulnerabilities, improve performance, and could also provide additional security features. Organizations should set up a system for regularly updating their software, plugins, and other components of their HTTPS environment in order to stay secure.

6. Not Implementing Proper Authentication and Authorization Mechanisms

Organizations should ensure that proper authentication and authorization mechanisms are in place in order to protect their HTTPS environment. This includes implementing strong authentication with two-factor authentication where possible, and using access control systems to manage and monitor user access. Organizations should also implement a system for logging user access attempts so that any suspicious behavior can be easily detected.

7. Not Using the Latest Technologies

Organizations should ensure that they are taking advantage of the latest security features that are available for their HTTPS environment. This includes selecting an up-to-date TLS version, implementing modern ciphers, and utilizing elliptic curve cryptography. Additionally, it is important to ensure that anyCertificate Authorities (CAs) used are properly vetted and trusted in order to prevent any potential security issues.

8. Not Using a Content Delivery Network (CDN)

Organizations should ensure that their HTTPS environment is properly secured and backed up with a reliable content delivery network (CDN). This will help to improve the performance of the website and ensure that the website is up and running without interruption. Additionally, a CDN can also help to protect against potential attacks such as distributed denial of service (DDoS).

9. Ignoring SSL/TLS Best Practices

It is important to ensure that organizations are following best practices when it comes to SSL/TLS. This includes following guidelines on certificate management, setting up secure configurations, and properly monitoring SSL/TLS traffic. Additionally, organizations should ensure that they are using strong security protocols and are not making any vulnerable settings such as weak ciphers or outdated TLS versions.

Conclusion

Setting up HTTPS is a complex process, and there are a lot of mistakes that organizations can make when implementing it. In this article, we looked at nine common HTTPS mistakes that organizations and developers should take steps to avoid. These include not configuring the server securely, not enforcing HTTPS, not enforcing authentication, not taking advantage of the latest security features, not using a CDN, and not following SSL/TLS best practices. By taking steps to properly configure their HTTPS environment and ensuring that it is secure, organizations can protect themselves from potential vulnerabilities and attacks.