SSL and its successor, TLS, are encryption-based security protocols that enable businesses to ensure integrity, privacy and security of data in internet communications. SSL certificates help prevent a range of cyberattacks including eavesdropping, spoofing and man-in-the-middle attacks, among others.
SSL/ TLS certificates, however, do not guarantee the trustworthiness of the website. There are flaws and vulnerabilities in the certificates and the websites that erode the security posture. By implementing the latest SSL certificate best practices, businesses can improve SSL security and overall web security.
One of the most critical SSL Certificate best practices in 2021 and beyond is choosing the right Certificate Authority. Being trusted issuers of certificates, CAs verify the organization and server before issuing certificates and digital signatures. This is critical for proper authentication of servers, individuals and organizations and building trust.
The best SSL certificate providers offer highly secure products and holistic SSL security solutions. Their offerings include a robust and end-to-end certificate management system that helps monitor, maintain and manage SSL certificates. They respond swiftly to discoveries of vulnerabilities or flaws that affect user security and privacy.
The best SSL certificate providers offer extensive support and services to clients as and when required. Trusted CAs put themselves through rigorous third-party audits to maintain their position in major browser root certificate programs and operating systems. In other words, they value their own security and reputation as much as their clients.
While buying SSL certificates, a key criterion is the level of validation. Domain validation (DV) offers weakest authentication and is not recommended, other than for static websites and blogs. Other organizations must choose Organization Validation (OV) at the very least. Extended Validation (EV) offers the highest level of authentication with visible signs of security and is strongly recommended for big organizations and e-commerce websites.
It is best to avoid multi-server certificates as it involves duplication of private keys. If one of the servers is compromised, all other servers protected by the certificate face security risks.
Wildcard SSL certificates are not recommended either. They allow sharing of private keys, which is detrimental to SSL security. Further, there is a lack of control and ownership which amplifies security risks. They do not offer EV options either.
Private keys are like CVV numbers and must be kept as securely as possible. Sharing private keys defeats the purpose of using SSL certificates. Here are the SSL security best practices relating to private keys.
Poor server configuration, use of cryptographic algorithms with known vulnerabilities and use of older SSL/ TLS versions are leading causes of poor SSL security. By leveraging TLS server tests, crypto agility scans, etc. you can review server configurations on a regular basis. You can identify vulnerabilities, report low scores and get alerts in case of policy/ best practice violation. Further, ensure that all web servers, operating systems and applications are patched and up-to-date to minimize security risks.
Organizations typically have a multitude of SSL and other digital certificates, each of which come with built-in expirations. If they are not renewed on time, the online communications and business data are left open to attacks. It is an SSL certificate best practice that you continuously monitor SSL certificates to prevent major issues. Here are some of the SSL certificate management best practices for 2021 and beyond:
Conclusion
Secure online communications and nurture customer trust. Implement the latest SSL certificate best practices.
This post was last modified on December 18, 2023 11:04
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