SSL certificate or Secured Socket Layer Certificate is so far one of the most important security certificates that are deployed on websites. A website that has a valid SSL certificated deployed is secured with a padlock and even ranks higher on search engine optimization (SEO).
SSL certificate ensures the safety and security of a website & its data as the data in transit will be encrypted between the server and the browser. It protects the data from being tampered in between (spoofed), stolen, or deleted. It helps in safeguarding user’s complete information.
An SSL certificate, if not properly configured on a website, will give an invitation to attackers to exploit your website & its data and leave your website vulnerable. To avoid all the inefficiencies and ensure proper & complete security of your website, follow these SSL Certificate best practices.
Choose A Reliable CA (Certificate Authority)
Certificate Authority or CA is one who issues your SSL certificate. CA needs to be a reliable service provider like DigiCert. There is a reason why certain companies have a better reputation than others at providing and issuing the SSL certificate.
As a rule of thumb, look for a CA that:
- CA must be a reputed member of the CA/Browser Forum (CAB Forum)
- Not only issues a certificate but also provides tools to manage the certificate automatically.
- Efficiently and effectively respond to vulnerabilities affecting your security.
- Offers useful products and services as per your business needs.
- Provides great technical support and customer service.
You can get the best in industry SSL certificates at real value for your money with JNR management. JNR is a Platinum Elite Partner with DigiCert and offers the best IT security services in the industry
Review SSL Protocols
While choosing an SSL service provider, you need to look at the underlying technologies that the vendor uses. It should be up to date with the latest technology as they are not only reliable but also provides better security. There are several tools that allow you to review SSL protocols.
Review SSL settings and configuration
There are multiple types of SSL certificates available – Domain Validation, Organization Validation and Extended Validation SSL certificates. You need to ensure that you choose the right SSL type for your need. Read the types of SSL certificates and which suits best your need here. Each SSL has configurations that can disable insecure protocols such as MD5 and SSL 2.0. which you need to review using SSL on your website.
Protect private keys
Always generate your private keys in a secured and trusted environment and protect it with a robust password in a hardware device. Never share or allow your vendor / Certificate Provider to generate private keys on your behalf unless they are being generated in a secured hardware token or HSM and are non-exportable.
Always Procure Certificates Server-wise
Though a wildcard or a multi-domain SSL may technically be deployed on multiple servers, it is a case of “Key Compromise” because the same private key may be shared between multiple servers. The mechanism in which such keys are shared is usually extremely insecure. It is recommended to always procure certificates server-wise only. Enterprises that are aware of such risks have a policy of buying on single-domain certificates.
In fact, wildcards are banned in the majority of such enterprises. Wildcards & Multi-Domain certificates are delicate certificates and recommended only when there is a real and identified need, ideally where all sub-domains or multiple domains are lying on the same webservers.
Review SSL certificates renewal process
Earlier SSL certificates could be issued/renewed for multiple years but now the browsers have a validity of no longer than 398 days, so organizations now need to be proactive in initiating the renewal in time to avoid getting into any trouble or loss of critical business continuity and improper configurations later. With JNR’s SSL management service, your IT operations can become hassle-free especially when you have multiple domains to manage, and the infrastructure is vast.
Stay alert for new vulnerabilities:
Web security is always a primary target for online attackers, and you should always look out for the next attack possible and accordingly apply security patches on your server. Always stay in touch with what’s on the horizon and keep your software up to date when it comes to information security.
Click here to read more about the services we offer.
