Knowledge Base
SSL Security Best Practices
Maximizing SSL Security
Tips for getting the most security from your SSL certificate.
Always Force HTTPS
Redirect all HTTP traffic to HTTPS - never allow unencrypted access.
Enable HSTS
HTTP Strict Transport Security tells browsers to always use HTTPS:
Header always set Strict-Transport-Security "max-age=31536000; includeSubDomains"
Keep Everything Updated
- Server software
- PHP version
- WordPress and plugins
Use Strong Cipher Suites
Your server should be configured to use modern, secure encryption. This is typically handled at the server level.
Regular Security Audits
- Test with SSL Labs (ssllabs.com)
- Check for vulnerabilities
- Verify certificate chain
No Mixed Content
Ensure all resources load over HTTPS - no HTTP links anywhere.
Secure Cookies
Set cookies as "Secure" so they're only sent over HTTPS.
Monitor Certificate Status
- Set calendar reminders for expiration
- Monitor auto-renewal logs
- Act on expiration warnings