SSL/TLS Setup Guide
Complete guide to configuring HTTPS and SSL/TLS certificates for AI-generated applications. Learn how to properly set up encryption, certificate management, and security headers to protect data in transit.
HTTPS Is Non-Negotiable for Production
AI-generated apps often deploy without HTTPS or with misconfigured SSL/TLS, transmitting passwords, API keys, and user data in plaintext. Modern browsers flag HTTP sites as "Not Secure" and block features like geolocation, camera access, and service workers without HTTPS.
SSL/TLS Configuration Checklist
Follow these 12 steps to properly configure HTTPS. Critical items must be implemented before handling any user data.
Enable HTTPS for all traffic
Configure SSL/TLS certificates for all domains and subdomains to encrypt data in transit and prevent man-in-the-middle attacks.
Force HTTPS redirects
Automatically redirect all HTTP traffic to HTTPS to ensure users never transmit credentials or data over unencrypted connections.
Enable HSTS header
Set Strict-Transport-Security header with max-age of at least 1 year to force browsers to only use HTTPS for your domain.
Use TLS 1.2 or higher
Disable TLS 1.0 and 1.1 which have known vulnerabilities. Configure servers to only accept TLS 1.2 and TLS 1.3 connections.
Configure strong cipher suites
Use modern cipher suites that support forward secrecy and disable weak ciphers like RC4, DES, and MD5-based algorithms.
Set up automatic certificate renewal
Use Let's Encrypt or platform-managed certificates with automatic renewal to prevent expiration-related outages.
Enable OCSP stapling
Configure OCSP stapling to improve SSL handshake performance while allowing clients to verify certificate status.
Configure CAA DNS records
Add Certificate Authority Authorization records to prevent unauthorized CAs from issuing certificates for your domain.
Test SSL configuration
Use SSL Labs SSL Test to verify your configuration achieves an A+ rating with no major vulnerabilities.
Set up certificate monitoring
Configure alerts for certificate expiration, revocation, and configuration issues to catch problems before users are affected.
Enable HTTP/2 or HTTP/3
Use modern HTTP protocols that require TLS and provide better performance over encrypted connections.
Configure secure cookies
Set Secure and SameSite flags on cookies to ensure they are only transmitted over HTTPS connections.
Common SSL/TLS Issues
Mixed Content Warnings
CriticalHTTPS pages loading HTTP resources like images, scripts, or stylesheets, causing browser security warnings and blocked content.
Missing HTTPS Redirect
CriticalSite accessible over HTTP without redirect, allowing credentials and session tokens to be transmitted in plaintext.
Expired SSL Certificates
HighCertificate expiration causing browser warnings and blocking access, often due to missing automatic renewal.
Weak Cipher Suites
HighSupporting outdated TLS 1.0 or weak ciphers that can be exploited to decrypt traffic or downgrade connections.
Related Resources
Verify Your SSL Configuration
VibeEval checks for missing HTTPS redirects, weak cipher suites, missing HSTS headers, and mixed content warnings. Get detailed recommendations for achieving an A+ SSL Labs rating.
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