The steps and methods of converting website from HTTP protocol to HTTPS protocol

With the development of the Internet, it has become a general trend for websites to switch to HTTPS. In order to enhance the security of the Internet, major browsers will directly mark all unencrypted HTTP websites as "not secure", which means that HTTPS encryption is no longer a luxury, but a necessity. If the website still uses HTTP, the user is likely to be blocked by the browser when visiting it. Therefore, it is essential for websites that use the HTTP protocol to convert the site to the HTTPS protocol. Here are the steps and methods to convert a website from HTTP to HTTPS:

Assess the security risks of the website

First, prepare a list of urls, map them from the current HTTP structure to the corresponding HTTPS site location, and verify that all external scripts and images can use HTTPS. Assessing the security risks of a website is the first step in the conversion process, ensuring that all the content of the website can be safely migrated under the HTTPS protocol.

Perform a full website backup

Before making any changes to your site, be sure to complete a full website backup. The backup includes all files, databases, and related Settings for the website. This way, in the event of any problems during the conversion process, the site can be easily restored to its previous state.

Select the correct SSL certificate

Choose a trusted SSL certificate authority and pay for an SSL certificate that suits your website's needs. The SSL certificate will be used to encrypt the website, ensuring that the user's data is protected during transmission. Depending on the type and size of the website, you can choose a single domain name certificate, a multi-domain name certificate, or a wildcard certificate.

Install and test certificates

Install the SSL certificate on the server and test to ensure that the certificate is properly installed. When testing an SSL certificate, be sure to see if the browser displays the correct security flag and check for any browser warnings.

Delete mixed content

Replace all HTTP links and resources on your site with HTTPS to ensure there is no more mixed content on your site. If the mixed content is not removed, the browser may appear an "unsafe" warning, affecting the user experience. Eliminate mixed content by examining web source code and resource links and replacing them with HTTPS links one by one.

Maintain certificate compliance

①What security flaws in HTTP are fixed by the HTTPS protocol?

Keep an eye on the SSL/TLS standards of the CA (Certificate Authority)/Browser Forum and keep your website up to date with the latest security requirements and standards. Update SSL certificates to ensure the security and trustworthiness of your website.

Switch from HTTP to HTTPS

Ensure that all HTTP requests are automatically redirected to HTTPS through server Settings. A 301 redirect can be used to notify search engines of a new HTTPS address, which ensures that your site's SEO ranking is not affected.

Implement automatic scanning system

Use automated scanning systems to identify incompatible elements and third-party content and replace insecure content with safer alternatives. Where possible, use reliable third-party technology to avoid security risks.

Ensure Cookie security

Cookies are Secure by setting the "HttpOnly" and "Secure" flags. This prevents hackers from breaking into the site and protects users' sensitive information.

②To implement the website from HTTP to HTTPS protocol conversion steps detailed

Implement HTTP Strict Transport Security (HSTS)

HTTP Strict Transport Security is a standard that protects website visitors by ensuring that they can only connect via HTTPS. Including the HSTS standard in the HTTP response header ensures that all connections are only accessible via HTTPS.

By following the above steps and methods, websites can be successfully converted from HTTP protocol to HTTPS protocol, improving website security and user experience. At the same time, it is also an important move to adapt to the development trend of the Internet, providing a more reliable and secure access environment for websites.