Convenient SSL implementation
HTTPS for All
© Lead Image © rawpixel, 123RF.com
The Let's Encrypt project delivers a free, fast, and uncomplicated way to create SSL certificates.
HTTP, still the most commonly used web protocol, is very much like a postcard or unencrypted email when it comes to transmitting data: Anyone who has access to the data can read the information. Because data packets do not take the shortest route – independent of the protocol – but rather the fastest transmission path, you could find that data travels around the world before reaching the recipient. Your packets therefore have no way of avoiding many potential sniffers.
The Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure, HTTPS, helps to mitigate this problem by implementing encrypted and authenticated communication between the web server and the browser. Although a sniffer can still see the data traffic between the two endpoints, it cannot see the content. The Let's Encrypt initiative has the aim of establishing HTTPS globally by making it easy for server operators to implement wherever possible. To make it so, the developers automate the procedures for creating, setting up, and updating SSL certificates with just a single command and within minutes.
The Problem
Whether because of stubbornness, a lack of technical knowledge, or financial reasons, HTTPS is still not seeing widespread use, even though the protocol was developed by Netscape and published as early as 1994 in the Netscape browser. Trusted server certificates are hard to come by free of charge, and the annual costs of these certificates often are not worth the price for private server operators.
[...]
Buy this article as PDF
(incl. VAT)
Buy Linux Magazine
Subscribe to our Linux Newsletters
Find Linux and Open Source Jobs
Subscribe to our ADMIN Newsletters
Support Our Work
Linux Magazine content is made possible with support from readers like you. Please consider contributing when you’ve found an article to be beneficial.
News
-
Kali Linux Waxes Nostalgic with BackTrack Mode
For those who've used Kali Linux since its inception, the changes with the new release are sure to put a smile on your face.
-
Gnome 50 Smooths Out NVIDIA GPU Issues
Gamers rejoice, your favorite pastime just got better with Gnome 50 and NVIDIA GPUs.
-
System76 Retools Thelio Desktop
The new Thelio Mira has landed with improved performance, repairability, and front-facing ports alongside a high-quality tempered glass facade.
-
Some Linux Distros Skirt Age Verification Laws
After California introduced an age verification law recently, open source operating system developers have had to get creative with how they deal with it.
-
UN Creates Open Source Portal
In a quest to strengthen open source collaboration, the United Nations Office of Information and Communications Technology has created a new portal.
-
Latest Linux Kernel RC Contains Changes Galore
Linux kernel 7.0-rc3 includes more changes than have been made in a single release in recent history.
-
Nitrux 6.0 Now Ready to Rock Your World
The latest iteration of the Debian-based distribution includes all kinds of newness.
-
Linux Foundation Reports that Open Source Delivers Better ROI
In a report that may surprise no one in the Linux community, the Linux Foundation found that businesses are finding a 5X return on investment with open source software.
-
Keep Android Open
Google has announced that, soon, anyone looking to develop Android apps will have to first register centrally with Google.
-
Kernel 7.0 Now in Testing
Linus Torvalds has announced the first Release Candidate (RC) for the 7.x kernel is available for those who want to test it.