Privacy by Default in TLS Configuration
Machines speak in secrets. Those secrets travel through TLS, and every weak cipher, misplaced certificate, or loose handshake leaks them. Privacy by default in TLS configuration is the baseline for trust — no exceptions, no compromises.
A strong TLS configuration starts with the correct protocol version. Disable TLS 1.0 and 1.1. Support only TLS 1.2 and TLS 1.3. TLS 1.3 offers faster handshakes, eliminates legacy weaknesses, and enforces modern cipher suites. This removes obsolete algorithms that attackers scan for first.
Choose cipher suites with forward secrecy. For TLS 1.2, prefer ECDHE over static key exchanges, and AES-GCM over CBC. In TLS 1.3, the suite list is fixed and already excludes outdated choices. Avoid RSA key exchange entirely. Forward secrecy means past conversations stay locked even if private keys are compromised later.
Certificates must be strong and short-lived. Use 2048-bit or greater RSA keys or curve25519 for ECDSA. Rotate them before expiration to limit exposure. Enable OCSP stapling to deliver revocation checks immediately to clients. Ensure your CA is trusted and reputable.
Enforce server-side settings. Set ssl_prefer_server_ciphers to true. Block renegotiation unless absolutely necessary. Use HSTS to keep clients locked on HTTPS, preventing downgrade attacks. Log handshake failures and monitor for spikes. Sudden patterns mean someone is probing your setup.
Automate the configuration. Privacy by default means no engineer must remember the correct flags each time. Scripts, config management tools, and CI/CD hooks push tested TLS profiles into production automatically. Test with openssl and scanners like Qualys SSL Labs to confirm grade A+ results.
Privacy by default in TLS is not “best practice.” It is standard practice. Anything less invites intrusion. Configure once, enforce everywhere, and keep testing.
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