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
-
Dutch Government Turns to Open Source for Digital Sovereignty
Following in the footsteps of European countries, the Netherlands is looking to increase its sovereign digital infrastructure with open source software.
-
Linux May Soon Work on Snapdragon X2-Based PCs
If you're thinking about buying a Snapdragon X2-based desktop or laptop, Linux may soon be an option.
-
KDE for People Initiative Calls for AI Ban in Plasma
A new community of KDE wants the project to adopt a strict no-AI policy for KDE Plasma.
-
KDE Sets Ambitious Goals for 2026 and Beyond
KDE Connect reveals the goals for the Linux desktop darling, with one of those goals long overdue.
-
It’s Time to Test Fedora 45 Beta
Fedora 45 beta has been released with updated Gnome, KDE Plasma, and kernel.
-
Ubuntu Stonking Stingray Gets Even Rustier
Ubuntu 26.10 has completed its migration to the Rust-based coreutils.
-
AI Fixes Linux Bottlenecks Using “Hideous” Code
A Linux developer used AI to fix bottlenecks that caused problems when building the kernel. The resulting AI-generated code needed a lot of work.
-
Advanced Video Coding Still Under Patent
Brazilian patent BRPI0109962B1 has expired, which means that DivX and Xvid are no longer problematic for Linux, but it doesn’t mean that video is all of a sudden fully unleashed.
-
2,000 Vulnerabilities per Linux Release
Thanks to AI bug hunters, the Linux kernel is seeing record numbers of vulnerabilities, and it's overwhelming developers.
-
Linux Exempt from California’s Age Verification Law
So long as Linux is distributed under the GPL, MIT, BSD, and Apache licenses, the OS is exempt from being required to verify the age of its users in California.