Source URL: https://blog.cloudflare.com/introducing-automatic-ssl-tls-securing-and-simplifying-origin-connectivity
Source: The Cloudflare Blog
Title: Introducing Automatic SSL/TLS: securing and simplifying origin connectivity
Feedly Summary: This new Automatic SSL/TLS setting will maximize and simplify the encryption modes Cloudflare uses to communicate with origin servers by using the SSL/TLS Recommender.
AI Summary and Description: Yes
Summary: The text discusses Cloudflare’s upcoming rollout of its Automatic SSL/TLS setting, set to begin in August 2024, which will simplify and enhance the encryption of connections between Cloudflare and customers’ origin servers. This initiative is a significant advancement from the previously established Universal SSL, focused on improving security while ensuring seamless site functionality, thereby aiding users who had difficulties with SSL configuration.
Detailed Description:
The text outlines the launch of Cloudflare’s Automatic SSL/TLS feature, a substantial enhancement in how it manages encrypted connections from its services to users’ origin servers. Here are the key points:
– **Background**: Cloudflare aims to provide a more secure connection to customers’ origin servers, building upon its Universal SSL initiative launched in 2014, which facilitated easier SSL/TLS certification for secure traffic between browsers and Cloudflare.
– **Significance of SSL/TLS**: Enhanced encryption between Cloudflare and origin servers is crucial in preventing interception, throttling, and censorship, thus strengthening overall internet security.
– **SSL/TLS Modes**: The text explains the different modes Cloudflare currently offers (Off, Flexible, Full, Full (Strict), and Strict) for managing connections and how these modes influence the level of security.
– **Introduction of the Recommender**: Launched in 2021, the SSL/TLS Recommender proactively suggests improvements to origin configuration without the risk of misconfiguration, significantly reducing human error during manual setups.
– **Automatic SSL/TLS Deployment**: Starting from August 8, 2024, the Automatic SSL/TLS feature will roll out to current SSL/TLS Recommender users. The feature autonomously selects the most secure mode for a website, enhancing security while minimizing disruptions.
– Customers with complex setups can still use Configuration Rules to fine-tune security based on different origins serving varying parts of their web traffic.
– **Opt-Out Option**: While Automatic SSL/TLS will be set as the default, customers can choose to opt-out and maintain their current encryption modes at any time during the grace period via the dashboard or API.
– **Future Steps**: Further communications regarding the rollout will be sent, ensuring that customers are well-informed about the changes and can adjust their settings to suit their needs.
The Automatic SSL/TLS feature represents a shift towards a more user-friendly security posture, allowing even those with minimal technical expertise to benefit from strong encryption practices, thereby enhancing the security landscape for all Internet users.