Test TLS 1.2 Connection

When it comes to securing online communications, one of the most critical steps is configuring your web servers to use the latest and most secure Transport Layer Security (TLS) protocol versions. In this article, we will explore how to test a TLS 1.2 connection in NGINX and Apache.

Configuring NGINX

To enable only TLS 1.2 protocol in NGINX, you need to modify the `ssl_protocols` directive in your configuration file(s). This directive is usually located in the global NGINX configuration file or individual server block configurations. The location of this file varies depending on your system:

* On Red Hat/CentOS-based systems: `/etc/nginx/nginx.conf`

* On Debian/Ubuntu-based systems: `/etc/nginx/nginx.conf`

Once you find the `ssl_protocols` directive, modify it to match the following:

```

ssl_protocols TLSv1.2;

```

Don't forget to restart your NGINX service after making changes.

Configuring Apache

Similarly, in Apache, you need to configure the `SSLProtocol` directive to disable all protocols except TLS 1.2 and 1.3. To do this, open your configuration file(s) and find the `SSLProtocol` directive:

* On Red Hat/CentOS-based systems: `/etc/httpd/sites-enabled/`

* On Debian/Ubuntu-based systems: `/etc/apache2/sites-enabled/`

Modify the `SSLProtocol` directive to match the following:

```

SSLProtocol all -SSLv2 -SSLv3 -TLSv1 -TLSv1.1

```

Restart your Apache service after making changes.

Why Disable Older Protocols?

Disabling older protocols like SSLv2, SSLv3, TLS 1.0, and TLS 1.1 is crucial for maintaining the security of your online communications. Over the years, vulnerabilities have been discovered in these deprecated protocols, putting your data at risk. By disabling them and leaving only TLS 1.2 and 1.3 enabled, you can ensure that your connections are protected against potential attacks.

The Handshake Process

When a client connects to a server using TLS or SSL, the two parties engage in a 'handshake' process to determine mutual support for certain ciphers and hash algorithms. This handshake occurs at the start of each connection and is an essential part of securing online communications.

In conclusion, testing your TLS 1.2 connection by configuring NGINX and Apache to use only this protocol can help ensure that your online communications are protected against potential threats. Remember to restart your services after making changes to take effect.

Test tls 1.2 connection