Configuring HTTPS in Nginx: A Step-by-Step Guide to Achieving Secure Website Access

This article introduces the necessity and practical methods of configuring HTTPS for websites. HTTPS ensures data transmission security through SSL/TLS encryption, preventing user information from being stolen. It also improves search engine rankings and user trust (since browser "insecure" prompts can affect experience), making it an essential configuration for modern websites. The core of configuration is using Let's Encrypt free certificates (obtained via the Certbot tool). On Ubuntu/Debian systems, execute `apt install certbot python3-certbot-nginx` to install Certbot and the Nginx plugin. Then, use `certbot --nginx -d example.com -d www.example.com` to obtain the certificate by specifying the domain name. Certbot will automatically configure Nginx (listening on port 443, setting SSL certificate paths, and redirecting HTTP to HTTPS). Verification methods include checking certificate status (`certbot certificates`) and accessing the HTTPS site via a browser to check the small lock icon. It is important to note certificate path, permissions, and firewall port configurations. Let's Encrypt certificates auto-renew every 90 days, which can be tested with `certbot renew --dry-run`. In summary, HTTPS configuration is simple and can enhance security, SEO, and user experience, making it an essential skill for modern websites.