HSTS (HTTP Strict Transport Security) is a security policy mechanism that protects websites against protocol downgrade attacks and cookie hijacking. Implemented by web servers, HSTS enforces communication via HTTPS, ensuring encrypted and secure data transmission. Browsers store HSTS settings for a specified duration, preventing users from inadvertently accessing unsecured versions of a website. HSTS also prevents man-in-the-middle attacks, ensuring users aren't deceived by forged certificates. Overall, HSTS improves web security by enforcing strict HTTPS usage and avoiding insecure HTTP connections.
9,795
websites using HSTS
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Websites using HSTS by countrymarket share · top 8 countries
🇩🇪Germany
🇮🇳India
🇬🇧United Kingdom
🇦🇺Australia
🇨🇦Canada
🇮🇩Indonesia
🇳🇱Netherlands
🇺🇸United States
0%13%25%38%50%
Websites using HSTS by industrydetected industries
Shopping68%
SaaS & Cloud31%
Education0.7%
Law & Government0.6%
Aerospace & Defense0.1%
Travel0.1%
Websites using HSTS
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Frequently asked
What is HSTS?›
HSTS (HTTP Strict Transport Security) is a web security policy mechanism that helps protect websites against protocol downgrade attacks and cookie hijacking. It ensures that web browsers communicate only through HTTPS with a website, thereby increasing the website's overall security.
How does HSTS work?›
HSTS works by adding a response header to the web server's response. This header, called "Strict-Transport-Security," is recognized by compatible web browsers, which then ensure that all future requests to the website use HTTPS instead of HTTP, and if the HTTPS connection was not successful, the user would not be allowed to access the site.
What are the benefits of using HSTS?›
Using HSTS provides several benefits, such as securing data communication between the browser and server, preventing protocol downgrade attacks, protecting against hijacking of cookies, and ensuring users access the secure version of a site.
How do I enable HSTS on my website?›
Enabling HSTS on your website involves adding the "Strict-Transport-Security" header in your web server's configuration file. This process might differ slightly depending on the web server software you are using (e.g., Apache, Nginx, or others).
Are there any risks associated with HSTS?›
While HSTS enhances a website's security, it's essential to keep in mind that once enabled, disabling it can be difficult. Users who have already interacted with your site will have their browsers enforce HTTPS connections until the HSTS expiry period lapses. Additionally, improper implementation or website misconfiguration can lead to SSL errors, affecting site usability.
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