Mozilla SSL/TLS Config Generator Tool

Securing your website with SSL/TLS encryption is crucial in today’s online world. Mozilla provides a free, easy-to-use tool to generate secure SSL/TLS configurations for servers, ensuring your website uses optimal encryption settings and stays safe from cyber threats.

This guide explores the Mozilla SSL Configuration Generator, how it works, and why every web admin and developer should use it.

What Is the Mozilla SSL Config Generator? ​

The Mozilla SSL Configuration Generator is a free online tool that helps system administrators and web developers create secure TLS/SSL configurations for their web servers. It’s specifically designed to follow Mozilla’s recommended Server Side TLS guidelines, providing settings that balance security and compatibility across modern browsers and devices.

• Supports multiple server types: Apache, Nginx, HAProxy, Tomcat, Dovecot, and more.
• Generates ready-to-use configuration snippets for your server.
• Reduces misconfigurations that could leave your website vulnerable.

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Key Features ​

1. Wide Server Support ​

Mozilla’s tool covers a variety of popular server software, including:

• Apache
• Nginx
• HAProxy
• Tomcat
• Dovecot
• Postfix

This ensures your server gets the best security settings regardless of the platform you use.

2. Recommended Security Levels ​

The tool offers three main security profiles:

• Modern: For clients supporting TLS 1.3 only. Offers the highest security, ideal for up-to-date browsers.
• Intermediate: Balanced settings for maximum compatibility with most users while maintaining strong encryption.
• Old: Supports older clients like Internet Explorer 8, useful for legacy systems.

Tip: Always choose the highest level possible while considering your user base.

3. Customizable Configurations ​

You can customize the generated configuration to match your environment:

• Select your server type and version
• Specify the OpenSSL version
• Enable or disable HSTS (HTTP Strict Transport Security)
• Enable OCSP Stapling to speed up certificate verification
• Adjust cipher suites for your preferred balance of speed and security

4. Easy Copy & Deployment ​

Once your configuration is generated:

1. Copy the text directly from the tool.
2. Paste it into your server configuration files.
3. Restart your server for changes to take effect.

No need to manually type complex TLS cipher strings - the tool handles it for you.

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Why Use Mozilla SSL Config Generator? ​

Improved Security ​

Websites with weak TLS settings are vulnerable to attacks like:

• POODLE
• BEAST
• Heartbleed

Mozilla’s tool ensures your site uses secure cipher suites and protocols, protecting sensitive user data.

Better Compatibility ​

The Intermediate profile guarantees that the largest number of users can connect securely, balancing encryption strength and accessibility.

Saves Time ​

Manually configuring SSL/TLS can be error-prone. The generator gives you ready-made settings, eliminating guesswork and reducing misconfigurations.

Free & Open Source ​

Mozilla offers this completely free tool, which follows up-to-date security best practices, making it a reliable resource for developers and sysadmins alike.

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How to Use the Tool ​

1. Go to the official site: https://ssl-config.mozilla.org
2. Select your server: Apache, Nginx, Tomcat, etc.
3. Pick the security level: Modern, Intermediate, or Old.
4. Customize settings if needed: OpenSSL version, HSTS, OCSP Stapling.
5. Copy the generated configuration and apply it to your server.
6. Restart your server to enable the new settings.

Tip: Test your server after applying changes using SSL testing tools like Qualys SSL Labs to ensure proper configuration.

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Example: Nginx Modern TLS Configuration ​

ssl_protocols TLSv1.3;
ssl_ciphers TLS_AES_256_GCM_SHA384:TLS_CHACHA20_POLY1305_SHA256;
ssl_prefer_server_ciphers off;
ssl_session_timeout 1d;
ssl_session_cache shared:SSL:50m;
ssl_session_tickets off;
add_header Strict-Transport-Security "max-age=63072000; includeSubDomains; preload" always;

This snippet, generated via Mozilla’s tool, ensures optimal encryption and compliance with modern browsers.

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Best Practices for SSL/TLS Security ​

• Always use the latest server software versions.
• Regularly update TLS/SSL certificates.
• Enable HSTS to enforce HTTPS on all connections.
• Disable weak ciphers like RC4 or 3DES.
• Monitor server logs for potential attacks.

Conclusion ​

The Mozilla SSL Configuration Generator is an essential tool for anyone managing web servers. It simplifies SSL/TLS configuration, ensures strong security, and improves compatibility across browsers. Using this tool, you can protect your website and your users from cyber threats while saving time and reducing errors.
Start using it today at https://ssl-config.mozilla.org and make your site secure with just a few clicks!