What Is SSL/TLS?
Cryptographic protocols that provide encrypted communication between a client (browser) and server. SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) is the predecessor to TLS (Transport Layer Security). TLS 1.2 and 1.3 are the current standards. These protocols ensure data transmitted between users and your application cannot be intercepted or modified.
In Laravel Applications
Laravel applications should enforce HTTPS in production using URL::forceScheme("https") and the HSTS header. Your SSL certificate should cover all subdomains and use TLS 1.2 or higher. Check certificate expiration dates regularly to avoid outages.
Example
An expired SSL certificate causes browsers to show a security warning, driving users away. Continuous monitoring can alert you days before expiration.
Related Terms
HTTP Strict Transport Security (HSTS)
A security header that tells browsers to only connect to your website over HTTPS. Once a browser receives the HSTS header, it will automatically convert all future HTTP requests to HTTPS for the specified duration, preventing protocol downgrade attacks and cookie hijacking.
Man-in-the-Middle Attack (MITM)
An attack where an adversary secretly intercepts and potentially modifies communication between two parties who believe they are communicating directly with each other. The attacker can read, inject, or alter data in transit.
Related Articles
How to Security Audit a Laravel Application: A Practical Guide
A step-by-step guide to auditing the security of a Laravel application. Covers dependency scanning, configuration review, external scanning, code review patterns, and how to prioritize findings.
Laravel Security Checklist 2026: 25 Essential Checks Before You Deploy
The definitive Laravel security checklist for 2026. Covers .env protection, debug mode, session cookies, CORS, CSRF, security headers, and dependency audits. Copy into your deployment workflow.
NIST SP 800-81r3 DNS Security: 6 Changes That Affect Your Infrastructure in 2026
The first NIST DNS security update since 2013. New guidance on Protective DNS, encrypted DNS (DoH/DoT), DNSSEC, and dangling record cleanup. Here are the 6 key changes and what to do.
Related Fix Guides
How to Fix Weak SSL/TLS Configuration in Laravel
Your SSL/TLS certificate is expired, misconfigured, or using weak protocols. Learn how to fix SSL issues for your Laravel app.
How to Fix an Exposed .git Directory
Your .git directory is publicly accessible, allowing attackers to download your entire source code and commit history. Fix it now.
How to Fix Subdomain Takeover Vulnerabilities
Dangling DNS records pointing to decommissioned services allow attackers to take over your subdomains. Learn how to find and fix them.
Monitor Your Laravel Application's Security
StackShield continuously checks your Laravel application from the outside, catching security issues before attackers find them.
Start Free Trial