Hardening Web Server SSL/TLS Configuration
Achieving a 100% Qualys SSL Labs score requires disabling legacy protocols, enforcing ECDHE key exchange with Perfect Forward Secrecy (PFS), and sending HTTP Strict Transport Security (HSTS) headers.
Security & SSL
7 min read
Aug 25, 2026
Achieving SSL Labs A+ Rating: HSTS Preloading, TLS 1.3 & Perfect Forward Secrecy
Z
Published by ZodHost Engineering Team
Executive Summary & Key Takeaways
Step-by-step Nginx and Apache configuration to achieve a flawless Qualys SSL Labs A+ rating with HSTS preload and modern cipher suites.
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