This article discusses the process of redirecting HTTP requests to HTTPS using Cloudflare, a popular web application security service.
In this explanation, we will delve into the specifics of how Cloudflare handles HTTP requests and redirects them to HTTPS. This is particularly important for organizations that use cloud-based services or share their IP address with external websites.
According to a presentation given by Eric Law at the IPSummerschool 2022 conference, Cloudflare's primary function is not just to secure web traffic but also to optimize it for performance and reduce latency. One of its most notable features is its ability to redirect HTTP requests to HTTPS, which not only protects sensitive data but also improves user experience.
When a client makes an HTTP request to a Cloudflare-enabled website, the server sends a GET or HEAD request to the Cloudflare edge server. If the Cloudflare edge server determines that the website requires HTTPS, it will redirect the request to the secure port (443). This process is known as HTTPS redirection.
Here's an example of how this might look in practice: Imagine you have a blog on Cloudflare-enabled with a sensitive database. When a user clicks on a link to your homepage, they would typically be redirected to HTTP://www.yourblogname.com (HTTP port 80). However, if the website is protected by SSL/TLS certificates and requires HTTPS to access that data, they will actually be redirected to HTTPS://www.yourblogname.com (HTTPS port 443). This ensures a secure connection for sensitive information.
Cloudflare's redirect logic is typically set up through an HTTP 301 or 307 permanent status code redirect. These redirects instruct the client browser to permanently change its response from HTTP to HTTPS, preventing any future requests from being sent back to the original URL. This approach helps protect both your website and visitors' privacy.