How to Install SSL Certificate on Apache with mod_ssl
Taking your Apache server to the next level of security? In today's web environment, securing your website with an SSL certificate is no longer optional. This guide will walk you through how to install certificate on Apache with mod_ssl, the industry-standard module for enabling HTTPS encryption. By following these steps on how to configure SSL certificate, you'll ensure a safe and encrypted connection for your website visitors, boosting trust and potentially improving your search engine ranking.
In this article, we will discuss:
Install Certificate on Apache with mod_ssl
Extract all the contents of the ZIP file that was sent to you and copy/move them to your server. The extracted contents will typically be named: yourDomainName.crt and yourDomainName.ca-bundle, which contains files typically named dv_chain.txt, ov_chain.txt, or ev_chain.txt and downloadable from your SSL control panel.
Follow these instructions to configure the SSL certificate Apache with mod_ssl:
- Copy the certificate and CA bundle file to your server, preferably into a directory where you plan to keep your certificates.
Note: This is commonly /etc/ssl/.
- You will now need to edit the Apache configuration file. The location of this file can vary depending on your distribution (Windows, Debian/CentOS/Fedora/etc. Linux) and the version of Apache you are using.
- Locate the file and open it in your preferred editor.
- Locate the VirtualHost section for the ssl-enabled site you are installing the certificate for.
Note: This will commonly begin <VirutalHost 127.0.0.1:443>.
- Add the following lines into the VirtualHost section, making sure to change the paths of the files to correspond to the locations of the files on your server.
Note: The location of this file may vary from each distribution. It will be referenced in the Apache global configuration file. Look for the lines starting with include.
- Apache Configuration File:
- Fedora/CentOS/RHEL: /etc/httpd/conf/httpd.conf
- Debian and Debian based: /etc/apache2/apache2.conf
- SSL Configuration File:
Some possible names:Note: Please consult your distribution's documentation on Apache and SSL or navigate to the Apache Foundation's Apache2 Documentation.- httpd-ssl.conf
- ssl.conf
- In the /etc/apache2/sites-enabled/ directory
- In the VirtualHost section of the file, please add these directives if they do not exist. It is best to comment on what is already there and add the below entries:
- SSLEngine on
- SSLCertificateFile: /etc/ssl/ssl.crt/yourDomainName.crt
- SSLCertificateChainFile: /etc/ssl/ssl.crt/yourDomainName.ca-bundle ***
- SSLCertificateKeyFile: /etc/ssl/ssl.key/server.key
- Apache 1.3.x:
- SSLEngine on
- SSLCertificateKeyFile /etc/ssl/ssl.key/server.key
- SSLCertificateFile /etc/ssl/ssl.crt/yourDomainName.crt
- SSLCACertificateFile /etc/ssl/ssl.crt/yourDomainName.ca-bundle
Apache 2.x:- SSLEngine on
- SSLCertificateKeyFile /etc/ssl/ssl.key/server.key
- SSLCertificateFile /etc/ssl/ssl.crt/yourDomainName.crt
- SSLCertificateChainFile /etc/ssl/ssl.crt/yourDomainName.ca-bundle
- Save your config file and restart the Apache service. It is sometimes required to 'stop' then 'start' Apache instead of issuing the 'restart' command for the changes to take effect.
If you have chosen to have a password on your private key, you will be prompted to enter it each time Apache is started or restarted. Apache will not fully start until the password is entered.
The configuration file is often called httpd.conf or apache.conf, although sometimes the SSL-specific section is placed in a separate file called ssl.conf and linked from the main configuration by an 'Include' command. Sometimes, the VirtualHost section will be in a specific file for that site, in a sub-directory often labeled sites-enabled.
Much of the layout of Apache's configuration files and directory naming conventions is controlled by the distribution of OS you are using. It is recommended that you look at the distribution's own site and documentation to confirm the locations.
Review
Don't leave your website vulnerable! Knowing how to install certificate on Apache with mod_ssl will ensure your visitors' secure and encrypted connection. This builds trust, strengthens your brand reputation, and can improve your search engine ranking, as search engines prioritize secure websites.
Remember: This guide is a starting point if you need to configure an SSL certificate. The specific location of configuration files may vary depending on your operating system. Always consult your distribution's documentation for the most accurate details.