How to Enable SSL for Exchange 2013

Learn how to enable SSL for Exchange 2013 and secure your communications. Find out how to enable SSL for Exchange 2013 to encrypt communication and import your SSL certificate.

Adding SSL (Secure Socket Layer) support to Exchange 2013 is an essential first step in protecting your email system from online attacks.

You can explore the updates made in the latest version of Exchange by following the Exchange 2013 step-by-step Installation instructions provided below.

In this article, we will discuss:

• What is SSL for Exchange 2013
• How to Enable SSL for Exchange 2013
• Benefits of Enabling SSL for Exchange Server
• Review

What is SSL for Exchange 2013?

Generally, the Secure Socket Layer or SSL is like a virtual lock for a website that protects sensitive data online. In this case, for Exchange 2013, the Secure Socket Layer (SSL) protocol is intended to encrypt data transfer between client programs and the Exchange server. You can improve the security of your email system by using SSL, which ensures that all data is encrypted as it travels to and from the Exchange server.

How to Enable SSL for Exchange 2013

Using the step-by-step instructions below for Exchange 2013 will help you navigate the updates made in the new version of Exchange.

1. Open the ZIP file that you’ve downloaded containing your certificate. The certificate will be named as your_domain_name.cer.
2. Copy the your_domain_name.cer fiel to your Exchange server's network share folder (where you saved the CSR).
3. Access the Exchange Admin Center by opening a browser. Then, input https://localhost/ecp in the search bar.
4. Login using Domain or user name as the format for the username and enter your password.
5. Click the link to Servers in the left column, then Certificates at the top right.
6. Select your certificate from the menu in the center of the screen (listed by its Friendly Name) and click the Complete link in the right column.
   
    
7. Enter the network share path where your certificate file is located.
   
    
8. The certificate should be successfully installed on the server.
    
9. Now, to enable your certificate for use, go back to the Certificates section of the Exchange Admin Center, highlight the certificate you want to use and click the edit button.
   
    
10. Click the Services option on the left side.
     
11. Select the services for which you would like to enable your new certificate. Then, click Save.
    

Your certificate is now installed and enabled for use with Exchange.

Benefits of Enabling SSL for Exchange Server

Now that we know what SSL is for and how it works, there are also many benefits when using it. Learn the benefits of having an SSL certificate for Exchange server below.

1. Data Encryption – SSL encrypts information sent between the client programs and the Exchange server, protecting private data from unauthorized access. Examples of this type of information include emails and attachments.
2. Authentication – It adds an extra degree of protection against attacks by assisting in confirming that the server you are connected to is, in fact, the legitimate Exchange server and not an impostor.
3. Data Integrity – SSL offers a way to ensure that information transferred between the client and the server hasn't been changed or tampered with during transmission. Ensuring the integrity of the information exchanged is crucial.
4. Confidentiality – SSL protects the confidentiality of the data by encrypting it. The data is encrypted so only the intended recipient—the Exchange server or the client program—can interpret and view it, preventing unwanted access.
5. Trust and Credibility – Adding SSL to your email system can also increase its credibility and level of trust. Understanding that encrypted and secure communications may give individuals and organizations more trust in the system's security.
6. Prevention of Data Breaches – SSL dramatically lowers the danger of data breaches, which can have negative effects on an organization's finances and reputation, by safeguarding the data. 

One of the most important steps in building a secure email system that protects against security risks is using SSL with Exchange 2013.

Review

With the help of this article, you can enable SSL encryption and safeguard your Exchange 2013 communications. Find out what SSL is, why it matters, and how to activate it on your server.

• Learn about SSL: Find out how SSL encrypts data flow between clients and servers and functions as a virtual lock for Exchange 2013.
• Benefits of SSL: Improved trust, data integrity, data encryption, authentication, and confidentiality.
• Enhanced Security: SSL protects your email system from several security risks and data breaches.