How To Enable HTTPS On Your Server?

Enabling HTTPS (Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure) on your server is essential for securing the communication between your website or web application and its visitors. HTTPS encrypts the data exchanged between the user’s browser and the server, ensuring confidentiality and data integrity. In this step-by-step guide on how to enable HTTPS, we’ll walk you through the process of enabling HTTPS on your server.

Step 1: Acquire an SSL/TLS Certificate

Select a trusted Certificate Authority to purchase or obtain a free SSL/TLS certificate. Popular CAs include Let’s Encrypt, Comodo, and DigiCert.

• Generate a Certificate Signing Request (CSR): Use your server’s software or hosting control panel to create a CSR. This request contains your server’s public key.

• Submit the CSR: Provide the CSR to the CA when purchasing or requesting a certificate.

• Complete Domain Verification: The CA may require you to prove ownership of the domain by adding specific DNS records or files to your server.

• Receive the Certificate: Once verified, the CA will issue your SSL/TLS certificate.

Step 2: Install the SSL/TLS Certificate

The installation process varies depending on your server software (e.g., Apache, Nginx, Microsoft IIS, or a hosting control panel like cPanel). Here are the general steps:

For Apache

• Upload the Certificate Files: Upload the certificate files (typically a .crt file and a .key file) to your server.

• Update Apache Configuration: Modify your Apache virtual host configuration to include the certificate files and specify the SSL/TLS settings.

• Restart Apache: Restart the Apache web server to apply the changes.

Nginx

• Upload the Certificate Files: Upload the certificate files to your server.

• Update Nginx Configuration: Edit the Nginx configuration to include the certificate files and configure SSL settings.

• Test Configuration: Run a configuration test to ensure there are no errors.

• Reload Nginx: Reload Nginx to apply the SSL configuration.

For Microsoft IIS

• Import the Certificate: Use the IIS Manager to import the SSL/TLS certificate into the server’s certificate store.

• Bind the Certificate: Bind the certificate to the specific website or web application in IIS.

• Test the Website: Verify that HTTPS is working by accessing your website over HTTPS.

Step 3: Update Your Website/Application

Ensure that all internal links, resources (CSS, JavaScript, images, etc.), and references within your website/application use the “https://” protocol instead of “http://.” If your website interacts with external APIs, ensure that API calls use HTTPS.

Step 4: Implement HTTP to HTTPS Redirect

To enforce HTTPS, configure your server to automatically redirect HTTP requests to HTTPS. This can typically be done by adding a simple redirect rule to your server configuration.

Step 5: Test HTTPS Configuration

Use online tools like SSL Labs to check the SSL/TLS configuration of your server. Ensure that it receives a high security rating and address any security vulnerabilities.

Step 6: Monitor and Renew the Certificate

SSL/TLS certificates have an expiration date. Set up monitoring and renewal processes to ensure your certificate remains valid. Many CAs offer automatic renewal options.

Read: ERR_SSL_PROTOCOL_ERROR: Causes and Resolutions

Conclusion

Enabling HTTPS on your server is a crucial step in securing your website or web application. It not only protects sensitive user data but also builds trust with your visitors. By following these steps and keeping your SSL/TLS certificate up to date, you can provide a secure browsing experience for your users.