How to Implement Godaddy SSL on Apache Server?

How SSL/TLS Secures Communication Over the Internet

SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) is a protocol used to secure communication between a client and a server over the Internet. Here’s how SSL works:

The SSL/TLS handshake: The client and server establish a secure connection by performing a handshake. During the handshake, they agree on a protocol version, exchange cryptographic keys, and verify each other’s identity.
Encryption: Once the handshake is complete, the client and server begin encrypting data sent between them using the public key from the server’s SSL/TLS certificate. The public key is used to encrypt the data, while the private key is used to decrypt it.
Data exchange: The client and server can now exchange data securely, knowing that any data transmitted over the internet is encrypted and cannot be intercepted or modified by third parties.
Session termination: Once the data exchange is complete, the client and server can terminate the SSL/TLS session.

SSL/TLS provides a secure communication channel by ensuring that data transmitted between the client and server is encrypted and cannot be read by any third party. SSL/TLS is widely used to secure online transactions, such as online shopping, banking, and other sensitive activities that require secure communication over the Internet.

Step-by-step instructions for installing a GoDaddy SSL certificate on an Apache server:

Step 1: Purchase an SSL certificate from GoDaddy

The first step is to purchase an SSL certificate from GoDaddy. After the purchase, GoDaddy will send you an email containing the SSL certificate files.

Step 2: Download and Install OpenSSL

To install OpenSSL on your Apache server, use the following command:

sudo apt-get install openssl

Step 3: Create a Private Key

Run the following command to create a private key:

sudo openssl genrsa -out yourdomain.key 2048

Replace your domain with your website domain name.

Step 4: Generate a CSR

Use the following command to generate a Certificate Signing Request (CSR):

sudo openssl req -new -key yourdomain.key -out yourdomain.csr

You will need to enter the details requested in the prompt, such as your website domain name, country, city, etc.

Step 5: Submit the CSR to GoDaddy

Open the CSR file in a text editor, copy the contents, and submit it to GoDaddy to obtain your SSL certificate.

Step 6: Download SSL Certificate Files from GoDaddy

Once GoDaddy approves your SSL certificate, they will send you an email with a link to download the SSL certificate files. Also, we are able to download it from the GoDaddy SSL panel.

Step 7: Upload SSL Certificate Files to Server

Copy the SSL certificate files to a directory or we can add them to a new directory in the Apache server. Typically, the files will be named:

yourdomain.crt
gd_bundle.crt
yourdomain.key

Step 8: Configure Apache for SSL

Edit the Apache configuration file to enable SSL:

sudo nano /etc/apache2/sites-available/default-ssl.conf

Add the following lines to the file:

SSLEngine on
SSLCertificateFile /path/to/yourdomain.crt
SSLCertificateKeyFile /path/to/yourdomain.key
SSLCertificateChainFile /path/to/gd_bundle.crt

Replace /path/to/ with the actual path to your SSL certificate files.

Step 9: Enable SSL in Apache

Run the following command to enable SSL in Apache:

sudo a2enmod ssl

Step 10: Restart Apache

Restart Apache to apply the SSL configuration changes:

sudo service apache2 restart

Glossary

Certificate signing request (CSR)

A Certificate Signing Request (CSR) is a message that is generated when someone requests a digital certificate, such as an SSL/TLS certificate used to secure a website. The CSR includes information about the organization or individual requesting the certificate and a public key. The CSR is sent to a Certificate Authority (CA) to request the issuance of the digital certificate. The CA verifies the information and issues a digital certificate that contains the public key and other information about the certificate. The digital certificate is then installed on the server or device where it will be used to secure communications.

Private key

A private key is a secret cryptographic key used with a public key to secure communication between a client and a server. The private key is kept on the server and used to decrypt data encrypted with the public key. It should be kept secure to prevent unauthorized access. If the private key is compromised, an attacker may be able to intercept and decrypt SSL/TLS traffic, which could expose sensitive information.

SSL

SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) is a security protocol that encrypts data transmitted between a web server and a web browser to ensure it remains private and secure. An SSL/TLS certificate is used to authenticate the identity of the web server to the web browser. SSL/TLS is important for securing online transactions, protecting sensitive information, and building trust with website users.