How to Install SSL Certificate on Synology NAS?

Introduction

Were you searching the web for the steps to install an SSL certificate on Synology NAS? If yes, we will learn “How to install an SSL certificate on Synology NAS” through simple steps.

But, before we start with the installation steps, there is a prerequisite that needs to be completed in order to install the SSL cert on the Synology NAS server.

The prerequisite is to create a CSR. If you have not generated CSR, don’t panic, Follow our tutorial on How to Create a CSR in Synology?

How to Install an SSL Certificate on Synology NAS?

Once the Certificate Authority successfully validate the CSR, it will issue the SSL cert. The SSL cert will be send in the form of a .zip folder on the registered Email ID. After receiving it, unzip the folder. Extract all its content.

Verify that the extracted content or files consists of:

• Primary Certificate having the .crt extension.
• Intermediate Certificate having the .bundle extension.
• Private Key that was generated during Code Signing Request creation.

Once the presence of all these three files have been verified, follow the steps mentioned below to install an SSL certificate on the Synology NAS server:

• Use your Login credentials to log into the Synology account.
• Navigate to the Control Panel.
• The Control Panel window will appear.
• In the Control Panel window, navigate to Security > Certificate.
• The Certificate tab will appear.
• In the Certificate tab, click Add.
• A new window will appear.
• In the new window, click the Add a new certificate option.  
• Click Next.
• A new window will appear.
• In the new window, from the list, select the Import Certificate option.
• Check the checkbox placed adjacent to the Set as default certificate option.
• Leave the Description field blank.
• Click Next.
• The Import Certificate File window will appear.
• In the Import Certificate File window, upload the SSL cert files.
• Click Browse in order to select the – Private Key, Primary Certificate & Intermediate Certificate.
• Click OK.
• If all the steps were performed correctly, – Synology NAS will start automatically.

Kudos!! You have successfully installed an SSL cert on Synology NAS.

How to Force an HTTPS Secure Connection When Accessing the Server?

Follow the steps mentioned below to force an HTTPS secure connection when accessing the server:

• Navigate to Control Panel > Network > DSM Settings.
• The DSM Settings page will appear.
• In the DSM Settings page, select – Automatically redirect HTTP connections to HTTPS option (Web Station and Photo Station excluded).
• Click Apply to save the changes.

After this, you will only connect via the – HTTPS Protocol.

Test the Installation Status

Testing the installation status is a fundamental and paramount process as it points out the issues that could lead to improper functioning of the SSL cert that could lead to “n” number of SSL related issues, and server performance issues.

To make sure that the SSL cert installation status is free of all such issues, use SSL installation testing tools, like SSL Checker or SSL Labs. These testing tools provide in-depth and through report of your SSL certificate’s condition.