How to install SSL certificate on RedHat Linux

Steps to Install SSL Certificate on RedHat Linux

Installing an SSL certificate on RedHat Linux is not a difficult task and can be finished in just a few steps. This guide will provide you with easy-to-follow instructions for installing your SSL certificate securely and efficiently on the Red Hat operating system.

The Prerequisites for Installing an SSL Certificate on RedHat Linux

Complete these prerequisites before you start the installation process.

• You must have access to your server via SSH.
• A valid SSL certificate from a Certificate Authority (CA).
• The Apache HTTP Server installed and configured on RedHat Linux.
• Install the OpenSSL libraries on the server
• Generate CSR on RedHat Linux

Step 1: Create the yourdomain.crt file

Open the Primary SSL certificate file in a text editor and copy all its content – from “Begin Certificate” to “End Certificate”. Create a file named ‘yourdomain.crt’ and paste the certificate content into this newly created document.

Step 2: Copy yourdomain.crt on your server

Next, securely transfer the yourdomain.crt file to the directory of your server that stores SSL certificates for a successful installation. (For example, /your-domain/httpd/conf/ssl.crt/.)

You can store the certificate to these location mentioned below.

• You can store all certificates at – /your-domain/httpd/conf/ssl.crt/ location
• Private Key file to /your-domain/httpd/conf/ssl.key/ location
• CA bundle files at /your-domain/httpd/conf/ca-bundle/ location

Step 3: Install your SSL certificate

Open the Virtual Host settings in the httpd.conf file and perform the below steps:

• To ensure the successful installation of your CA-Bundle file; copy & paste the PEM file to each directory where it needs to be saved.
  • Example: /etc/httpd/conf/ssl.crt/.
• Open your httpd.conf file using text editor.
• Add “httpd.conf SSLCACertificateFile /yourdomain/httpd/conf/ssl.crt/ca-chain-pem.txt” to the SSL section.

The updated SSL section of your httpd.conf file will look like this:

SSLCACertificateFile /your-domain /httpd/conf/ssl.crt/ca-chain-pem.txt
SSLCertificateKeyFile /your-domain/httpd/conf/ssl.key/server.key
SSLCertificateFile /your-domain/httpd/conf/ssl.crt/server.crt

Step 4: Save the httpd.conf file and restart your Apache server

• Congratulations! Your website is now secure with SSL.
• Save the Config file & restart Apache server.

Troubleshooting Tips

If you are having trouble installing your SSL certificate on RedHat Linux, below are a few tips that may help:

• Check the Apache configuration file for any errors.
• Get SSL from trusted SSL Certificate Authorities like Comodo, Certera and Sectigo.
• Make sure all the necessary files (domainname_com and certs folder) have the correct permissions set.
• Verify that OpenSSL is installed on the server by running this command in SSH: <code>openssl version</code>. If not, install it first.
• All Certificate files that are provided by CA configured properly in the same text document.
• Restart Apache to make sure the changes took effect.
• Use SSL Checker Tool to troubleshoot SSL Installation.

FAQs

Q: Does RedHat use OpenSSL?

Yes, RedHat does use OpenSSL. OpenSSL is available on most of their enterprise Linux operating systems, including RHEL and CentOS. Red Hat provides an SSL/TLS library as part of its Enterprise Linux product line which includes support for the OpenSSL protocols.

Q: Where are SSL certificates stored in RHEL?

SSL certificates stored in specific directories on the server. Red Hat Enterprise Linux typically stores them in /etc/pki/tls/certs and /etc/pki/tls/private. These locations can be change by configuring the ssl.conf file appropriately. Use this command to locate your SSL certificates in RHEL: $ openssl version -d.