How to Install SSL Certificate on Node.js?

A Step-by-Step Guide on Installing SSL Certificate on Node.js

This article provides instructions on how to install an SSL certificate on Node.js, which involves configuring all the necessary certificate files, including root, intermediate, & primary certificates. These files should be available in an archived folder provided by your CA (Certificate Authority).

Before We Begin Generate the CSR

To get an SSL Certificate for Node.js, you must generate a CSR (Certificate Signing Request) containing your organization/website details.

• Follow our Process for Generating CSR in Node.JS.
• Use our CSR Generator tool to create your CSR and Private Key files.

SSL Certificate on Node.js: Installation Process

Here is a step-by-step guide to install SSL certificates on Node.js.

Step 1: Be ready with the Certificate Files

Make sure that you have the primary certificate for your domain (.crt extension), the root certificate (.crt), the CA Bundle file containing the root and intermediate certificates (.ca-bundle extension), and your private key generated along with CSR (.key extension).

Step 2: Create an HTTPS server in Node.js:

In your command line, use the following values to create your HTTPS server. We have used server.js file name of the JS File, you can use your own file name.

#vim server.js
var https = require('https');
var fs = require('fs');

var https_options = {
    key: fs.readFileSync('/path/to/private.key'),
    cert: fs.readFileSync('/path/to/your_domain_name.crt'),
    ca: [
        fs.readFileSync('/path/to/CA_root.crt'),
        fs.readFileSync('/path/to/ca_bundle_certificate.crt')
    ]
};
https.createServer(options, function (req, res) {
    res.writeHead(200);
    res.end('Welcome to Node.js HTTPS Server');
}).listen(8443);

You will need to replace the following commands with pathways pertaining to your file:

Step 3: Enable SSL Certificate

Activate your SSL certificate on Node.js by running the following command.

node server.js

Using an SSL checker tool, test your SSL installation for potential errors or vulnerabilities.

That’s it! Once you have completed these steps, your SSL certificate should be properly installed and functioning on your Node.js server.