How to Create a Self-Signed Certificate in Apache

The Apache Web server is installed on servers around the world, providing solid performance and features to those who use it. Apache provides security for e-commerce through SSL certificates, the de facto standard for such transactions. OpenSSL is typically used to create the certificates, and both Apache and OpenSSL are frequently used on a Linux platform.

Instructions

1. • 1
     Install the Apache2 Web server, OpenSSL and PHP5 using the following commands at the Linux command prompt:
     apt-get install apache2 openssl libapache2-mod-php5 php5-cli php5-common php5-cgi
     apt-get update
     The second command ensures that all software contains the most current updates.
   • 2
     Create an SSL certificate using the following command at the command prompt:
     openssl req $@ -new –x509 –days 700 –nodes –out /etc/apache2/apache.pem –keyout /etc/apache2/sslcert.pem
     The resulting process will ask you for information about the server. The more accurate the information you provide, the more security the certificate will be able to provide.
   • 3
     Set permissions for the “sslcert.pem” file using the following command:
     chmod 600 /etc/apache2/sslcert.pem
     Use a text editor to change the /etc/apache2/ports.conf file, adding this line line to cause Apache2 to listen on port 443:
     Listen 443
     Save the file and close it.
   • 4
     Enable SSL support for your Apache2 server using the following command:
     a2enmod ssl
   • 5
     Change your site’s configuration file to allow Apache2 to use SSL. Be sure the following two lines are present:
     NameVirtualHost *.80 (change from NameVIrtualHost *)
     NameVirtualHost *.443 (permit SSL connections)
   • 6
     Restart the Apache server with the following command:
     /etc/init.d/apache2 restart
   • 7
     Test your server. Open a Web browser, key https://localhost in the URL and press “Enter.” You should see your Web server’s home page with “https” at the front of the URL.