Introduction
SSL certificates are a cornerstone of web security, ensuring encrypted communication and user trust. This guide offers a curated path to mastering SSL/TLS, with articles that take you from foundational concepts to advanced configurations and troubleshooting. Follow this step-by-step journey to become proficient in SSL/TLS implementation and management.
1. How SSL/TLS Handshake Works
Begin your journey by understanding the technical foundation of SSL/TLS. This article explains how the handshake process establishes secure communication between a client and a server, introducing key concepts like encryption and session establishment.
2. How to Request and Install an SSL Certificate
After understanding how SSL/TLS works, learn how to obtain an SSL certificate. This article covers generating a Certificate Signing Request (CSR), submitting it to a Certificate Authority (CA), completing domain validation, and installing the certificate.
3. Understanding Public, Private, and Self-Signed SSL Certificates
Learn the differences between public, private, and self-signed SSL certificates. This blog helps you understand their use cases, benefits, and limitations, making it easier to choose the right certificate for your needs.
4. How SSL Certificate Chain Works
Explore the concept of the SSL certificate chain and how trust is established. This article explains the roles of root, intermediate, and server certificates in creating a chain of trust between browsers and servers.
5. How to Create a Self-Signed SSL Certificate
Learn how to create self-signed certificates for testing or internal use. This article also covers how to include Subject Alternative Names (SAN) to secure multiple domains or subdomains with a single certificate.
6. Subject Alternative Name (SAN) in SSL Certificates
Dive deeper into the SAN field in SSL certificates, which allows multiple domains or subdomains to be secured under a single certificate. This blog explains its importance, use cases, and configuration.
7. How Multiple-Site Hosted Web Servers Route Content
Discover how web servers handle multiple domains on a single server. This blog explains HTTP routing using the Host header and HTTPS routing via Server Name Indication (SNI).
8. How to Install an SSL Certificate on Apache
Secure your Apache web server by enabling HTTPS. This guide provides step-by-step instructions for installing SSL certificates on both Debian-based and RPM-based systems.
9. How to Install an SSL Certificate on NGINX
Learn how to secure your NGINX web server with SSL. This guide includes detailed steps for configuring server blocks, enabling HTTPS, and redirecting HTTP traffic.
10. Verify and Simulate SSL Certificates Using OpenSSL Tools
Master the use of OpenSSL for inspecting, verifying, and simulating SSL certificates. This article is perfect for advanced users who want to troubleshoot or test SSL configurations effectively.
Conclusion
This structured learning path offers a comprehensive understanding of SSL/TLS, from fundamental concepts to practical implementations and troubleshooting. By following these articles, you’ll gain the skills to secure websites, build trust with users, and optimize SSL/TLS configurations.
