How to install an SSL certificate in Virtualmin?

Installing an SSL certificate in Virtualmin is a straightforward process that can be completed in a few steps. Here’s a detailed guide on how to install an SSL certificate in Virtualmin:

Prerequisites:

1. An SSL certificate: You need to have an SSL certificate purchased from a trusted Certificate Authority (CA).
2. Access to Virtualmin: You need to have access to your website’s Virtualmin control panel. If you’re not sure how to access Virtualmin, contact your hosting provider for assistance.
3. Extracted Certificate Files: Your SSL certificate is typically provided as a zip file containing multiple files, including the certificate file (.crt), the private key file (.key), and the intermediate certificate chain (optional). Extract these files to a secure location on your computer.

Steps to Install an SSL Certificate in Virtualmin:

1. Navigate to SSL/TLS Manager: In your Virtualmin dashboard, locate the “Server Configuration” section. Click on the “SSL/TLS Manager” icon to proceed.
2. Select the Domain: In the SSL/TLS Manager interface, select the domain for which you want to install the SSL certificate.
3. Choose the Installation Method:
   • Import Certificate: If you have the complete SSL certificate package (.pem) or separate certificate files (.crt, .key, and .ca-bundle), click on the “Import Certificate” button.
   • Generate a Self-Signed Certificate: If you need a temporary or testing SSL certificate, click on the “Generate Self-Signed Certificate” button.
4. Import Certificate Method:
   • Select Certificate Location: Choose whether you want to import the certificate from a file (recommended) or paste the certificate contents directly.
   • Import Certificate Contents: If you selected “From File,” click on the “Choose File” button and select the SSL certificate package (.pem) or separate certificate files (.crt, .key, and .ca-bundle). If you selected “Paste Contents,” paste the certificate contents directly into the provided field.
   • Specify Common Name: Enter the common name (CN) of the SSL certificate, which is typically the domain name for which the certificate is issued.
5. Configure SSL/TLS Settings (Optional):
   • Server Aliases (Optional): If you want to install the SSL certificate for multiple subdomains, click on the “Add Server Alias” button and provide the subdomain name. Repeat this step for any additional subdomains.
   • SSLCiphers (Optional): Select the appropriate SSL cipher suites to balance security and compatibility.
   • HSTS (Optional): Enable HTTP Strict Transport Security (HSTS) to force all future requests to your website to use HTTPS.
   • OCSP Stapling (Optional): Enable OCSP Stapling to improve performance and security by providing real-time certificate revocation information.
6. Install SSL Certificate: Click on the “Install Certificate” button. Virtualmin will automatically install the SSL certificate and configure your website to use HTTPS.
7. Verify SSL Certificate Installation: Once the installation is complete, you can verify that the SSL certificate is installed correctly by visiting your website and checking the address bar. It should display the “https” protocol and a padlock icon, indicating a secure connection.