Setting up HTTPS with Secure Sockets Layer (SSL)

In this recipe, we will learn how to add a secure connection to the Apache web server by creating a self-signed SSL certificate using OpenSSL. This is often a requirement for web servers if the sites running on them transfer sensitive data such as credit card or login information from the web browser to the server. In a previous recipe you were shown how to install the Apache web server, and with the growing demand for secure connections, it is the purpose of this recipe to show you how to enhance your current server configuration by teaching you how to extend the features of the Apache web server.

Getting ready

To complete this recipe, you will require a working installation of the CentOS 7 operating system with root privileges, a console-based text editor of your choice, and a connection to the Internet in order to facilitate the download of additional packages. It is expected that Apache web server has been installed and that it is currently...