Apache web servers use pem X509 files for its SSL certificate key configurations. We will start by assuming that you have already successfully installed the SSL certificate on the Apache web server. Apache systems can have customized environments you may have to make the necessary adjustments pertaining to your own system. You will follow these steps to copy, and backup the SSL certificate with its private key.
To perform the Export and Backup of an SSL certificate in Apache perform the following.
Step 1: Finding your SSL certificate and key files on Apache:
Note: The directory location and naming of the individual files needed vary depending on your personalized system. Below are generalized instructions.
- Referencing the httpd.conf or ssl.conf file look for the location and directories of the three files necessary.
- SSLCertificateFile /usr/local/ssl/crt/public.crt
- SSLCertificateKeyFile /usr/local/ssl/private/private.key
- SSLCertificateChainFile /usr/local/ssl/crt/intermediate.crtExample:
- Copy each file public.crt, private.key, intermediate.crt into another directory, or portable drive of your choosing
- <filename>.crt – server certificate
- <filename>.key – private key
- <filename>.crt – intermediate CA/chain certificateCopy the httpd.conf file you were referencing to the same directory, or portable drive of the copied certificate files.
You have successfully made a Export and Backup of an SSL certificate in Apache. This includes backup copies of your SSL certificate, its Private key, and their intermediate CA/chain certificate.