How to Install SSL Certificate on SurgeMail?

Introduction

This tutorial is divided into three parts to help you understand the process comprehensively. We will guide you through CSR generation and SSL installation in parts one and two.

By the end of this tutorial, you’ll be well-equipped to protect your SurgeMail server with an SSL cert while being aware of the cost-effective options available. Let’s dive in!

Create a CSR

CSR is an encoded text submitted to a Certificate Authority to verify the identity of your company or website. When it comes to creating a CSR for SurgeMail, you have two options:

Using Online CSR Generation tool:

CSR Generator is an automated approach guarantees efficiency and convenience, enabling you to effortlessly generate both the CSR and private key without any hassle.

Creating it Manually on SurgeMail:

• In the Web Admin, go to the Globals page.
• Click ‘SSL Certificates Configure‘
• Click on ‘New CSR‘ button. This will start the process of generating a new CSR, a new private key, and a temporary certificate (unsigned).
• When done, filling out the company details for the company for which the certificate will be issued.
• Copy the new CSR and paste it into enrollement form.
• Once you receive your SSL Certificate, you can install it

SSL Certificate Installation on SurgeMail

You can follow a straightforward process that only involves five steps to install an SSL cert on SurgeMail, and here are those five steps:

• Unzip and extract the files.
• Copy the SSL certificate details into the text editor (E.G Notepad).
• Copy the Intermediate certificate details into the text editor (E.G Notepad).
• Merge the contents of both the .crt files.
• Paste the contents of the certificate files into the SSL Certificate(s) field.
• Restart the SergeMail server.

Unzip and extract the Files.

Double-click the .zip folder and extract these certificate files:

• SSL certificate file
• CA Bundle (Intermediate certificates files)
• Private Key

Copy the SSL certificate details on the text editor – Notepad.

Open the SSL certificate files and copy the entire content, including “—–BEGIN CERTIFICATE—–” and “END CERTIFICATE—–” headers on a text editor file like Notepad with the .crt extension. (Assuming the name given is SSL_one.crt)

Copy the Intermediate certificate details on the text editor – Notepad.

Open the CA Bundle files, copy the entire content, as done in the previous step, and save it on a new Notepad file (.crt extension). (Assuming the name given is SSL_two.crt)

Merge the contents of both the .crt files

• Open a new Notepad file (ex – New_three.crt).
• Copy the entire content of the SSL_one.crt file.
• Paste the copied content into the New_three.crt file.
• Copy the entire content of the SSL_two.crt file.
• Repeat step 3 and make sure that there are no spaces between the content of SSL_one and SSL_two .crt files.

Here’s the format for your reference:

BEGIN CERTIFICATE—–

(Server certificate)

—–END CERTIFICATE—–

—–BEGIN CERTIFICATE—–

(Intermediate certificate)

—–END CERTIFICATE—–

Paste the contents of the certificate files to the SSL Certificate field

• In the Web Admin, in the SSL Certificate(s) field, copy the content of the New_three.crt file.
• To copy the content of the New_three.crt to this field, open the file in question in text format using WordPad or any other text editor.
• After successfully pasting the content in the SSL Certificate(s) field, click Save.

Restart the SergeMail Server

Now, all that is left is to restart the SergeMail server and test your installation.

Test the Installation

SSL connection errors can arise from server issues or browser complications, necessitating a thorough evaluation of both. Employing testing tools like Qualys SSL testing and SSL Checker Tool is highly recommended to address and rectify such potential concerns effectively.