How to Install an SSL Certificate on IBM Cloud?

Safeguarding the integrity of your website stands as a paramount concern, and a powerful means to accomplish this lies in implementing an SSL certificate.

Through this proactive measure, you foster confidence among your website users and fortify their data by ensuring a browsing experience that is impervious to threats.

For those hosting their websites on IBM Cloud, this all-encompassing piece provides straightforward guidelines on how to install an SSL certificate effortlessly.

SSL Certificate Installation on IBM Cloud

Follow the steps mentioned below to install an SSL certificate on IBM Cloud:

Step 1: Purchase an SSL Certificate

Before installing an SSL certificate on IBM Cloud, you must obtain SSL Certificate from trusted CAs like Certera, DigiCert, Sectigo, Comodo, etc. Choose a CA that meets your requirements and send the CSR. To send the CSR, you need to create it, so let’s look at the second step, which explains how we can accomplish it.

Step 2: Create a CSR

To generate a CSR, you have two options: utilizing CSR generation tool or creating it manually.

The OpenSSL utility can be employed for Unix users, while Windows users can utilize the Directory Security tab found within the website properties in the IIS manager.

Steps to Generate CSR Using IBM Cloud Secrets Manager:

The Secrets Manager service in IBM Cloud can generate and manage the CSR and private key for you. This is recommended for cloud-managed certificates.

• In the IBM Cloud console, click the Menu icon > Resource List. From the list of services, select your instance of Secrets Manager.
• In the Secrets table, click Add. Select the Imported certificate tile, and click Next.
• Add a name, description, and select a secret group. Click Next.
• Select the Create a Certificate Signing Request (CSR) tile. Add the required Common Name (your domain name) and optional subject fields.
• Click Add. The service generates the private key internally and creates a CSR in a “Pre-activation” state.
• Once the secret is created, go to its details, use the “Managed CSR” tab, and click Download CSR to get the file.
• Send the downloaded CSR file to your chosen Certificate Authority or provider to get it signed. The private key remains securely stored within Secrets Manager.

When generating a CSR manually, ensuring that all the details provided are accurate and up-to-date is vital. Inaccurate information may result in the CA rejecting your request.

Therefore, careful attention must be given to this step to avoid complications during the SSL certificate acquisition process.

Step 3: Unzip the Folder

Once the CA has successfully validated your request, it will send you the SSL certificate files. Generally, you will receive the certificate through email. Once you have received the mail, download the .zip folder (it contains the SSL certificate and files) and save the certificate files onto your local machine for further usage and implementation.

Step 4: Add SSL Certificate to the Cloud

Follow the steps mentioned below to add an SSL cert to the cloud:

• Access the Security menu of your console.
• Within the Security menu, locate and select SSL, followed by Certificates.
• Look for the option Import SSL Certificate and click on it.
• Fill in the SSL certificate details in the provided fields precisely as provided by the certificate authority (For reference, see the table below). Ensure accuracy by including any spacing and line breaks as specified. Any deviations may lead to errors during the import process.

Also Read: How to Install an SSL Certificate on IBM HTTP Server?

Reference Table:

Field	Description
Certificate	Enter the SSL certificate details received from the certificate authority in alphanumeric format.
Private key	Provide the private key details ( alphanumeric block of text) associated with the certificate provided by the certificate authority.
Intermediate certificate	In this section, enter the details of the intermediate certificate, if it’s available. However, adding this information is optional.
Certificate signing request	Enter the CSR and public key details in this section. While entering these details, ensure that CSR has not been modified in any way, and don’t add details regarding your private key in this section.
Notes	In this section, you can add additional notes about the SSL certificate that could be helpful to other users.

Where can you Buy Best SSL Certificate for IBM Cloud?

Discover the ultimate solution for unbeatable SSL security on the Cloud at an exceptional value! We offer all types of SSL certificates designed explicitly for Cloud environments at affordable prices.

We prioritize the protection of your website by partnering with top SSL brands in the industry. However, our commitment doesn’t end there. We also excel in providing excellent customer support.