Installing and Securing the Apache Webserver with SSL

The purpose of this paper is to describe, in detail, how to install and configure the Apache Web Server with SSL (Secure Socket Layer) support. Today more than ever, sensitive data can no longer be trusted to be sent across the Internet in plain text. SSL adds a layer of encryption to data being sent across an http stream ensuring the that data is transmitted with a large degree of protection from prying eyes. SSL is not the be all and end all of securing data; SSL only protects the data in transit. Once the data has reached its destination it no longer benefits from SSL encrypted tunnel and could fall prey to prying eyes. This is only too common an occurrence in today world of e-commerce.

There are commercial packages available that combine the features of Apache with SSL which may also include additional features, including support. This paper will focus on implementing a system that is just as secure as the commercial counter-parts, with no additional cost involved. Using commercial packages is just no fun when you can build it yourself.