Configure SSL with LetsEncrypt and nginx

Configuring SSL is beneficial not only for security purpose but also for SEO too.

Linux software foundation's initiated a program called Let’s Encrypt to give SSL certificates for free and it is in preview state as of today. You can whitelist your domain by registering  here. You can configure after getting confirmation from Let’s Encrypt team.

Here are the steps to generate Let’s Encrypt SSL and configure with NGINX.

  $ git clone https://github.com/letsencrypt/letsencrypt

  $ cd letsencrypt

  $ ./letsencrypt-auto --agree-dev-preview --server \
    https://acme-v01.api.letsencrypt.org/directory auth

Note: Select Standalone option.

Note: Enter your Email address when asked.

By default, the certificates will be created at /etc/letsencrypt/live/

Now you need to configure Nginx by adding your pem files as showed below.

  server {

      listen 443 ssl;

      server_name micropyramid.com;

      ssl_certificate /etc/letsencrypt/live/micropyramid.com/fullchain.pem;

      ssl_certificate_key /etc/letsencrypt/live/micropyramid.com/privkey.pem;

  }

You need to change the domain name to the one you want to configure.

Then, reload the Nginx using -

  $ sudo service nginx reload

We are happy to help, ask if you have any difficulties by writing to us at hello@micropyramid.com