LMS SSL Certificate Renewal

LMS SSL Certificate Renewal


1. Purpose
This article outlines the process for renewing SSL certificates for PeopleFluent Learning Management System (LMS) sites, particularly those with a vanity domain. It details the coordination between clients and the support team to ensure a smooth renewal process.

2.  Background
Secure Socket Layer (SSL) certificates are essential for encrypting communication between a web server and a user's browser, ensuring secure data transmission. These certificates have an expiration date and must be renewed periodically to maintain security and avoid browser warnings.

3. Process Overview
The SSL certificate renewal process for PeopleFluent Learning LMS sites with vanity domains typically involves the following steps:
  1. Initiation: The renewal process is usually initiated by either the client or the support team as the certificate's expiration date approaches.
  2. Certificate Signing Request (CSR) Generation:  A CSR is a block of encrypted text that is sent to a Certificate Authority (CA) when applying for an SSL certificate.
This can be handled in two ways:
        Client Provides SSL: The client may provide the new SSL certificate files directly to the support team.

        CSR Generation and Client Purchase:

            1.  The support team coordinates with PeopleFluent to generate a CSR for the client's vanity domain.
            2.  Generate the CSR
            3.  PeopleFluent provides the CSR to the support team.
            4.  The support team sends the CSR to the client.
            5.  The client purchases the SSL certificate from a Certificate Authority (e.g., DigiCert, GoDaddy) using the provided CSR.
            6.  The client provides the purchased SSL certificate files to the support team.

SSL Certificate Installation:

The support team coordinates with PeopleFluent to apply or implement the new SSL certificate on the LMS server.

Verification:

After installation, the support team verifies that the new SSL certificate is correctly installed and functioning as expected. This includes checking the certificate details (e.g., validity dates, domain name) and ensuring that the site is accessible via HTTPS without errors.

4. Detailed Steps

  Client Provides SSL:

        1.  The client obtains the new SSL certificate files (usually in formats like .crt, .key, or .pfx) from their Certificate Authority.
        2.  The client provides these files to the support team.
        3.  The support team coordinates with PeopleFluent to install the provided SSL certificate on the LMS server.

CSR Generation and Client Purchase:

        1.  The support team informs PeopleFluent that a CSR is needed for the client's vanity domain.
        2.  PeopleFluent generates the CSR and provides it to the support team.
        3.  The support team forwards the CSR to the client.
        4.  The client uses the CSR to purchase the SSL certificate from a Certificate Authority. The CA will provide the necessary SSL certificate files.
        5.  The client provides the SSL certificate files to the support team.
        6.  The support team coordinates with PeopleFluent to install the new SSL certificate on the LMS server.

5. SSL Certificate Validity Verification

    After the SSL certificate is installed, it's crucial to verify its validity. Here's how to check it in Chrome and Edge:

   Google Chrome:

        1.  Open the Chrome browser and navigate to the LMS site using the HTTPS protocol (e.g., https://lms.yourcompany.com ).
        2.  Click the lock icon in the address bar, to the left of the URL.
        3.  In the pop-up window, click on "Connection is secure" or "Certificate is valid".
        4.  Click on the “Certificate” to view certificate details, including validity dates, issuer, and subject.


    Microsoft Edge:

        1.  Open the Microsoft Edge browser and go to the LMS site via HTTPS.
        2.  Click the lock icon in the address bar.
        3.  Click on "Connection is secure" or "Certificate is valid".
        4.  Click on “Certificate” to inspect the certificate’s validity period and other information.


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