Configure SSL/TLS Certificates for HTTPS Web Forwarding in UltraDNS

This article explains how to upload, manage, and apply SSL/TLS certificates for HTTPS Web Forwarding in UltraDNS.

Uploaded certificates can be used to secure HTTPS web forwarding records and provide encrypted HTTPS redirects.

When to Use This Article

• You need to upload a certificate for HTTPS Web Forwarding.
• You need to apply a certificate to an HTTPS forwarding record.
• You need to review certificate status or expiration information.
• You need to renew, replace, activate, or delete a certificate.

Before You Begin

Certificate Management is required to upload and manage certificates within the UltraDNS portal.

Certificate Management appears under the Domains section of the UltraDNS portal navigation menu.

If you do not see Certificate Management in the portal, contact Customer Support for assistance. 

The User Guide identifies Certificate Management as an account feature used with HTTPS Web Forwarding.

To create HTTPS forwarding records, you must also have permissions to create or edit Web Forwarding records.

What Certificate Management Provides

Certificate Management stores SSL/TLS certificates used by HTTPS Web Forwarding records.

The Certificate Management dashboard displays:

• Total certificates uploaded
• Certificates currently in use
• Valid certificates
• Expired certificates
• Certificates expiring within 15 days
• Certificates expiring within 30 days

Each certificate entry displays:

• Certificate name
• Associated domains
• Usage count
• Expiration date
• Certificate status

Upload a Certificate

1. Navigate to Domains > Certificate Management.
2. Click Upload New Certificate.
3. Enter a certificate name.
4. Optionally enter a description.
5. Select the account where the certificate will reside.
6. Upload the certificate file.
7. Upload the private key file.
8. Optionally upload a CABUNDLE file.
9. Click Upload.

Supported file formats include:

• .crt or .cer for the certificate
• .key for the private key
• .pem for the optional CABUNDLE file

View Certificate Details

1. Navigate to Domains > Certificate Management.
2. Select the certificate name.

The certificate details page displays certificate information, usage information, and validation results.

Validation checks include:

• Online Certificate Status Protocol (OCSP)
• Certificate Revocation List (CRL)
• Certificate trust chain validation

Apply a Certificate to HTTPS Web Forwarding

1. Create or edit a Web Forwarding record.
2. Enable HTTPS Forward.
3. Select the certificate.
4. Complete the remaining Web Forwarding fields.
5. Click Save.

After the record is saved, the certificate usage count increases to reflect the HTTPS forwarding record using the certificate.

Activate a Certificate

You can also create an HTTPS Web Forwarding record directly from an existing certificate.

1. Navigate to Domains > Certificate Management.
2. Select the certificate actions menu.
3. Click Activate.
4. Complete the required Web Forwarding fields.
5. Click Save.

Renew a Certificate

1. Locate the certificate.
2. Select Renew.
3. Optionally enter a description.
4. Upload the updated certificate files.
5. Click Renew.

Replace a Certificate

1. Locate the certificate.
2. Select Replace.
3. Optionally enter a description.
4. Upload the replacement certificate files.
5. Click Replace.

Delete a Certificate

1. Select the certificate.
2. Choose Delete.
3. Confirm the deletion.

Expected Outcome

A certificate is successfully configured when:

• The certificate appears in Certificate Management.
• The certificate status displays Valid.
• The certificate can be selected for HTTPS Web Forwarding.
• The usage count reflects any HTTPS forwarding records using the certificate.

Important Notes

1. HTTPS Web Forwarding requires a valid certificate.
2. Certificate and private key files are required for certificate uploads.
3. A CABUNDLE file may be required depending on the certificate chain.
4. Certificate Management is separate from Automated Certificate Management.
5. Managed certificates are covered in the related article below.

Related Articles

• Understanding Managed Certificates for HTTPS Web Forwarding
• Create an HTTPS Web Forwarding Record in UltraDNS