Configuring SSL/TLS on Nginx Web Server with QuickServers

Configuring SSL/TLS on Nginx Web Server with QuickServers

Secure Your Website with QuickServers’ SSL/TLS Configuration Guide

When it comes to web security, SSL/TLS encryption is no longer optional — it’s an essential layer of protection that builds user trust, prevents data interception, and boosts your website’s SEO ranking.

If your website runs on Nginx and is hosted with QuickServers, setting up SSL/TLS ensures every visitor connects to your site safely over HTTPS. This guide walks you through the steps to configure, install, and verify SSL/TLS on your Nginx server.

1. Understanding SSL/TLS Encryption

SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) and TLS (Transport Layer Security) are cryptographic protocols that encrypt communication between a web server and a browser. This encryption prevents third parties from intercepting sensitive data such as passwords, credit card information, or login credentials.

When properly configured on your Nginx web server, SSL/TLS activates the secure https:// protocol and displays a padlock icon in the browser — key indicators of a trustworthy and secure website.

At QuickServers, our hosting infrastructure fully supports SSL/TLS for all domains, helping website owners deploy encryption with confidence.

2. Prerequisites

Before configuring SSL/TLS, make sure you have:

• An active SSL certificate for your domain

• The corresponding private key and certificate files

• (Optional) An intermediate or CA bundle file

• Root or sudo access to your Nginx server

If your SSL certificate was generated or activated through QuickServers, you can easily download your certificate and key files directly from your hosting account dashboard.

3. Step-by-Step: Configuring SSL/TLS on Nginx

Step 1: Upload Your SSL Certificate Files

You’ll need to upload the following files to your server, typically stored in:

/etc/ssl/certs/

and

/etc/ssl/private/

Make sure your files are properly named and accessible:

• /etc/ssl/certs/your_domain.crt

• /etc/ssl/private/your_domain.key

• /etc/ssl/certs/ca_bundle.crt (if provided)

Use secure permissions to protect your private key:

sudo chmod 600 /etc/ssl/private/your_domain.key

Step 2: Edit Your Nginx Server Block

Locate your Nginx configuration file for the domain you’re securing. It’s usually stored in:

• /etc/nginx/sites-available/your_domain.conf (Debian/Ubuntu)

• /etc/nginx/conf.d/your_domain.conf (CentOS/RHEL)

Add or modify the following block to enable SSL/TLS:

server {
    listen 443 ssl;
    server_name yourdomain.com www.yourdomain.com;

    ssl_certificate /etc/ssl/certs/your_domain.crt;
    ssl_certificate_key /etc/ssl/private/your_domain.key;
    ssl_trusted_certificate /etc/ssl/certs/ca_bundle.crt;

    ssl_protocols TLSv1.2 TLSv1.3;
    ssl_ciphers HIGH:!aNULL:!MD5;
    ssl_prefer_server_ciphers on;

    root /var/www/html;
    index index.html index.htm;

    location / {
        try_files $uri $uri/ =404;
    }

    access_log /var/log/nginx/access.log;
    error_log /var/log/nginx/error.log;
}

Save and exit the file when done.

Step 3: Redirect HTTP to HTTPS

To ensure all traffic is encrypted, create a redirect from port 80 (HTTP) to port 443 (HTTPS). Add this block above your SSL configuration:

server {
    listen 80;
    server_name yourdomain.com www.yourdomain.com;
    return 301 https://$host$request_uri;
}

This automatically forces all visitors to use the secure HTTPS version of your website.

Step 4: Test and Restart Nginx

Before applying the new configuration, test it for syntax errors:

sudo nginx -t

If the output says:

nginx: configuration file /etc/nginx/nginx.conf test is successful

you can safely restart Nginx:

sudo systemctl restart nginx

Your Nginx web server should now be running with full SSL/TLS support.

4. Verifying SSL Installation

After restarting Nginx:

1. Visit your website using https://yourdomain.com

2. Check for the padlock icon in your browser’s address bar

3. Use an online SSL checker to verify:

   • Certificate chain validity

   • Proper installation of intermediate CA

   • Expiry date and protocol support

If your website shows a browser warning or doesn’t load properly, double-check:

• Certificate and private key paths

• Ownership permissions on the files

• CA bundle inclusion (if required)

QuickServers tip: Always use fully qualified paths in your Nginx configuration and ensure your private key and certificate match.

5. Strengthening Your SSL/TLS Configuration

For stronger encryption and better performance, consider adding these enhancements:

ssl_session_timeout 1d;
ssl_session_cache shared:SSL:10m;
ssl_stapling on;
ssl_stapling_verify on;
resolver 8.8.8.8 8.8.4.4 valid=300s;
resolver_timeout 5s;

This enables OCSP stapling (faster certificate validation) and SSL session caching, improving speed and reliability.

Best Practices:

• Use TLS 1.2 or 1.3 only (disable outdated SSLv2 and SSLv3)

• Update your certificates before expiration

• Renew through your QuickServers dashboard to avoid downtime

6. Why Configure SSL/TLS with QuickServers

At QuickServers, we make SSL management simple and secure. Our integrated SSL system lets you:

• Generate CSRs directly from your account

• Manage multiple certificates easily

• Receive renewal reminders before expiry

• Install SSL on popular servers like Apache, Nginx, and LiteSpeed

Whether you’re managing a personal website or a corporate application, QuickServers gives you the tools to deploy HTTPS quickly and confidently.

7. Troubleshooting Common SSL Issues

If you’re still having trouble, QuickServers Support can assist with verifying configuration, file permissions, and DNS settings.

The Bottom Line

Configuring SSL/TLS on your Nginx web server is a vital step toward securing your website and protecting your users. With QuickServers, you can easily manage SSL certificates, automate renewals, and maintain high encryption standards across your domains.

Keep your Nginx configuration optimized and your SSL certificates updated to ensure your site remains fast, safe, and trusted.

Related Knowledgebase Articles

• What Is an SSL Certificate and Why Your Website Needs One

• How to Generate a Certificate Signing Request (CSR) for SSL

• Configuring SSL/TLS on Apache Web Server with QuickServers

• Step-by-Step Guide to Installing an SSL Certificate on Your QuickServers Hosting