Deploying Different SSL Certificates for Multiple Domains on AWS Bitnami WordPress Multisite

When managing a WordPress Multisite on AWS Bitnami, one important factor to consider is the security of your site, particularly the secure transmission of data through HTTPS. This article aims to guide you through the process of securing multiple domains with different SSL certificates. We will outline both the easy and the hard methods to achieve this.

The Easy Way: Use Cloudways

For those who prefer a straightforward and hassle-free solution, signing up for Cloudways is highly recommended. Cloudways provides managed AWS cloud hosting solutions along with one-click SSL certificate installation. Here’s how you can proceed:

Sign Up with Cloudways: Firstly, sign up for an account with Cloudways, ensuring you have a credit card on file for any payment-related operations. Choose the Right Plan: Select a plan that fits your needs, considering factors such as memory, storage, and additional features like SSL certificates. Create a New Application: Once logged in, create a new application by providing the necessary domain information and any additional details required by Cloudways. Configure with AWS Bitnami: After the application is created, configure it with your AWS Bitnami environment settings. Ensure all configurations align with your existing infrastructure or follow the prompts provided by Cloudways. Install the SSL Certificate: The final step is to install the SSL certificate with a single click. Cloudways will handle this process, ensuring that your site is secure and accessible via HTTPS.

This method is ideal for those who want to streamline their hosting and security setup without delving into complex technical procedures.

The Hard Way: Using Let's Encrypt and CLI Commands

If you prefer a more hands-on approach, you can use Let's Encrypt to obtain and install SSL certificates on your AWS Bitnami WordPress Multisite. Let's Encrypt provides free SSL/TLS certificates that can be installed programmatically. Here’s a guide on how to install different SSLs for different domains using CLI commands:

Initialize Let's Encrypt: Begin by initializing Let's Encrypt by installing the Certbot client. You can do this using the following command:

sudo apt-get update
sudo apt-get install certbot python3-certbot-apache

Obtain and Install Certificates: Once Certbot is installed, use the following commands to obtain and install SSL certificates for your specific domains. Replace and with your actual domain names.

sudo certbot --apache -d  -d 

Verify Installation: After installation, verify that the SSL certificates are correctly installed and functioning. You can check the server configuration by navigating to the Apache configuration directory and reviewing the certificate paths. You can use the following commands to confirm:

sudo nano 
sudo certbot renew --dry-run

By following these steps, you can automate the process of obtaining and installing SSL certificates using Let's Encrypt for multiple domains.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: What is Cloudways? Cloudways is a cloud hosting platform that simplifies the management and scalability of web applications. It offers managed hosting solutions, including support for WordPress and multi-site configurations. Q: Can I use Let's Encrypt with my AWS Bitnami WordPress Multisite? Yes, Let's Encrypt is a widely used certificate authority that offers free SSL/TLS certificates. You can use the Certbot client to obtain and install these certificates via command-line interfaces, making it a popular choice for securing your WordPress sites. Q: What are the security benefits of using SSL certificates? Using SSL certificates enhances the security of your WordPress Multisite by ensuring data integrity and confidentiality. It encrypts all data transmitted between the server and clients, protecting sensitive information such as login credentials and user data.

In conclusion, while there are easier methods available, leveraging Let's Encrypt’s CLI commands allows for greater customization and control over your SSL certificates. Choose the method that best suits your technical comfort level and specific needs. Whether you opt for the convenience of Cloudways or roll your own solution with Let's Encrypt, securing your WordPress Multisite with different SSL certificates is essential for maintaining a secure and robust online presence.