How to Secure Apache with Let’s Encrypt SSL on a VPS (Step-by-Step Guide)

Secure Your Site with Free HTTPS Using Let’s Encrypt

This guide shows how to install a free SSL certificate on your VPS using Certbot and Apache, point your domain via DNS, fix common errors, and verify the setup. Tested using mousebrothers.com.

🔧 Step 1: Point Your Domain via DNS

Log into your domain registrar (e.g., Whois.com) and go to DNS Management. Add these records:

• A record for @ → your server IP
• A record for www → your server IP

Use dig +short mousebrothers.com or dnschecker.org to confirm propagation.

📥 Step 2: Install Certbot and Apache Plugin

This installs Certbot and the Apache plugin that auto-configures your web server.

🔐 Step 3: Get the SSL Certificate

Certbot will prompt for:

• Your email (for expiry reminders)
• Agreeing to the TOS
• Selecting the correct Apache virtual host

Problem: You may get an error like:
“We were unable to find a vhost with a ServerName or Address of www.mousebrothers.com…”

🛠️ Step 4: Manually Fix Apache Config

Edit the default vhost file:

Add inside the <VirtualHost *:80> block:

Then copy it to create an HTTPS vhost:

Edit the new file:

Update the first line and add SSL directives:

🚀 Step 5: Enable SSL and Reload Apache

This activates HTTPS for your site. Apache will now serve both HTTP and HTTPS traffic.

🔍 Step 6: Test It

Visit:

• https://mousebrothers.com
• https://www.mousebrothers.com

You should see a padlock icon. Run certbot certificates to confirm cert status.

🧠 Bug Bounty Considerations

If you’re using this for ethical bug bounty work:

• Don’t auto-redirect HTTP to HTTPS — some payloads need port 80.
• Leave HSTS disabled unless you’re testing it.
• Use subdomains (e.g. xss.mousebrothers.com) for isolated testing.

This setup gives you full control of HTTPS while preserving flexibility for ethical hacking, recon, or OOB testing.

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