Differences

This shows you the differences between two versions of the page.

--- blocks:server:https [2019-08-23 07:59] – Removed path that's no longer needed and clarified some details admin
+++ blocks:server:https [2023-04-24 08:14] (current) – Improved initial note text admin
@@ Line 1: / Line 1: @@
-===HTTPS===
+======Using HTTPS for Secure Server Communication======
+:!: **NOTE**: The method described here has been replaced by the [[blocks:server:nginx|nginx reverse proxy]] method when using our Linux based server image. The method described below still applies for Linux server image versions prior to 221214, as those don't have nginx pre-installed. It can also be used if you run Blocks server on Mac, Windows or any other environment where nginx is not available.
 To make Blocks serve your content over HTTPS you have to add a certificate for your domain and configure Blocks to use it. Follow the steps below:
-  - Place the certificate, ending with .p12, in your PIXILAB-Blocks-root folder (located in the home directory of the user account under which you run the server).
+  - Place the certificate (typically a file ending with .p12) in your PIXILAB-Blocks-root folder (located in the home directory of the user account under which you run the server).
   - Open your Blocks server configuration file.
   - Under server.applicationConnectors, make sure the settings shown below are configured as appropriate for your domain name and certificate.
@@ Line 11: / Line 13: @@
 server:
   type: pixilab_server
+  requireHttps: true
   applicationConnectors:
     - type: http
-      port: 9080
+      port: 8080
     - type: https
-      port: 9443
+      port: 8443
       keyStorePath: pixi.guide.p12
       keyStoreType: PKCS12
       keyStorePassword: ********
       certAlias: 1
-    </code>
+</code>
-  - **keyStorePath**  is the path to the key store which contains the host certificate and private key. May be a relative path if stored under the PIXILAB-Blocks-root
+  * **keyStorePath**  is the path to the key store which contains the host certificate and private key. May be a relative path if stored under the PIXILAB-Blocks-root
-  - **keyStoreType** is the type of the key store used in the certificate, in our case "PKCS12" (aka "p12").
+  * **keyStoreType** is the type of the key store used in the certificate, in our case "PKCS12" (aka "p12").
-  - **keyStorePassword** is the password used to access the certificate file.
+  * **keyStorePassword** is the password used to access the certificate file.
-  - **certAlias** is the alias name given to the proper certificate in the file (as it may contain more than one)
+  * **certAlias** is the alias name given to the proper certificate in the file (as it may contain more than one).
+The //requireHttps// option will enforce the use of HTTPS (except for unauthenticated Spots), preventing users from accidentally using the insecure http method.
+Once you have HTTPS working on your server, you may also want to switch to the [[blocks:server:form_authentication|form based login method]], since that method allows users to log out without having to close the web browser.