Learn how AWS ACM helps secure websites and applications using SSL/TLS certificates with automatic renewal and easy HTTPS setup
In today’s cloud world, security is one of the most important parts of any application.
Whenever users visit a website and see HTTPS instead of HTTP, it means the connection is secure and encrypted.
This security is provided using SSL/TLS certificates, and AWS makes this process simple using AWS Certificate Manager (ACM).
Amazon Web Services ACM handles the complexity of creating, storing, and renewing public and private SSL/TLS X.509 certificates for websites and applications.
What is AWS Certificate Manager (ACM)?
AWS Certificate Manager (ACM) is a service that helps developers:
- Create SSL/TLS certificates
- Store certificates securely
- Manage certificates easily
- Automatically renew certificates
- Protect websites and applications using HTTPS
- without manually handling complex certificate management.
Benefits of AWS ACM
1. Simplify Certificate Management
No need to manually create, install, or track certificate expiry dates.
2. Free Public Certificates
AWS provides no-cost public certificates for integrated AWS services.
3. Low-Cost Exportable Certificates
Certificates can also be used outside integrated AWS services.
4. Automatic Renewal
AWS automatically renews eligible certificates before expiration.
5. Secure Key Management
Private keys are securely managed by AWS.
Use Cases of AWS ACM
- Protect your website
- Protect internal workloads
- Improve application uptime
- Secure APIs and backend services
- Enable HTTPS for production applications
How to Create HTTPS Certificate in AWS
Let’s see how to request a public SSL certificate using ACM.
Step 1: Open ACM Service
Go to AWS Console → Search for Certificate Manager (ACM)
Click on: Request Certificate
Step 2: Select Public Certificate
Choose: Request a Public Certificate
then click Next
This is used for securing public websites and applications.
Step 3: Provide Domain Name
Enter your domain name like:
- example.com
- www.example.com
- boom.com
- Example: minion.com You can also add multiple domain names if needed.
Step 4: Choose Validation Method
Select: DNS Validation (Recommended)
Why?
Because it is easier, faster, and supports automatic renewal.
Avoid Email Validation unless necessary.
Also keep: RSA 2048
as the default key algorithm.
Step 5: Validate Domain Ownership
After certificate creation:
Click on the certificate
Then create the required DNS validation record inside:
Amazon Route 53
Important:
Make sure your domain is already purchased before creating DNS records.
AWS verifies domain ownership through this DNS record.
Step 6: Certificate Issued
Once validation is complete:
Certificate status becomes:** Issued**
Now you can attach it to:
- Load Balancer
- Amazon CloudFront
- Amazon API Gateway
- AWS Elastic Beanstalk
- to enable HTTPS.
Public vs Imported Certificates
Public Certificate from ACM
Free
Auto-renewed by AWS
Easy to manage
Imported Certificate (Third Party)
Example:
- GoDaddy
- SSL providers
These certificates must be imported manually require manual renewal
AWS will NOT auto-renew imported certificates.
This is a very important real-world concept.
Conclusion
AWS Certificate Manager makes HTTPS setup simple, secure, and professional.
Instead of manually handling certificates, developers can focus on building applications while AWS manages certificate security.
For every cloud developer, learning ACM is an important step toward production-ready deployments.
Let’s Connect!
Written by Abhishek Hulule, a full-stack developer passionate about simplifying backend development and exploring modern AI integrations.
💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/abhishek-hulule-711566292/
🌐 GitHub: https://github.com/AbhishekHulule9579
📧 Email: abhihulule2603@gmail.com
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