Need Help Getting an SSL Cert for AWS GameLift? We’ve Got You Covered!

Are you struggling to secure your AWS GameLift fleet with an SSL certificate? You’re not alone! Getting an SSL cert can be a daunting task, especially if you’re new to AWS or haven’t dealt with SSL certificates before. But fear not, dear game developer! In this article, we’ll walk you through the process of obtaining an SSL certificate for your AWS GameLift fleet, step by step. By the end of this article, you’ll be well on your way to securing your game server communications and maintaining the trust of your players.

Why Do I Need an SSL Cert for AWS GameLift?

Before we dive into the how, let’s talk about the why. Why do you need an SSL certificate for your AWS GameLift fleet in the first place? Here are a few compelling reasons:

• Secure Player Data**: SSL certificates encrypt data transmitted between your game server and players’ devices, ensuring that sensitive information like passwords, credit card numbers, and personal data remain private.
• Trust and Credibility**: An SSL certificate helps establish trust with your players, as it indicates that your game is secure and reputable. This can lead to increased player retention and loyalty.
• Compliance with Industry Standards**: Many online gaming platforms and stores require SSL certificates as a condition of distribution. Don’t risk getting rejected! Get an SSL cert to ensure compliance.
• AWS GameLift Requirements**: AWS GameLift itself recommends using SSL certificates to secure game server communications. Don’t risk security breaches or data exposure – get an SSL cert to ensure compliance with AWS GameLift best practices.

Types of SSL Certificates: Choosing the Right One for AWS GameLift

Before we proceed, let’s quickly cover the different types of SSL certificates available:

• Domain Validated (DV) SSL Certs**: These certificates validate domain ownership, but not organization identity. They’re quick, cheap, and suitable for most game development needs.
• Organization Validated (OV) SSL Certs**: These certificates validate both domain ownership and organization identity. They’re more comprehensive and trustworthy, but also more expensive.
• Extended Validation (EV) SSL Certs**: These certificates validate domain ownership, organization identity, and undergo rigorous verification. They’re the most secure and trustworthy, but also the most expensive.

For most game development needs, a Domain Validated (DV) SSL certificate will suffice. We’ll focus on obtaining a DV SSL cert in this article.

Step 1: Create a Certificate Signing Request (CSR) for Your AWS GameLift Fleet

To obtain an SSL certificate, you’ll need to generate a Certificate Signing Request (CSR). A CSR is a text file that contains information about your organization and the domain you want to secure. Here’s how to generate a CSR for your AWS GameLift fleet:

openssl req -newkey rsa:2048 -nodes -keyout game liftservers.key -out game liftservers.csr

This command generates a 2048-bit RSA key pair and a CSR file named game liftservers.csr. The CSR file will be used to request the SSL certificate.

Step 2: Purchase an SSL Certificate from a Trusted Certificate Authority (CA)

Now that you have a CSR, it’s time to purchase an SSL certificate from a trusted Certificate Authority (CA). There are many CAs to choose from, including:

• GlobalSign
• DigiCert
• Comodo
• SSL.com

For this example, we’ll use SSL.com. Create an account on their website, and follow these steps:

1. Navigate to the SSL.com dashboard and click on “Order Certificate.”
2. Choose the “DV SSL” option and select the ” Single Domain” option.
3. Enter your domain name (e.g., yourgamefleet.com) and provide the required information.
4. Upload your CSR file (game liftservers.csr) to the SSL.com dashboard.
5. Review and confirm your order.

Once your order is complete, SSL.com will send a verification email to the domain owner. Follow the instructions to verify domain ownership.

Step 3: Install the SSL Certificate on Your AWS GameLift Fleet

After verifying domain ownership, SSL.com will send you an SSL certificate via email. Download the certificate files (yourgamefleet.com.crt and yourgamefleet.com.key) and upload them to your AWS account.

Next, follow these steps to install the SSL certificate on your AWS GameLift fleet:

1. Log in to the AWS Management Console and navigate to the IAM dashboard.
2. Click on “Certificate Manager” and then “Import a certificate.”
3. Upload the yourgamefleet.com.crt and yourgamefleet.com.key files.
4. Choose the “PCA” certificate type and add a descriptive name for your certificate (e.g., “Your Game Fleet SSL Cert”).
5. Click “Import” to complete the certificate installation.

Now, you can associate the SSL certificate with your AWS GameLift fleet:

1. Navigate to the AWS GameLift dashboard and select your fleet.
2. Click on “Edit” and scroll down to the “Security” section.
3. Under “Certificate,” select the SSL certificate you just imported.
4. Click “Save” to update your fleet configuration.

Step 4: Verify Your SSL Certificate Installation

Finally, verify that your SSL certificate installation was successful:

Use an SSL testing tool like SSL Labs or Why No Padlock to scan your game server URL (e.g., https://yourgamefleet.com). The tool should report a successful SSL connection.

SSL Testing Tool	Result
SSL Labs	A+ rating, indicating a secure SSL connection
Why No Padlock	No SSL warnings or errors, indicating a secure SSL connection

Congratulations! You’ve successfully installed an SSL certificate on your AWS GameLift fleet. Your game server communications are now secure, and you’ve earned the trust of your players.

Conclusion

Obtaining an SSL certificate for your AWS GameLift fleet might seem daunting, but it’s a crucial step in securing your game server communications and maintaining player trust. By following these steps, you can ensure that your game is secure and compliant with industry standards. Remember to choose a trusted Certificate Authority, generate aCSR, purchase an SSL certificate, install it on your AWS GameLift fleet, and verify the installation. Happy gaming!

Frequently Asked Question

Get ready to level up your game development with these frequently asked questions about getting an SSL cert for AWS GameLift!