Chapter 5 

Using SSL protection with

Custom Web Publishing

The Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) protocol is a standardized method for allowing encrypted and 

authenticated communication between web servers and web browsers. Encryption through SSL 

converts information being exchanged between web servers and web browsers into unintelligible 

information through the use of mathematical formulas known as ciphers. These ciphers are used to 

transform the information back into understandable data by the intended recipient through 

encryption keys.

The actual instruments used to provide SSL protection are termed 

SSL certificates.

 SSL server 

certificates satisfy the need for confidentiality, integrity, and authentication. These certificates form 

the basis of an Internet trust infrastructure by allowing web sites to offer safe, secure information 

exchange to their customers. Server certificates are the first step to setting up an SSL environment, 

and are available from independent, third party Certificate Authorities (CAs), such as VeriSign 

(www.verisign.com).

CAs issue certificates to individuals, organizations, and web sites. To implement SSL you must 

request and then install a digital certificate on a web server. You can enable SSL capabilities after 

the certificate has been successfully installed.

SSL server certificates fulfill two necessary functions:

SSL server authentication to allow web users to verify a web server's identity.  Web browsers 

automatically check to see if a server's certificate and public ID are valid and have been issued by 

a certificate authority (CA).

SSL encryption to allow a secure channel of communication that enables information sent 

between a web browser and a web server to be encrypted, preventing information from being 

intercepted over the Internet.  SSL encryption also monitors the integrity of the data being sent over 

the Internet and determines whether it has been altered in any way during transit.  This allows 

information to be sent securely and confidentially.  

Note

  SSL protection is only available to users of Custom Web Publishing with FileMaker Pro 

Unlimited software, and only through the use of the FileMaker Web Server Connector (FMWSC) 

and third party web server software, such as Microsoft Internet Information Server (IIS).

Example: Configuring SSL with Microsoft IIS

Part 1: Generating a private key pair and Certificate Signing Request (CSR)

1. 

In Microsoft IIS, open Administrative Tools and then the Internet Services Manager. Right click 

and select 

Properties

 for the web site you want.