Do you know the difference between HTTP and HTTPS? That “S” can make a big difference. So let’s take a look and learn how to install an HTTPS certificate on Dahua.
Specific installations need to use an HTTPS protocol to encrypt the data as it goes between the web browser and the recorder/camera.
Install an HTTPS Certificate on Dahua
Below you will learn how to set up and install an HTTPS certificate on Dahua to access your camera safely. The instructions will be valid for any Dahua devices, including recorders and cameras. Regardless if it’s a Dahua logo or OEM device. Take a look at the Dahua OEM devices list to see if your camera qualifies.
Camera Access
To start the process, you will need to open your camera’s interface on the web browser, preferably Internet Explorer, and enter your credentials (username and password).
After you log in, open the “HTTPS settings” by opening “Settings,” then “System,” followed by “Safety,” and finally, “HTTPS.” If you cannot locate the “HTTPS” section under the main menu, then your camera won’t allow you to install an HTTPS certificate on Dahua.
Create the HTTPS Certificate
Creating a certificate simply entails that the camera will create a protocol that encrypts/ decrypt data that is coming and going through the web browser to your camera. And vice versa.
To install an HTTPS certificate on Dahua, follow the steps below. Note that the certificate will have to be installed in all computers you utilize to gain access to your camera.
This is because the data will be encrypted and decrypted from your computer to the camera. Thus, all computers must install an HTTPS certificate.
Under the “HTTPS” section, click on “Create Certificate.” You will then be asked to input your device’s country initials and IP address. Once done, select the “Create” button to generate the certificate.
Needed information
When creating your certificate, you must be cautious of what you input to ensure the information is correct so your certificate is valid and accurate.
“IP or Domain Name”
In the text box, enter your external IP address or the domain you use to access your camera’s online interface. You can input one of three values:
- Domain Name: Type in your DDNS or your camera’s domain name.
- External IP Address: You can input the IP address used to view your camera remotely. This is what you type on the web browser to see your camera’s interface.
- LAN IP Address: Use this option if your camera is being used on the local network and not remotely.
“Country”
In this text box, you’ll add your country’s initials. This should only be two letters long. The most common include:
- US- United States
- CA- Canada
- UK- United Kingdom
“Valid Email Address”
Lastly, input your email address. Make sure it’s an email you can access, and you check often if needed.
Other Text Boxes
The remaining text boxes are optional but should be filled out if possible. Nevertheless, leaving them blank does not affect the process. If you leave it empty, add “None” as the answer.
Furthermore, you have the ability to specify how long the certificate will be valid. For instance, you can type “365” days for it to be valid for a year.
Check for any typos or errors before generating the certificate by clicking on “Create.” Once you click, the information you provided will be used to develop a certificate request.
Then, click on the “Download” button on the following page. It is recommended to export the certificate to your computer and save it in a safe folder.
If you will be needing the certificate on various computers, make a copy of the certificate to the cloud or a USB to transfer it between computers seamlessly.
Install Certificate on Computer
If you do not download and install the certificate on your computer, your browser will detect that the connection between the interface and the camera is not secure.
First, open files and locate where you saved your certificate from the previous step. Then double click the file, and the certificate details should appear. When they do, click on “Install Certificate” to import it and install it.
In the following window, the “Certificate Import Wizard” will launch. If the computer is a personal one only accessed by you, then choose “Current User.” If multiple users use the computer, then select “Local Machine.” Then click “Next” to continue.
Next, you need to select the “Place all certificates in the following store” option. Followed by “Trusted Root Certification Authorities.” Lastly, select “OK” to import your HTTPS certificates.
After you have finished, you should see a success message on the screen. If it does not appear, then something went wrong, and you might need to restart the process.
Install Certificate on Camera
The installation process does not stop there! You also need to add it to your camera. Open up the camera’s interface on a web browser and enable the “HTTPS.”
Select “Install” and await for it to install; it should take around 30-60 seconds. Once fully installed, you should see the “Attribute” field filled out. Then click “Save” to save the settings.
You should see a message that reads “Operate Succeeded!” as a confirmation sign. If you do not see it, then the certificate has not been activated and is not valid.
Furthermore, ensure that the “HTTPS” checkbox is selected. And be aware that the camera/recorder might need to reboot for the HTTPS to take effect, and they do so automatically.
Double-check
After you have done the process above to install an HTTPS certificate on Dahua cameras and recorders, it is important to check that it is up and running.
To do so, you’ll need to access your camera using the domain name or IP address that was used to create the certificate.
Then open up Internet Explorer and type the IP address on the search bar. Make sure the URL starts with HTTPs
A warning may appear to alert you that it is the first time you are accessing your camera after adding the certificate, and it is using an HTTPS protocol. You might have to mark the website as safe on your computer, so the message does not appear anymore.
Another message that might appear can read “TLS out of date.” To get rid of it, refresh the page to clear out the error. Moreover, the data is going to be encrypted and decrypted, so it might take a little longer to load.
Final Thoughts
The steps can be quite straightforward to install an HTTPS certificate on Dahua devices. However, tread carefully and remember to add the certificate to all of your different computers.
Now all the communication between your browser and your camera will be safe. There will be encryptions and decryptions happening, so give it time to load.