The invention discloses a network function virtualization-based certificate configuration method, apparatus, and system. A virtualized network management entity obtains initial credential information of a virtualized network function entity; and installs the initial credential information onto the virtualized network function entity during or after instantiation of the virtualized network function entity, so that the virtualized network function entity obtains, from a certificate authority by using the initial credential information, a formal certificate issued by a network operator of the virtualized network function entity. The invention not only can apply to a network function virtualization scenario, but also can resolve a problem of a security risk in network function virtualization.