Is your website sending out an open invitation to hackers?
Without an SSL certificate, your site is vulnerable, and your visitors' data is at risk. It's like leaving your front door wide open in a bad neighborhood.
That's not all. Search engines like Google now prioritize secure websites, so lacking SSL encryption can hurt your rankings. Visitors are also more cautious than ever, often abandoning sites that show a "Not Secure" warning in the address bar.
But don't worry because figuring out how to install an SSL certificate on your website is easier than you think. This guide will walk you through the process step by step, so you can protect user data, ensure GDPR compliance, build trust with your visitors, and boost your SEO.
Let's get started.
Types of SSL Certificates and Which One to Choose
Before we delve into how to install SSL certificate on your website, it's important to know what your options look like first. There are several types, each designed for different needs. Here's a quick breakdown:
- Single-domain SSL secures one website only.
- Wildcard SSL protects one domain and all its sub domains like blog.example.com or shop.example.com.
- Multi-domain SSL (also called SAN certificates) lets you secure multiple domains under one certificate.
- Extended Validation (EV) SSL shows your company name in the address bar and offers the highest level of verification.
If you run a simple site or blog, a free SSL certificate may be all you need. But for eCommerce stores or businesses handling sensitive data, a paid SSL with extended validation and warranty coverage might be worth it.
When choosing, consider your site's size, the number of domains you own, and the level of customer trust you want to establish. Once that's clear, choosing which SSL certificate to install becomes much easier.
How to Get an SSL Certificate
Now that you understand the different types of SSL certificates, let's explore how to actually get one for your website. The process generally involves obtaining one from a trusted Certificate Authority (CA), which will validate your identity. Some of the most well-known CAs include DigiCert, GlobalSign, and Sectigo.
That said, you don't always need to go directly through a CA. Many hosting providers offer SSL certificates as part of their service, making the process quicker and more convenient.
At DTS-NET, for example, we offer web hosting with free SSL powered by Let's Encrypt. These multi-domain certificates are ideal for personal websites, blogs, and even small businesses.
If you decide to purchase an SSL certificate from a trusted third-party provider, the process typically involves domain validation. In other words, the CA needs to confirm that you own the domain you want to secure. This can be done in several ways, such as:
- Email Verification: The CA sends an email to an address associated with your domain e.g., name@yourdomain.com
- DNS Record Validation: You add a specific DNS record to your domain's settings.
- File Upload Validation: You upload a specific file to your website's server.
Once your validation is complete, the CA issues your SSL certificate. From there, you can start looking into how to install the SSL certificate on your website, and that's what we'll walk through next.
How to Install SSL Certificate in CWP
Once you've obtained your SSL certificate, it's time to put it to work. While the SSL installation process can vary slightly depending on your hosting setup or control panel, the general steps are quite similar across the board.
At DTS-NET, we've made SSL setup simple. We offer two options:
- Free AutoSSL issued by Let's Encrypt
- Manual SSL installation for custom certificates purchased from third-party providers or Certificate Authorities.
If you're using our CWP (Control Web Panel) on a shared hosting plan, here's how to install SSL certificate in a few simple steps:
Option 1: Install Let's Encrypt AutoSSL
- Log into your CWP user panel.
- Go to "Domains" > "AutoSSL".
- Select the domain you want to secure.
- Click "Install" — that's it!
Need to generate a CSR? A Certificate Signing Request (CSR) is a block of encoded text that contains your domain and company info. It's required when purchasing an SSL certificate from a third-party provider, as it helps the Certificate Authority verify your details. To create one in CWP, go to "Domains" > "Custom SSL" > "Generate CSR", fill in your domain and company information, then submit the generated CSR during the SSL purchase process.
Option 2: Install a Custom SSL Certificate Manually
After purchasing your SSL certificate, gather the files or details provided for installation and follow these steps.
- Log into your CWP user panel.
- Navigate to "Domains" > "Custom SSL" > "Install SSL".
- Paste the following details you acquired after SSL purchase into the corresponding fields:
- Private Key
- Certificate (CRT)
- CA Bundle (optional but recommended)
- Click "Install Certificate" to apply the certificate.
Tip for Advanced Users: If you are managing a VPS or dedicated server, you might prefer to install the SSL certificate manually via the command line. This typically involves using tools like openssl and configuring your web server software (e.g., Apache or Nginx) to point to the certificate and private key files.
By completing these steps within CWP or a similar process in your hosting control panel, your website will be secured. Next, we'll explore how to verify that your SSL is working correctly.
Redirecting HTTP Traffic to HTTPS
You might think securing your website ends with learning how to install an SSL certificate, but that's only part of the process. Once it's installed, the next crucial task is ensuring all traffic is redirected to HTTPS, rather than the default HTTP.
What's the difference?
HTTP and HTTPS are the protocols used to transfer data between web browsers and servers. The key difference is the "S" in HTTPS, which signifies a secure, encrypted connection thanks to the SSL certificate.
Let's walk through how to redirect all HTTP traffic to HTTPS. Depending on your setup, here are two common ways to achieve this:
1). Using the .htaccess File (For Any Website)
Caution: Editing the .htaccess file incorrectly can cause website errors. It's always a good practice to create a backup of your .htaccess file before making any changes.
If your site is on an Apache server (which many shared hosting environments use), you can automatically redirect visitors to the secure version of your site by adding a simple rule to your .htaccess file. Here's how.
- Access your website's root directory via FTP or File Manager in your hosting panel.
- Locate and open the .htaccess file. It is usually located within a folder named public_html, www, or similar, depending on your hosting provider.
- Add the following code at the top of the file:
- Save the file and refresh your website.
2). Using a Plugin (For WordPress Sites)
If your site runs on WordPress, the easiest method to force HTTPS redirect is to use a plugin. Some popular and reliable options include Really Simple SSL and WP Force SSL.
To set it up:
- Go to your WordPress dashboard > Plugins > Add New.
- Search for one of the above plugins, install, and activate it.
- Follow the plugin's instructions to enable SSL redirection.
By implementing either of these methods, you'll ensure that all visitors are automatically directed to the secure HTTPS version of your website, providing them with an encrypted connection and enhancing their trust in your site.
How to Test If SSL Is Working Properly
You've installed your SSL certificate and set up the HTTPS redirect – great job! Now, it's essential to verify that everything is working correctly and your website is indeed secure.
The quickest way to check is to visit your site in a browser. If you see a padlock icon or the https:// prefix in the address bar next to your URL, your SSL is active.
Clicking on the padlock or icon next to your URL will show more details about the certificate, including who issued it and whether the connection is secure. If you see a broken padlock, a warning symbol, or the absence of a padlock, something is wrong with your SSL setup.
For a deeper check, you can use free online tools like Qualys SSL Labs or Why No Padlock. If you're using Control Web Panel (CWP), testing SSL is even easier. Head to the SSL section in your dashboard, click the "Test" button, and choose one of the tools from the drop down list.
These tools scan your site and give detailed feedback on your certificate status, configuration issues, and potential vulnerabilities.
Verifying your SSL setup is working properly can save you from headaches down the road. So take a few minutes to perform these checks to ensure you are providing a secure browsing experience for your visitors.
Common SSL Errors and How to Fix Them
Even with careful installation, you might occasionally encounter issues with your SSL certificate. Recognizing common problems and knowing how to troubleshoot them is key to maintaining a secure website. Here are some frequent SSL errors and their solutions:
1"Not Secure" Warning
This error usually means your SSL certificate has expired or wasn't installed correctly. Double-check your certificate's validity and re-install if needed.
2Let's Encrypt AutoSSL Not Renewing
If your Let's Encrypt SSL certificates aren't renewing automatically on a shared hosting platform, it could be due to issues with your hosting provider's AutoSSL integration, DNS records, or potential conflicts with caching or load balancers. Consider contacting your hosting provider for assistance. As you wait for this to be resolved, set a reminder to manually renew the certificate a few days before it expires—just to stay ahead.
3Redirect Loops
If you've added HTTPS redirects in both your .htaccess file and a plugin, it might create a loop. Disable one of the methods and clear your cache.
4Mixed Content Warnings
This happens when some elements (like images or scripts) are still being loaded over HTTP instead of HTTPS. You can fix this by updating your URLs to use HTTPS or using a plugin like Really Simple SSL to handle it automatically on WordPress sites.
By understanding these common issues, you can quickly resolve them and keep your site secure and running smoothly.
Maintaining and Renewing Your SSL Certificate
Most SSL certificates are valid for one year, while free options like those provided by Let's Encrypt expire after 90 days. To avoid downtime or warnings, set a reminder well in advance of your SSL's expiration date.
You can check your certificate's expiration date in your web hosting control panel. Alternatively, you can view it in your browser by following these steps:
- Open your website in a browser (like Chrome, Safari, or Firefox).
- Click the icon next to the URL — a "tune" icon in Chrome or "padlock" in other browsers.
- Select "Connection is secure" or similar.
- Click "Certificate" or "More information" to view details, including the expiration date.
When it's time to renew, you can either reissue a new certificate through your CA or renew directly in your hosting control panel in case your setup does not auto-renew.
Stay proactive, and your visitors will never have to question your site's security.
Final Word
SSL encryption isn't just a security add-on—it's a must-have for any serious website owner.
From protecting visitor data to improving SEO and building trust, the benefits are clear. And as you've seen, learning how to install SSL certificate on your website and keep it active doesn’t have to be complicated.
Whether you choose a free or premium option, the key is staying on top of renewals and ensuring your configuration is solid. Secure your site today because a safer, faster, and more trustworthy web starts with you.
Ready to secure your site the easy way?
No need to buy an SSL certificate separately or worry about complicated setup. With DTS-NET, every hosting plan comes with free Let's Encrypt SSL, plus the tools to install it in just a few clicks.
