Ashwin Lewis
Adding an SSL certificate to your website is a crucial step in ensuring the security of your visitors' private information. SSL (Secure Socket Layer) certificates encrypt data transmitted between your website and its clients, including sensitive details such as credit card information, passwords, and addresses. This encryption also enables your website to use the HTTPS protocol, which is more secure than HTTP. To add an SSL certificate, you'll need to decide on the type of certificate and validation level required, choose a certificate authority, and then request the certificate. The process can be done through your hosting provider, and some even offer free installation. Let's Encrypt, for example, provides an easy way to generate and install SSL certificates, while services like Namecheap offer automatic SSL activation and installation. It's important to note that free SSL certificates, such as those from Let's Encrypt, require renewal every 60-90 days. By following these steps, you can enhance the security of your website and protect your visitors' data without losing sleep over complex procedures.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Purpose of SSL certificate | To secure the connection between two devices, typically the web browser and the web server |
| How SSL certificate works | It uses a cryptographic key, which includes a public key to encrypt data and a private key to decrypt it |
| How to get an SSL certificate | Purchase from a Certificate Authority (CA) like Verisign or GoDaddy, or generate your own |
| How to install an SSL certificate | Use a hosting provider that offers free installation, such as Really Simple SSL with Cloudways, or install it manually |
| How often to renew a free Let's Encrypt SSL certificate | Every 60-90 days |
| How to activate an SSL certificate | Confirm domain validation and other SSL validation steps, locate and back up the RSA private key that arrives with the CSR code, and confirm issuance by clicking the link in the approval email |
| How to add SSL to your website | Some hosts offer free SSL, including one-click SSL options (e.g. SiteGround, WPEngine). Many hosts offer paid SSL and will implement the certificates for you (e.g. GoDaddy) |
| Types of SSL certificates | Single Domain, Wildcard, Multi-Domain |
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What You'll Learn
Generate and install an SSL certificate
An SSL certificate is a great way to secure the connection between two devices, typically a web browser and a web server. It ensures that all data transmitted is encrypted and safe from interception.
To generate and install an SSL certificate, you can follow these steps:
Step 1: Choose a Certificate Authority (CA)
You can choose from a variety of CAs, such as Verisign or GoDaddy. These CAs will provide you with an SSL certificate that is signed using their root certificate and private key. This ensures that browsers can verify your certificate as it is issued by a trusted CA.
Step 2: Request the SSL Certificate
To request the SSL certificate, you will need to send a Certificate Signing Request (CSR) to the chosen CA. This can be done by generating a CSR code, which is typically provided by your web host or server provider. You will also need to provide an email address where the SSL certificate will be delivered.
Step 3: Receive and Install the SSL Certificate
Once the CA has processed your request, they will send the SSL certificate to the provided email address. You can then install the certificate on your web server. The installation process may vary depending on your server configuration and hosting provider.
For example, if you use cPanel, you may have access to an SSL manager for automatic SSL activation and installation. Alternatively, you can use tools like Certbot or Let's Encrypt to generate and install the SSL certificate. These tools provide instructions and commands to guide you through the process.
Step 4: Configure Your Website
After installing the SSL certificate, you need to ensure your website is configured correctly. This may involve updating your website's settings to use HTTPS instead of HTTP. You may also need to configure your server to use a specific port, such as port 443, for secure connections.
Step 5: Test and Verify Your SSL Certificate
Once the installation is complete, test your website to ensure the SSL certificate is functioning properly. You can visit your website and check for the padlock symbol in the address bar, indicating a secure connection. You should also receive a confirmation email within 10 minutes of activation.
Additionally, it is important to note that free SSL certificates from Let's Encrypt typically expire after 60 to 90 days. Therefore, you may need to renew your certificate periodically to ensure uninterrupted security.
By following these steps, you can generate and install an SSL certificate to enhance the security of your website and protect sensitive information transmitted between your website and its visitors.
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Request an SSL certificate from a CA
To request an SSL certificate from a Certificate Authority (CA), you need to follow a few steps. Firstly, you will need to generate a Certificate Signing Request (CSR). This can be done by using tools such as OpenSSL, which will prompt you for information to be included in the CSR, such as country name, state, locality, and organisation name.
Once you have generated the CSR, you will need to send it to the CA. Different CAs have different methods of receiving these requests, so be sure to check the specific process for your chosen CA. Common CAs include Verisign, GoDaddy, GeoTrust, and Comodo. After sending your request, the CA will typically respond with a PKCS#7 (Certificate Chain) or just the signed certificate.
If you receive the entire certificate chain, you can then convert it to PEM format using OpenSSL commands. You will then need to associate the PEM certificate chain with the private key you generated earlier. This will give you a PKCS#12 keystore that can be used to secure your server.
If you are using a Windows environment with Nginx, you can follow instructions for installing WordPress on Ubuntu 20.04. For Linux or Windows using Apache, you will need to enable the Apache SSL mod and configure a virtual host for port 443 for the local site. This will require adding directives such as SSLEngine, SSLCertificateFile, and SSLCertificateKeyFile, pointing to the certificate and key file.
Alternatively, if you are using a hosting provider such as Namecheap, you can utilise their SSL manager for automatic SSL activation and installation. You will need to provide an email address to receive the SSL certificate and specify company details for Organisation Validated (OV) or Extended Validated (EV) certificates. The validated certificate will be sent to the administrative email address, and you may need to confirm issuance by clicking a link in the approval email.
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Choose a certificate authority
Choosing a certificate authority (CA) is a critical step in obtaining an SSL certificate. A CA is a trusted organisation that issues digital certificates to websites, businesses, and individuals. It plays a vital role in securing the digital world by validating website ownership and issuing TLS/SSL certificates, enabling encryption between web browsers and servers. Here are some key factors to consider when choosing a CA:
Reputation and Trustworthiness
Trust is paramount when selecting a CA. The CA you choose should be trusted by major web browsers, devices, operating systems, and applications. Look for CAs that undergo rigorous third-party audits and adhere to industry best practices, and are recognised by trusted root certificate authorities. Check if they are included in the pre-installed root CA certificates that come with browsers, such as Mozilla Firefox, or operating systems like macOS. Additionally, consider the CA's history and whether there have been any security concerns or breaches.
Types of Certificates Offered
Different CAs offer varying types of certificates, including Domain Validated (DV), Organisation Validated (OV), and Extended Validation (EV) certificates. DV certificates require only domain ownership verification, while OV and EV certificates demand additional business validation. EV certificates, in particular, offer the highest level of validation and are the most challenging to obtain fraudulently. Choose a CA that provides the level of validation and security that meets your specific needs.
Validation Process
The validation process can vary between CAs, so it's essential to understand their procedures. Some CAs may require printed letterhead with your organisation's address, while others may go a step further and check Dun and Bradstreet information or use online resources for verification. Ensure you can meet the CA's validation requirements and that their process aligns with your expectations.
Technical Requirements and Compatibility
Consider the technical requirements and compatibility of the CA's certificates with your systems. Verify that the CA's root certificates are embedded in the operating systems, browsers, and applications you use. Also, check if the CA supports the specific types of certificates you need, such as SSL/TLS certificates for websites or email certificates.
Customer Support and Services
Opt for a CA that provides reliable customer support and additional services. This includes guidance during the certificate application and installation process, timely response to queries, and assistance in resolving any issues that may arise. Some CAs may also offer package deals or additional security features that can enhance the overall security of your website or business.
Pricing and Renewal Policies
Finally, consider the pricing and renewal policies of the CA. SSL certificates typically need to be renewed annually, so understand the costs involved and any associated fees. Compare pricing between different CAs, but also weigh it against the level of service, security, and trust they provide.
Remember, the choice of CA depends on your specific needs and the level of security and trust you want to establish with your users. By selecting a reputable and trusted CA, you can ensure the validity and security of your SSL certificate.
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Confirm domain validation
Confirming domain ownership is a crucial step in the SSL certificate validation process. This step, known as domain control validation (DCV), ensures that the certificate applicant has the rights to the domain they are requesting a certificate for. Here is a detailed guide on how to confirm domain validation:
Methods for Confirming Domain Ownership
There are several methods to confirm domain ownership, and the specific steps may vary depending on the certificate authority and your hosting provider. Here are some common approaches:
Email Validation:
Some certificate authorities will send an approval email to the administrative email address associated with the domain. This email will contain a validation code or a unique identifier. You need to copy this code, follow the provided link, and paste the code into the corresponding field. This method ensures that the person requesting the certificate has admin rights to the domain.
DNS Record or TXT Record:
Another method involves creating a DNS record or a TXT record within your DNS Manager. You will need to add a CNAME record to the DNS settings of your domain. This process may vary depending on your hosting provider. For example, GoDaddy requires you to create a TXT record in your domain name's DNS zone file. This TXT record serves as proof of domain ownership without affecting the functionality of your website.
HTML File Upload:
In some cases, you may be required to upload an HTML file to your website's root directory. This file contains your unique identifier provided by the certificate authority. After placing the file, you need to verify that it is accessible by visiting the file URL in a web browser.
Certificate Signing Request (CSR):
Some methods, such as the HTTP CSR Hash and CNAME CSR Hash, require a certificate signing request. This involves generating a CSR file with the domain name you wish to validate and saving the private key securely. The CSR file can then be submitted to the certificate authority.
Additional Considerations:
- It's important to note that subdomains cannot be authenticated on the root domain. Each subdomain must be validated separately.
- The validation process may take up to 24-48 hours due to DNS propagation delays.
- If you are activating a Multi-domain certificate, ensure that all domains and subdomains included in the certificate are verified.
- For corporate, government, or registered business entities, additional verification of identity and address may be required. This can include government recognition, third-party database confirmation, or recent utility bills.
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Install intermediate certificates
The intermediate certificate is an important component of the SSL certificate as it ensures the SSL certificate's trustworthiness. It provides a link to the authority's root certificates, which are present in operating systems and browsers. When a client computer tries to establish a server-authenticated SSL connection, it validates the server certificate chain. Therefore, the correct configuration of intermediate certificates on the server is crucial for successful certificate validation.
To install intermediate certificates, you can follow these general steps:
- Locate the Intermediate Certificate: Visit the website of your SSL certificate provider and log in to your account. Find the section related to intermediate certificates or certificate authority (CA) bundle. Download the intermediate certificate or the CA bundle file, which usually has a ".crt" or ".cer" extension.
- Open the Certificates MMC Snap-in: On your Windows computer, open the Certificates MMC snap-in by searching for it in the Start menu or accessing it through the Microsoft Management Console. Expand the "Certificates" node and right-click on "Intermediate Certification Authorities."
- Import the Intermediate Certificate: From the context menu, select "All Tasks" and then choose Import. This will launch the Certificate Import Wizard. Follow the wizard's instructions and browse for the file you downloaded in step 1. Select the appropriate file and complete the import process.
- Configure the Intermediate Certificate: After importing, you need to configure the intermediate certificate correctly. This step may vary depending on your server platform and SSL certificate provider. For an Apache server with OpenSSL, you would typically copy the certificate chain and paste it into a text editor. Ensure that it includes the "BEGIN CERTIFICATE" and "END CERTIFICATE" sections without any trailing spaces or carriage returns. Save the file with a .crt extension.
- Update Server Configuration Files: Locate your server's configuration files, such as HTTPD.CONF or SSL.CONF. Find the virtual host entry for the domain that will be secured by this certificate. Add the path to the certificate file, such as "SSLCertificateChainFile
/ .crt". - Restart the Server: After completing the above steps, restart your server for the changes to take effect.
It is important to note that the installation process may vary slightly depending on your specific server platform and SSL certificate provider. Always refer to the documentation provided by your SSL certificate authority for detailed instructions specific to your setup.
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Frequently asked questions
SSL (Secure Socket Layer) certificates are how websites and services earn validation for the encryption of the data sent between them and their clients. This encryption is needed to secure websites that transmit private data, such as credit card information, passwords, names, and addresses.
You can request an SSL certificate from a Certificate Authority (CA) such as Verisign or GoDaddy. You will need to send them a Certificate Signing Request (CSR) and they will give you an SSL certificate in return.
You will need to confirm domain validation and other SSL validation steps. A confirmation email will be sent to the approval address within 10 minutes after activation. You must confirm the issuance by clicking the link included in the approval email.
There are a few ways to install an SSL certificate. Some hosts offer free SSL, including one-click SSL options (i.e. SiteGround, WPEngine). Many hosts offer paid SSL and will implement the certificates for you (i.e. GoDaddy).
SSL certificates allow your website to use the HTTPS protocol to securely transfer information from point A to B. This is crucial when transferring sensitive information. In addition, websites with SSL encryption get better rankings on Google and improved performance through the use of HTTP/2.
