How to install an SSL certificate: instructions and important nuances

Why do you need an SSL certificate?

First, let’s define what an SSL certificate is. SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) is a standard security protocol used to encrypt data between a web server and a web browser. An SSL certificate verifies the authenticity of a website and encrypts the data that is transmitted to and from it. This means that any data sent from your website to your visitors, such as login information, credit card information, or other sensitive data, is protected and cannot be intercepted or read by unauthorized persons.

One of the main reasons to get an SSL certificate is to ensure the security and privacy of your visitors' data. With an SSL certificate, you can provide your visitors with a secure connection to transmit sensitive data. This is especially important for websites that handle sensitive information, such as e-commerce websites that process credit card transactions or websites that require users to log in using their personal information.

Another reason to have an SSL certificate is to increase your website’s search engine rankings. Google and other search engines consider SSL encryption as a factor in their ranking algorithm. Websites with SSL certificates tend to rank higher.

Meanwhile, some browsers mark websites without SSL certificates as «Insecure». This can alert visitors and cause them to leave your site without even looking at it. By having an SSL certificate, you can avoid this warning and ensure that visitors feel safe while browsing your website.

Instructions for installing an SSL certificate

Step 1: Choose the right SSL certificate.

There are different types of SSL certificates — single domain, multi-domain. Choose the one that best suits your site’s needs. You can purchase SSL certificates from various Certificate Authorities (CAs), such as: Comodo, Symantec, and GlobalSign.

Step 2: Create a CSR.

After you have selected an SSL certificate, you need to generate a certificate signing request (CSR). A CSR is a file that contains information about your organization and the domain name for which you want to install an SSL certificate. You can generate a CSR through your hosting control panel or via the command line interface.

Step 3: Submit the CSR to the certification authority.

After generating the CSR, you need to send it to the certification authority along with other required information. The CA will then verify the information and issue an SSL certificate.

Step 4: Download the SSL certificate.

Once the SSL certificate is issued, the certificate authority will provide you with the certificate file. Download the file and save it to your computer.

Step 5: Install the SSL certificate.

Now it’s time to install the SSL certificate on your web server. The installation process may vary depending on the type of server and hosting provider. In general, you need to follow these steps:

• log in to your hosting control panel;
• go to the SSL/TLS section;
• Upload the SSL certificate file you downloaded earlier;
• install the SSL certificate.

Step 6: Update the site URLs.

After installing the SSL certificate, you need to update your website URLs from «http://» to «https://». This will ensure that all data transmitted between the server and the browser is encrypted.

Important nuances

• SSL certificates have an expiration date, so don’t forget to renew them before they expire.
• If you change hosting providers or servers, you will need to reinstall your SSL certificate.
• Some SSL certificates may require additional verification steps, such as Extended Validation (EV) SSL certificates, which require additional documentation to verify identity.
• Always choose a trusted certificate authority to ensure the security and validity of your SSL certificate.

So, installing an SSL certificate is an important step in ensuring the security of your website. By following these steps, you can easily install an SSL certificate and protect your website and user data. Don’t forget to keep your SSL certificate up to date and choose a trusted certificate authority!