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SSL Certificate: How to install paid SSL Certificate in cPanel?

What is SSL Certificate

SSL Certificate

An SSL Certificate (Secure Sockets Layer certificate) is a digital certificate that authenticates a website’s identity and enables an encrypted connection between a web server and a browser. It ensures that any data transmitted between the user and the website is encrypted and secure, protecting it from hackers and cyber threats. Secure Sockets Layer certificates are essential for websites, especially those handling sensitive information like personal data, payment details, or login credentials.

Key Components of an SSL Certificate:

  1. Domain Validation: Verifies that the website is legitimate and owned by the entity requesting the certificate.
  2. Encryption: Establishes a secure, encrypted connection using public and private keys, ensuring data transmission remains confidential.
  3. Trust: SSL certificates signal to users that their information is secure. Most browsers show a padlock icon and use “https://” instead of “http://” for websites with Secure Sockets Layer certificates.

Types of SSL Certificates:

  1. Domain Validation (DV): Verifies the ownership of the domain. It’s the most basic and affordable SSL certificate.
  2. Organization Validation (OV): Requires a more thorough verification of the organization’s identity, providing a higher level of trust.
  3. Extended Validation (EV): Offers the highest level of validation. The company undergoes an extensive vetting process, and browsers display a green address bar or padlock for these certificates.

How SSL Certificates Work:

  • Encryption: When a browser connects to a server, the Secure Sockets Layer certificate ensures that the connection is encrypted using a public and private key pair. This process prevents unauthorized access to sensitive data.
  • Authentication: Secure Sockets Layer certificates verify the identity of the website, ensuring users are connecting to the intended server, not a malicious one.
  • Data Integrity: The Secure Sockets Layer certificate ensures that data sent between the user and the server is not tampered with during transmission.

Why SSL is Important:

  • Data Security: Protects sensitive information such as credit card numbers, passwords, and personal information.
  • User Trust: Displays trust signals (like the padlock or HTTPS), making users feel safer when interacting with the site.
  • SEO Benefits: Google considers Secure Sockets Layer as a ranking factor, meaning that websites with SSL certificates may rank higher in search results.

In summary, an SSL certificate is vital for creating a secure environment where users can confidently exchange information without worrying about privacy breaches.

How to install paid SSL Certificate in cPanel?

To install a paid SSL certificate in cPanel, follow these steps:

Step 1: Purchase and Download the Secure Sockets Layer Certificate

After purchasing an Secure Sockets Layer certificate from a trusted certificate authority (CA), you will need the following files:

  • Certificate file (CRT)
  • Private Key (this is generated during the CSR creation process)
  • CA Bundle (also known as the intermediate certificates)

Step 2: Generate a Certificate Signing Request (CSR) in cPanel

  1. Log in to your cPanel account.
  2. Under the Security section, click on SSL/TLS.
  3. Click Generate, view, or delete Secure Sockets Layer certificate signing requests (CSR).
  4. Fill in the required information (domain, company details, etc.), and generate the CSR.
  5. Save the CSR text and private key.

Step 3: Submit the CSR to Your Certificate Authority

Submit the CSR you generated to your SSL provider. The provider will verify your details and issue the SSL certificate.

Step 4: Upload the SSL Certificate

  1. In cPanel, navigate back to SSL/TLS under the Security section.
  2. Click on Manage Secure Sockets Layer sites under the Install and Manage SSL for your site (HTTPS) section.
  3. Scroll down to the Install an SSL Website section.
  4. In the Domain field, choose the domain you want to secure with SSL.
  5. Paste the Secure Sockets Layer certificate (CRT) you received into the Certificate (CRT) field.
  6. Click Autofill by Certificate (this will fill in the private key and CA bundle if available, but you may need to paste them manually if not).
  7. Paste the CA bundle in the Certificate Authority Bundle (CABUNDLE) field if necessary.
  8. Click Install Certificate.

Step 5: Verify the SSL Installation

Once installed, your Secure Sockets Layer certificate will be active. You can verify it by:

  • Visiting your website using https:// and checking for the padlock icon in the browser.
  • Using an online Secure Sockets Layer checker tool to ensure everything is properly configured.

Final Tips:

  • Ensure your site is set to redirect HTTP to HTTPS for consistent secure browsing.
  • Regularly monitor the expiration of your Secure Sockets Layer certificate and renew it before it expires to avoid downtime.