How to install a SSL certificate

Introduction to SSL Certificates

An SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) certificate is a crucial security feature for websites, ensuring encrypted communication between the browser and the server. SSL protects sensitive information like passwords, payment details, and personal data from being intercepted. Additionally, it boosts user trust by displaying a padlock icon in the browser and improves search engine rankings as search engines prioritize HTTPS-enabled websites.

Installing an SSL certificate is essential to secure your website and provide a safe experience for your users. Below are the high-level steps for installing an SSL certificate on your server.

Steps to Install an SSL Certificate

Step 1: Generate a Certificate Signing Request (CSR)

To get an SSL certificate, you first need to generate a Certificate Signing Request (CSR), which includes your website’s details:

• Generate a Private Key:

  Use a tool like OpenSSL to create a private key:

  openssl genrsa -out private.key 2048

  Store the private key securely, as it is required during SSL installation.

  Important: Never share the private key.

• Generate the CSR:

  Use the private key to generate a CSR:

  openssl req -new -key private.key -out csr.pem

  Provide the requested details, including:

  • Common Name (the domain name to be secured)
  • Organization Name (for business validation)
  • Country, State, and City

Step 2: Purchase or Obtain an SSL Certificate

• Choose a Certificate Authority (CA) or hosting provider for your SSL certificate.
• Submit the CSR to the CA for verification.
• Validate your domain ownership through one of the following methods:
  • Email Validation: Respond to an email sent to your domain’s administrative address.
  • DNS Validation: Add a specific DNS record to your domain.
  • HTTP Validation: Upload a verification file to your website.
• For Extended Validation (EV) or Organization Validation (OV) certificates, additional steps like verifying your business details with the CA may be required.
• Once validated, download the issued SSL certificate and intermediate certificate bundle (CA bundle).

Step 3: Install the SSL Certificate on the Server

• If Using a Control Panel:

  Log in to the hosting control panel (e.g., cPanel, Plesk).

  Navigate to the SSL/TLS or security settings.

  Upload the SSL certificate, CA bundle, and private key.

  Follow the instructions to install the certificate.

• If No Control Panel:

  Log in to the server via SSH.

  Configure the web server (e.g., Apache, Nginx) to include the certificate details:

  • SSL certificate file (.crt or .pem)
  • Private key file
  • Intermediate certificate file (CA bundle)

  Restart the web server to apply the changes.

Step 4: Test the SSL Installation

• Use online tools like SSL Labs SSL Test to verify your SSL setup.
• Confirm that the certificate is valid and properly installed.
• Ensure no SSL errors or warnings are displayed.

Step 5: Update Website Links

Update all internal links and references from http:// to https:// to avoid mixed content errors. Update your CMS settings (e.g., WordPress URL settings) to use HTTPS.

Step 6: Set Up HTTPS Redirects

Redirect all HTTP traffic to HTTPS by default to ensure all users access the secure version of your site.

Step 7: Monitor and Renew the SSL Certificate

• Keep track of the certificate’s expiration date and renew it on time.
• For free SSL certificates like Let’s Encrypt, automate the renewal process using tools like Certbot.
• Periodically test your website’s SSL configuration for potential issues or updates.