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Help Docs Security Overview SSL Certificates Guide

SSL Certificates Guide

Secure your site with SSL. Our guides explain what SSL certificates are, how to install them, and how to build trust by encrypting user data.
Security
1 min read

An SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) certificate enables an encrypted connection between a web server and a visitor’s browser. Its modern successor is the Transport Layer Security (TLS) protocol. The primary functions of an SSL/TLS certificate are to encrypt data in transit and to authenticate the website’s identity.

Encryption protects sensitive data, such as login credentials and credit card numbers, from being intercepted. Authentication verifies to visitors that they are connected to the correct server.

Modern web browsers use a padlock icon in the address bar to indicate a secure connection and will display security warnings for sites that are not encrypted. Search engines also favor secure sites in their search rankings, making SSL/TLS a standard requirement for all websites.

This collection of articles will guide you through understanding, installing, and managing SSL certificates for your website.

  • AutoRenew for SSL Certificates

    Maintaining website security includes renewing SSL certificates regularly to encrypt server-customer communications. Liquid Web streamlines this process with AutoRenew for SSL certificates, ensuring timely updates.

  • Forcing SSL Connections Using .htaccess

    For a secure connection, use .htaccess rules to redirect insecure traffic from http://mysite.com to https://mysite.com, assuming you have an SSL installed. Familiarity with .htaccess files and file management is assumed.

  • Generating an SSL Certificate Signing Request (CSR) from Command Line

    Generating a CSR for your SSL order in cPanel is straightforward. For Core-Managed or Self-Managed servers, we provide Command Line instructions.

  • How to renew an SSL certificate (a paid SSL cert)

    Metaphorically, SSL certificates are like the bodyguards of your website. In this guide, we’ll show you how to renew an SSL certificate, no matter what kind of hosting you have.

  • Installing an SSL Certificate in Linux Command Line

    Secure your site with an SSL certificate. Follow our step-by-step guide to obtain and install a Liquid Web SSL on a core or self-managed Linux server.

  • Nexcess SSL Certificates

    Secure your site with free, automated SSL certificates on the Nexcess platform. Learn how to enable HTTPS for your domain directly from your portal.

  • Ordering an SSL Certificate

    SSL certificates secure web traffic with public key encryption. Verify website legitimacy with SSL. This article focuses on ordering SSL certificates.

  • Renewing an SSL Certificate

    All SSL certificates eventually expire. This guide walks you through the renewal process, which is very similar to ordering a brand new certificate.

  • Renewing an SSL Certificate on a Windows Core Managed Server

    Renewing an SSL Certificate on Windows Core Managed server via IIS is straightforward. Save the renewed certificate as a .cer file on the server and complete the renewal with these steps.

  • SSL Certificates on your Cloud Server

    SSL Certificates are managed on the FileServer component of your Cloud Server infrastructure. As such, they can be installed and maintained on your Cloud Server in the same way that you would manage them on a regular cPanel server or Core-Managed server.

  • SSL Checker Tool

    We’ve created a one-stop shop tool for our customers to use for troubleshooting their site. In here, you’ll find tools and articles to guide you through an SSL check.

  • Troubleshooting: SSL Errors

    SSL certificate issues can disrupt online business operations. If your site displays an Insecure Status or other errors despite SSL installation, the problem likely falls into common categories. We can diagnose and resolve these issues to ensure your website’s security and smooth functioning.

  • Troubleshooting: Your Connection Is Not Private/Secure/Trusted

    Seeing a privacy error for cPanel, WHM, or Plesk? Your server is likely using a self-signed SSL certificate, which browsers don’t automatically trust.

  • Use Let’s Encrypt for SSL Encryption with Plesk

    Learn how to install a free Let’s Encrypt SSL certificate on Plesk servers. This guide shows adding the extension to secure your domain.

  • Verifying an SSL Certificate

    When setting up SSL for your site, you must verify your ownership. This article guides you through the verification process.

  • What is a premium SSL certificate?

    The premium SSL certificate is an enhanced form of the standard SSL certificate used by ecommerce websites for a higher warranty level and additional validation, helping build customer trust.

  • What is an extended validation (EV) SSL certificate?

    Extended Validation (EV) SSL Certificates function as the highest class of SSL certificates, activating both the padlock and the legal identity field in most browsers — giving visitors confidence.

  • What Is an SSL Certificate?

    Websites often use TLS (Transport Layer Security) for security, but SSL (Secure Socket Layers) is still used interchangeably. It secures data via encryption keys for safe online communication.

  • What is Server Name Indication (SNI)?

    Before SNI, each SSL certificate required a dedicated IP. Now, Server Name Indication lets multiple secure websites share a single IP address.

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