Understanding SSL Certificates
SSL certificates are essential for securing your website's data transmission and building trust with your visitors. Learn how to properly install and manage SSL certificates on your website.
Types of SSL Certificates
- Domain Validation (DV)
- Basic SSL certificate that verifies domain ownership
- Organization Validation (OV)
- Verifies both domain ownership and organization details
- Extended Validation (EV)
- Highest level of validation with thorough organization verification
Pre-Installation Requirements
- Valid domain name
- Web hosting account with SSL support
- CSR (Certificate Signing Request)
- Private key file
- SSL certificate files
Installation Steps
- Generate CSR
Create a Certificate Signing Request through your hosting control panel
- Purchase Certificate
Buy an SSL certificate from a trusted Certificate Authority
- Verify Domain
Complete domain verification process (email or DNS)
- Install Certificate
Upload and install the certificate files on your server
- Configure Website
Update website settings to use HTTPS
Post-Installation Tasks
- Test SSL installation
- Update internal links to HTTPS
- Configure SSL forcing
- Update external services
- Monitor certificate expiration
Troubleshooting Common Issues
- Mixed Content Warnings
- Update all resource URLs to use HTTPS
- Certificate Chain Issues
- Ensure intermediate certificates are properly installed
- SSL Not Working
- Verify certificate installation and server configuration
Pro Tip
Set up automatic SSL certificate renewal to prevent unexpected expiration. Also, use SSL monitoring tools to get alerts about potential issues or upcoming renewals.