Install your FREE Let's Encrypt SSL Certificate
One of the many FREE goodies that we offer at CHEAP HOST is a one click FREE SSL certificate by Let's Encrypt.
To install your SSL Certificate you simply need to login to your cPanel account using the information in your 'Hosting Account Email'
Then,
Go to Security ---> SSL certificates ---> Let's Encrypt SSL (as diagram below)
1. Click on 'Let's Encrypt' as highlighted above in red rectangle
2. Next go to the Issue a new Certificate section of the page and next to the domain you wish to use click 'Issue'
Please Note: You will have various domains listed if you are using add-on domains
3. Now simply check the box 'Add cPanel subdomains' and then click 'Issue'
That's your FREE Let's Encrypt Installed successfully!
For those that are using WordPress you will now need to add code to your .htacess file or simply use a plugin to do it for you.
A popular plugin is 'Really Simple SSL' which can be found through the WordPress repository or through the link above. There are many others that do the same
Force SSL with .htaccess
If you want to force any http request using .htaccess including any linked resources such as images and css etc. please use:
RewriteEngine On
RewriteCond %{HTTPS} !=on
RewriteRule ^(.*)$ https://%{HTTP_HOST}%{REQUEST_URI} [L,R=301]
Updating Google and Bing Webmaster Tools
If you changing your site from http: to https: then it is always a good idea to head over to Google Webmaster Tools and/or Bing Webmasters and add the https: property so that your rankings are not adversely affected by making the switch over to SSL. It is also good practice to resubmit your sitema[ to Google to reflect the changes.
Why use SSL?
- Keeps information secure through encryption
- Is said to be a Google ranking factor
- Improves user trust in your website
- Essential for accepting payments securely