SSL Certificates on cPanel Hosting: Self-Signed, Let's Encrypt, and Dedicated SSL

In this article, we'll cover everything you need to know about securing your website with SSL certificates on cPanel hosting. Whether you're looking to use a self-signed certificate, the free Let's Encrypt SSL certificate provided by your hosting provider, or a Dedicated SSL Certificate from any issuer, we'll guide you through the process of installation and usage.

What is SSL and Why Do You Need It?

SSL (Secure Socket Layer) is a standard security protocol that encrypts the data transmitted between your website and its visitors. It ensures that sensitive information, such as login credentials, personal data, and payment details, are kept secure. Having an SSL certificate is not only crucial for website security but is also a ranking factor for search engines like Google, and it helps build trust with your visitors.

Benefits of Using SSL:

• Encryption: SSL ensures that data transferred between your website and visitors is encrypted and secure.
• Trust: Visitors are more likely to trust your site if they see the padlock symbol in the browser’s address bar.
• SEO Boost: Google gives a ranking preference to HTTPS-enabled websites.
• Data Integrity: SSL prevents data from being altered or corrupted during transmission.

1. Installing a Self-Signed SSL Certificate

A self-signed SSL certificate is one that you create and sign yourself, without involving a certificate authority (CA). While this option is free, it is generally used for testing purposes and internal websites, as browsers will flag it as not trusted.

Steps to Install a Self-Signed SSL Certificate in cPanel:

1. Log in to cPanel:
   Go to your hosting provider's cPanel login page and enter your credentials.

2. Access SSL/TLS Manager:
   Scroll down to the Security section and click on SSL/TLS.

3. Generate a Self-Signed Certificate:
   In the Certificates (CRT) section, click on Generate, View, or Delete SSL Certificate.

4. Fill in the Details:

   • Domain: Choose the domain for which you want to create the SSL certificate.
   • Key Size: Select the appropriate key size (2048 bits is recommended).
   • Expiration Date: Set the validity period for your self-signed certificate.

5. Install the Certificate:
   After generating the certificate, you’ll need to install it. Go back to the SSL/TLS Manager and click on Install and Manage SSL for your site (HTTPS). Select your domain, and paste the certificate details in the respective fields.

6. Test the SSL Certificate:
   After installation, visit your website with https:// and check for the padlock icon in the address bar. Keep in mind that browsers will show a warning since it is self-signed.

2. Installing Let's Encrypt SSL Certificate

Free Let's Encrypt SSL for Lifetime

Let's Encrypt provides a free SSL certificate with automated installation and renewal. This certificate is trusted by all modern browsers and provides the same level of security as paid certificates.

As part of our hosting package, Let's Encrypt SSL Certificates are provided free for lifetime, so you don’t need to worry about renewing or paying for SSL. The process is easy, and installation is automated through cPanel.

Steps to Install Let's Encrypt SSL in cPanel:

1. Log in to cPanel:
   Use your cPanel credentials to log in to your account.

2. Find SSL/TLS Status:
   Scroll to the Security section and click on SSL/TLS Status.

3. Enable SSL for Your Domain:
   Find your domain in the list. If there is no active SSL, click on Run AutoSSL. cPanel will automatically fetch and install a Let’s Encrypt SSL certificate for your domain.

4. Verify SSL Installation:
   After the installation is complete, go to your website and check for the padlock icon in the browser's address bar. You can also use online tools like SSL Checker to confirm that the SSL certificate is properly installed.

3. Installing a Dedicated SSL Certificate from Any Issuer

If you prefer to use a dedicated SSL certificate from a third-party SSL certificate provider, such as Comodo, digicert, or GlobalSign, you can easily install it on your website via cPanel.

Steps to Install a Dedicated SSL Certificate in cPanel:

1. Obtain the SSL Certificate:
   Purchase and download the SSL certificate from the SSL certificate provider. It will come with several files, including:

   • Certificate (CRT): Your SSL certificate file.
   • Private Key (KEY): A private key file that you generated during the CSR (Certificate Signing Request) process.
   • CA Bundle: A certificate authority bundle that ensures the SSL certificate is trusted.

2. Log in to cPanel:
   Use your cPanel login credentials to access your account.

3. Go to SSL/TLS Manager:
   Under the Security section, click on SSL/TLS.

4. Install the SSL Certificate:
   Click on Install and Manage SSL for your site (HTTPS). You will be asked to:

   • Select the domain you want to secure.
   • Paste the Certificate (CRT), Private Key (KEY), and CA Bundle information into the corresponding fields.

5. Save and Install:
   Once the details are entered, click Install Certificate.

6. Test the SSL Installation:
   After installation, visit your website using https:// and check for the padlock symbol. You can also use an online tool like SSL Labs to check the SSL certificate's status.

FAQ:

Q1: What is the difference between a self-signed SSL and a Let's Encrypt SSL?

A self-signed SSL is created by you without verification from a certificate authority, making it untrusted by browsers. Let’s Encrypt, on the other hand, is a free, automated, and trusted SSL provider, ensuring your site is secure and trusted by all major browsers.

Q2: How often do I need to renew a Let's Encrypt SSL certificate?

Let’s Encrypt SSL certificates are valid for 90 days, but they can be automatically renewed through cPanel, ensuring continuous security without manual intervention.

Q3: Can I install an SSL certificate from any SSL provider?

Yes, you can install a dedicated SSL certificate from any SSL certificate provider, as long as you have the required certificate files (CRT, KEY, and CA Bundle).

Q4: Why does my site still show "Not Secure" after installing an SSL certificate?

Ensure that all links on your website, including images, scripts, and stylesheets, use https:// rather than http://. Mixed content (both http:// and https:// resources) can cause this warning.

Conclusion

Having an SSL certificate installed on your website is essential for maintaining security, trust, and SEO performance. Whether you're using a self-signed certificate for testing, taking advantage of the free Let's Encrypt SSL, or opting for a dedicated SSL certificate from another provider, cPanel makes it easy to secure your site. If you need help, feel free to contact our support team for assistance with SSL certificate installation or troubleshooting.