Why SSL Matters for Your Website

SSL (Secure Socket Layer) certificates encrypt data transferred between your visitors and your website, ensuring privacy, data integrity, and trust. HTTPS websites not only protect sensitive information like passwords and credit card details but also benefit from improved search engine rankings and user confidence.

Using free SSL certificates from AutoSSL or Let’s Encrypt, cPanel users can easily secure their websites without additional costs.

What is AutoSSL and Let’s Encrypt?

• AutoSSL: A cPanel feature that automatically installs free SSL certificates for your domains, managed by your hosting provider.
• Let’s Encrypt: A widely trusted Certificate Authority offering free SSL certificates with easy renewal and installation, often integrated into cPanel.

Step 1: Check if SSL is Already Installed

1. Log in to your cPanel account.
2. Scroll down to the Security section.
3. Click on SSL/TLS Status or SSL/TLS Manager.
4. Review the status of SSL certificates for your domains.

If you see green checkmarks or statuses indicating certificates are active, your site is already secured with SSL.

Step 2: Enable AutoSSL for Your Domains

1. In cPanel, locate the SSL/TLS Status tool.
2. Select the domains you want to secure with SSL by checking their boxes.
3. Click Run AutoSSL or Provision Certificates to start the installation process.
4. Wait a few minutes as AutoSSL installs the certificates automatically.
5. Once complete, your website will support HTTPS.

Step 3: Manually Install Let’s Encrypt SSL (If Available)

1. Go to Let’s Encrypt SSL or Manage SSL sites in your cPanel.
2. Select the domain you want to secure.
3. Click Issue or Install to request the certificate.
4. Follow prompts to complete the installation.

Step 4: Force HTTPS Redirection

1. Access File Manager in cPanel.
2. Edit your site’s .htaccess file (located in the root directory).
3. Add the following rewrite rules:

RewriteEngine On
RewriteCond %{HTTPS} off
RewriteRule ^(.*)$ https://%{HTTP_HOST}/$1 [L,R=301]

Save changes.

Benefits of Using Free SSL in cPanel

• Protects sensitive visitor data
• Builds user trust with visible HTTPS and padlock icon
• Boosts SEO rankings as Google favors secure sites
• No cost involved with free certificates
• Automatic renewals with AutoSSL or Let’s Encrypt

Troubleshooting SSL Issues

• SSL Not Showing as Secure: Clear your browser cache or check for mixed content (HTTP resources on HTTPS pages). Use tools like Why No Padlock.
• AutoSSL Fails: Ensure your domain’s DNS points correctly to your hosting server. Contact Hiverift support if problems persist.
• Renewal Failures: AutoSSL renews automatically, but if expired, rerun AutoSSL or reinstall Let’s Encrypt manually.

Need Help Securing Your Site?

Contact Hiverift Hosting support for expert assistance:

• Visit https://hiverift.com
• Use live chat or open a support ticket through your client dashboard