Get a Free SSL Certificate: A Step-by-Step Guide
The Importance of SSL Certificates for Online Security
A Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) certificate is a crucial tool for encrypting data as it travels across the internet. This is particularly beneficial for individuals maintaining blogs or personal websites, especially when accessing them through public WiFi networks.
Using an unsecured connection to log in to your accounts can leave your credentials vulnerable to interception and hacking. Maintaining robust internet security is a consistent concern for both the writers and readership of MUO.
How SSL Certificates Enhance Security
SSL certificates work by encrypting login details before they are sent to your Internet Service Provider (ISP) or server. This encryption process significantly increases the difficulty for unauthorized parties to intercept and decipher the information.
Consequently, organizations handling sensitive data – such as banks, financial institutions, and e-commerce platforms – routinely employ SSL to protect login credentials, user identities, and financial information like credit card details.
The Cost of SSL and a Free Alternative
Traditionally, obtaining SSL certificates from providers like Verisign or GoDaddy can be quite expensive. This cost can be prohibitive for those who don't operate essential, high-security websites.
Fortunately, there are viable alternatives. We will explore how to acquire free SSL certificates through StartSSL, offering a cost-effective security solution.
Here's a breakdown of the benefits:
- Enhanced data encryption.
- Protection against eavesdropping.
- Cost-effective security options.
Securing a Complimentary SSL Certificate
The initial step in acquiring a free SSL certificate involves completing a straightforward registration form. Providing comprehensive information, such as your residential or business address and contact number, is a necessary condition. Upon submission of the form, a verification code will be dispatched to the email address provided.
Following the input of the verification code, your application proceeds to the second phase of validation conducted by the StartSSL team. It is generally recommended to allow approximately six hours for their review and subsequent contact.
Nevertheless, I personally received an approval email within five minutes, containing a link to access my account. It’s important to note that this email’s validity is limited to 24 hours from receipt, so prompt action is advised.
Securing Your Site with an SSL Certificate
StartSSL provides complimentary certificates without limitations or concealed fees. Users are given the choice between utilizing a 128-bit or a 256-bit key for data encryption purposes.
A selection can be made between a high-security or medium-security private key. Following key type selection, the key is generated, and you will be directed to the installation interface.
Upon activation of the install function, the certificate is implemented. An option is also available to download and save the certificate to an external storage device, which is highly recommended.
With the certificate now installed within your web browser, accessing the control panel is simplified by clicking the 'Authenticate' button. Usernames and passwords are not required.
Identification is achieved through the unique private key, making secure backups of this key critically important. Protecting your private key ensures continued access and security.
Domain Name Validation
Following successful authentication, the domain name and associated email address can be validated using the Validations Wizard. The appropriate selection can be made from the provided dropdown menu. We will now proceed with validating a domain name as an example.
Upon entering the domain name, an email address must be linked to it for the purpose of confirming ownership.
Verification of the email address results in successful domain validation. It’s important to note that, as this is a free SSL certificate, StartSSL necessitates a renewal of this validation every 30 days.
This renewal process mirrors the initial validation steps.
Validation Process Overview
The validation wizard streamlines the process of confirming control over your domain. This ensures that only authorized individuals can obtain an SSL certificate for the specified domain.
Linking a valid email address to the domain is a crucial step in establishing ownership. This method provides a secure and reliable means of verification.
- Enter the domain name you wish to validate.
- Provide an email address associated with the domain.
- Check your email for a verification link.
- Click the verification link to complete the process.
Remember that with this free SSL certificate option, regular revalidation is required. This is a standard procedure for maintaining the security and integrity of the certificate.
Certificate Wizard
A Webserver certificate was selected for compatibility with a planned Wordpress installation. The process necessitates the creation of a private key, secured by a password, and requires specification of the subdomain intended for certificate usage.
Providing a subdomain is a mandatory step within the configuration.
The generated certificate will provide security for both the primary domain and any designated subdomains. The final stage presents a text box containing the encoded certificate data.
This information should be copied and pasted into a plain text file, which should then be saved as 'ssl.crt'.
On the same page, links are provided for downloading the intermediate and root certificates. These files should be downloaded and stored in the same directory as the 'ssl.crt' file.
Ensuring all three certificate files are readily accessible is crucial for successful implementation.
File Upload Procedures for Server Configuration
Begin by locating the How to Install segment within the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) area. Select the configuration that corresponds to your server environment, such as Apache. This will provide the necessary code for modification of either the http.conf or ssl.conf file.
Copy this code and implement the changes within the root directory of your domain on the webserver.
Still on the same page, download the ca.pem & sub.class1.server.ca.pem files. These files, along with all previously uploaded content, should be placed in the root folder.
Following these steps will establish a secure, SSL-enabled connection for your website.
Concluding Remarks
Care should be taken during the final stage to verify that all directories – as indicated in the image previously shown – adhere to the consistent naming standards established by your Internet Service Provider or the specific configuration of your web server.
Regular validation of the domain, performed every 30 days, is also essential to maintain the security benefits offered by the complimentary SSL certificate.
Further Exploration
Are alternative providers offering no-cost SSL certificates available? If you are aware of any such services, please feel free to share your knowledge with our audience.
Your contributions can help others benefit from secure website connections without incurring additional expenses.
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