How to Install an SSL Certificate on Shared Hosting

Web hosting is an essential aspect of any online business, or simply any website, whether for a showcase site, a blog, e-commerce site, etc. It goes without saying that this aspect (accommodation) should never be taken lightly, as should site design or domain name.

However, security also plays a very important role in all IT projects. For the Internet, security is ensured by SSL certificates and other technologies.

What is an SSL certificate?

A SSL certificate (Secure Sockets Layer) is a security system that allows the establishment of an encrypted connection between the server and the web browser of a client.

This connection is encrypted in order to ensure data security and thus avoid leakage of sensitive data such as passwords, credit card information, etc.

How does an SSL certificate work?

An SSL certificate works according to the session principle: this means that every time the web browser connects with the server, a single session is created. This session is automatically destroyed once the connection is closed or after a period of time.

The operation of an SSL certificate is as follows. First, the server sends a copy of its asymmetric public key to the web browser. By receiving this key, the web browser will create an asymmetrical session key that is encrypted using the server key, then this session key (the browser key) is transmitted to the server.

Then the server decrypts the browser's session key with its asymmetric key. After that, all the data transmitted between the server and the browser are encrypted and decrypted, each on its own (the server encrypts the data transmitted, and decrypts the data received, and the browser does the same). This last operation makes it possible to secure the data transmission channel, since only the server and browser have keys to encrypt/decrypt data.

This allows you to have encrypted data in both directions. In the event that they fall into the hands of a pirate, the pirate will not be able to use them.

How to install an SSL certificate?

Installation of an SSL certificate may vary from one accommodation to another. Indeed, some hosting companies offer an SSL certificate included in their hosting offers, which is very convenient for novices or people who want to conquer the Internet. Here you will find an overview of the best accommodation services with the best prices and security technologies such as SSL certificates.

Others propose the purchase of a certificate from their sites, which is also practical since it is the system that will be responsible for installing the certificate.

And some have neither the first option nor the second, but have a certificate installation system. In this case, here are the steps to follow.

· The first step is to purchase the certificate from a site specialized in this field. When purchasing the certificate, pay attention to its validity date, as this kind of ‘file' has validity dates (up to xxx). This date will prevent you from buying a certificate that is no longer valid or will no longer be valid after a few weeks/month.

· Then you have to go to your host's control panel. There, things may differ depending on your host, but usually you will have a control panel like ‘cPanel'.

· Once connected to the cPanel, head to administration (admin cPanel), then security and click on ‘SSL/TSL'.

· On the SSL certificate management page, you will typically have four options in front of you: generate, view, download and delete. These options allow you to manage the certificates you already have and those you want to install.

· Here, simply choose the option according to your needs: if you want to buy a certificate directly from the host, you have to choose ‘generate'. If you already have one and want to use it, choose the option ‘download', etc.

· Once the file has been downloaded (if you have chosen this option of course), check your file and click the ‘install' button. The system will take care of the rest to finalize the installation and deployment of the SSL certificate.

Benefits of SSL certificates

Mainly, SSL certificates are used at sites where the sensitive data sent between client and server (connection information, credit card numbers, etc.). For example, on sites such as e-commerce or streaming, training, jobbing platform, etc. all need SSL certificates because the data transmitted is sensitive and needs to be protected.

On a site or simply a site that promotes an agency where the user visits the site, SSL certificates are not really necessary.

The advantages of SSL certificates include:

· Secure communications between the client's browser and the server. Any data transmitted between the two will be encrypted, which makes it unusable if it falls into the hands of a pirate.

· Access to certain services. Almost all modern browsers offer localization, and it is only operational with a valid SSL certificate.

· Gives a more professional image for the website. The professional image is enhanced by the presence of an SSL certificate that ensures that visitors are encrypted and secure.

· Improves SEO. A SSL certificate greatly improves the SEO of websites, as the security aspect is also taken into consideration nowadays, especially by the Google search engine. Indeed, if you have a e-commerce site but no SSL certificate, Google will judge that your site is not secure and will lower it in the ranking.

Installation of an SSL certificate is not very difficult with the advent of modern hosting companies. Just a little advice: if you have the possibility to have an SSL certificate with the accommodation package, it's a plus that will save you money and save you time as well.