Let’s Encrypt

Imagine if locking your home securely didn’t cost you anything but still kept burglars out. That’s what Let’s Encrypt does for websites. It provides free SSL/TLS certificates, which are like digital security passes, ensuring that any data exchanged between a website and its visitors is encrypted and secure from eavesdroppers.

What Does a Let’s Encrypt SSL Certificate?

Let’s Encrypt simplifies the process of obtaining and installing an SSL certificate. It’s like having a self-locking door that automatically locks itself every time you close it. For website owners, this means you can easily set up a secure HTTPS connection, making your site safe for visitors without diving into complicated technical details.

With a Let’s Encrypt SSL certificate, your website displays a padlock icon in the browser’s address bar. This is like having a “security checked” badge on your front door, telling visitors that it’s safe to enter. It builds trust, indicating that you value their privacy and are taking steps to protect their information.

Many web hosting providers, including ChemiCloud offer built-in support for Let’s Encrypt, allowing you to activate SSL protection with just a few clicks. It’s akin to moving into a secured apartment complex where security features are already in place, and all you need to do is turn the key.

Let’s Encrypt SSL Install Requirements

To successfully install a Let’s Encrypt SSL on your domain, it must meet the following criteria:

1. Both your domain and its www version must point to the IP address associated with your cPanel account. If they do not, the SSL certificate cannot be verified or installed.
2. When you begin installing a Let’s Encrypt SSL for your primary domain, cPanel automatically attempts to include any parked domains in the SSL installation. If any parked domain isn’t directed to your cPanel’s IP address, the installation will not succeed. To avoid this, ensure all parked domains are pointed to your cPanel account’s IP address, or temporarily remove them from your account until the SSL installation is finished.

How to Install Let’s Encrypt SSL on Your Domain

Follow these steps to install a Let’s Encrypt SSL certificate via cPanel:

Step 1) Log in to your cPanel account and navigate to the ‘SECURITY’ section. Click on ‘Let’s Encrypt SSL’.

Step 2) You’ll see a list of your domains. Select the domain you want to secure with an SSL certificate by clicking ‘Issue’ under the Actions column next to it. 

Step 3) In the following screen, you’ll see several options for your domain:

• Include Wildcard? If you need a Let’s Encrypt Wildcard SSL, which secures all subdomains of your domain (like *.yourdomain.com), select this. Remember, for wildcard SSLs, you must choose the dns-01 validation method.
• Add cPanel subdomains? This option allows you to secure additional cPanel service subdomains (like cpanel.* and webmail.*). It’s optional.

Step 4) Select a validation method for your SSL certificate:

• http-01: This is the standard method for most situations.
• dns-01: Use this method if your domain’s nameservers are pointed to cPanel, or if you’re issuing a wildcard SSL certificate.

5) After choosing your validation method, click the ‘Issue’ button to install the SSL certificate on your domain. The installation process will automatically update the virtual host with the new certificate and restart Apache in the background, securing your domain.

Conclusion

In an era where online security threats are constantly evolving, using Let’s Encrypt ensures your website remains safeguarded against many forms of digital attacks. It’s like having a security system that updates itself with the latest technology to fend off new threats.

Let’s Encrypt has revolutionized the way website owners secure their sites by making SSL/TLS certificates accessible to everyone at no cost. It demystifies web security, allowing even beginners to offer encrypted, secure connections to their users. In doing so, it contributes to a safer internet where privacy and data protection are prioritized.

ChemiCloud customers can use ChemiCloud’s Let’s Encrypt integration with all our hosting plans, including automatic and free SSL certificates for all your sites. Best of all, our free Let’s Encrypt SSLs even support wildcard domains.