What is SSL?
SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) certificates encrypt the connection between your website and visitors, enabling HTTPS. This protects sensitive data like passwords, credit card information, and personal details from being intercepted.
Why You Need SSL
Security
Encrypts data transmitted between server and browser
Trust
Shows padlock icon and "Secure" in browser
SEO
Google ranks HTTPS sites higher
Compliance
Necessary for PCI, GDPR, and other regulations
Free SSL with Let's Encrypt
cPanel includes free SSL certificates from Let's Encrypt that auto-renew every 90 days.
Step 1: Log into cPanel
Access your cPanel control panel.
Step 2: Navigate to SSL/TLS Status
Find the "Security" section and click "SSL/TLS Status".
Step 3: Select Your Domains
Check the box next to your domain(s) that need SSL.
Step 4: Run AutoSSL
Click "Run AutoSSL" and wait a few moments for the certificate to be issued.
Automatic
Let's Encrypt certificates are automatically installed and renewed on RamNode shared hosting. Most domains will have SSL enabled within 24 hours of being added.
Installing Custom SSL Certificate
If you purchased an SSL certificate from another provider:
Step 1: Access SSL/TLS Manager
In cPanel, go to "Security" → "SSL/TLS".
Step 2: Manage SSL Sites
Click "Manage SSL sites".
Step 3: Enter Certificate Details
- • Paste your Certificate (CRT) into the certificate field
- • Paste your Private Key into the private key field
- • Paste Certificate Authority Bundle (if provided)
Step 4: Install Certificate
Click "Install Certificate" to complete the installation.
Forcing HTTPS
After installing SSL, redirect all traffic to HTTPS:
Method 1: Via cPanel (Easiest)
- In cPanel, go to "Domains" → "Domains"
- Find your domain
- Toggle on "Force HTTPS Redirect"
Method 2: Via .htaccess
Add this code to your .htaccess file in public_html:
RewriteEngine On
RewriteCond %{HTTPS} off
RewriteRule ^(.*)$ https://%{HTTP_HOST}%{REQUEST_URI} [L,R=301]Checking SSL Installation
Verify your SSL certificate is properly installed:
- Visit https://yourdomain.com and check for padlock icon
- Click padlock to view certificate details
- Use SSL checker tools: SSL Labs Test |SSL Shopper
SSL Certificate Types
Domain Validation (DV)
Basic validation that you control the domain. Quick issuance. Suitable for most websites. Let's Encrypt provides free DV certificates.
Organization Validation (OV)
Validates organization identity. Takes longer to issue. Better for business websites.
Extended Validation (EV)
Highest level of validation. Shows company name in browser. Best for e-commerce and financial sites.
Wildcard SSL
Secures domain and all subdomains (*.yourdomain.com). Useful if you have many subdomains.
Troubleshooting SSL Issues
Mixed Content Warning
Browser shows "Not Secure" even with SSL installed. This happens when your HTTPS page loads HTTP resources.
Fix:
- • Update all internal links to use https:// or protocol-relative (//) URLs
- • Check image sources, stylesheets, and scripts
- • Use browser developer tools to find mixed content
- • Install "Really Simple SSL" plugin for WordPress sites
Certificate Not Trusted
Browser shows security warning. Possible causes:
- • Certificate not properly installed
- • Missing intermediate certificates
- • Expired certificate
- • Self-signed certificate
AutoSSL Not Working
- • Verify domain's DNS points to correct server
- • Check if domain is reachable via HTTP
- • Wait 24-48 hours for DNS propagation
- • Check for .htaccess rules blocking validation
Best Practices
- • Always use SSL for all websites
- • Enable HTTPS redirect after SSL installation
- • Update all internal links to HTTPS
- • Renew certificates before expiration
- • Check SSL status periodically