You’ve taken a big step towards security by installing an SSL certificate on your website, but something is amiss: the much-anticipated secure padlock does not appear in your browser’s address bar. “I have an SSL, but it’s not working!” is a phrase we often hear. Before you panic, let’s explore together the often necessary adjustments to make your SSL do more than just “be there”.
Understanding SSL:
The SSL certificate (Secure Sockets Layer) is essential for securing the exchange between your site and its visitors. Think of it as a protective bubble that encrypts sensitive data. However, installing the certificate is just the first step. If your site continues to display “not secure,” it is probably an issue of implementation rather than functionality.
Proper HTTPS Implementation:
For SSL to work correctly, it’s not enough to just install it on the server; you must also ensure that all site traffic is redirected to HTTPS, the secure version of HTTP. Here’s how to do it:
- Initial setup: In WordPress, for example, this means adjusting the URLs in Settings -> General to start with HTTPS instead of HTTP.
- Hunting down internal links: All links embedded in your site must also be in HTTPS. This may require manual changes in the database or in site files such as CSS, JS, or HTML to replace all “http://” with “https://”.
The crucial role of the .htaccess file on cPanel servers:
On a server equipped with cPanel, redirecting HTTP to HTTPS can and should be done via the .htaccess file. Here are the magic lines of code to add:
RewriteEngine on
RewriteCond %{HTTPS} off
RewriteRule (.*) https://%{HTTP_HOST}%{REQUEST_URI} [L,R=301]These commands enable the systematic redirection of all visitors to the secure version of your site, ensuring that SSL effectively works for everyone.
When things get complicated: Our turnkey service:
If these steps seem like digital alchemy to you or if you’d simply rather focus on your business than server configuration, we’re here to help. Our “turnkey” SSL installation and maintenance service takes care of everything for you. We install, configure, and even check that your site is working correctly with SSL several times a day.
Conclusion:
Installing an SSL does not automatically guarantee that your site is secure. Just like adjusting a car’s mirrors after taking the wheel, it’s crucial to ensure that everything is properly set up so that protection is effective. If you encounter difficulties, remember that you don’t have to do it alone. Our team is ready to turn your frustrations into secure success. Make your site a bastion of security with our expert help!
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