How to Install an SSL Certificate in cPanel at no cost

Many hosting providers, including LetsHost.ie, HostingIreland.ie, and Blacknight.com, do not include free SSL certs with their hosting plans*, with some providers charging as much as €152.99 for a basic, entry-level DV SSL cert, and as much as €287.99 for a Wildcard SSL . This can leave customers searching for affordable solutions to secure their websites.

SmartHost provides a free Let’s Encrypt SSL certificate, including Wildcard SSLs, with every hosting plan, offering exactly the same security levels as these paid DV certificates.

Let’s Encrypt SSL certificates, including those provided for free by SmartHost, offer the same level of security as paid certificates due to the following reasons:

1. Encryption Strength: Both Let’s Encrypt and paid certificates use industry-standard encryption algorithms, typically 2048-bit RSA or 256-bit ECC, ensuring that data transferred between your website and its visitors is securely encrypted.
2. SSL/TLS Protocol Compliance: Let’s Encrypt certificates comply with the SSL/TLS protocols, which are the same standards used by paid certificate authorities (CAs). This means they provide the same robust encryption for data in transit.
3. Trust by Browsers: Let’s Encrypt is a trusted Certificate Authority recognised by all major web browsers. This means that a site secured with a Let’s Encrypt certificate will not trigger any security warnings for visitors, similar to sites secured with paid certificates.
4. Certificate Validation: Let’s Encrypt certificates undergo the same validation processes as paid certificates, verifying the domain ownership before issuance. This ensures that the entity requesting the certificate controls the domain, maintaining security and trust.
5. Automated Renewal: Let’s Encrypt certificates are valid for 90 days, but they support automated renewal, ensuring continuous protection without manual intervention. This automatic renewal feature is available with paid certificates as well.
6. Wildcard Certificates: SmartHost provides Let’s Encrypt Wildcard SSL certificates, which secure all subdomains under a domain, offering the same convenience and security level as paid Wildcard certificates.

The SmartHost SSL Generator tool allows users of other hosting providers to obtain a free SSL certificate, which they can install on their existing hosting plans. The free SSL certificate can cover all domains on a users account including wildcard SSL’s.

Why Choose the SmartHost SSL Generator?

1. Cost-Effective Security: While other hosting providers may charge for SSL certificates, the SmartHost SSL Generator provides them for free. This is particularly beneficial for small businesses and personal websites looking to enhance security without incurring additional costs.
2. Ease of Use: The SSL Generator tool is user-friendly, making it simple to generate the necessary certificate and private key, even for those without technical expertise.
3. Comprehensive Guide: The detailed instructions provided in this guide ensure that you can easily install the SSL certificate on any hosting platform that uses cPanel, including LetsHost.ie, HostingIreland.ie, and Blacknight.

Steps for Users of Other Hosting Providers

1. Generate Your SSL Certificate: Use the SmartHost SSL Generator tool to obtain your free SSL certificate and private key.
2. Access Your Hosting Provider’s cPanel: Log in to your hosting provider’s cPanel account.
3. Navigate to SSL/TLS Manager: Go to the “Security” section and select “SSL/TLS”.
4. Install the Certificate: Follow the steps outlined in the detailed guide above to install your SSL cert using the certificate and private key provided by the SmartHost SSL Generator.

Advantages Over Paid SSL Certificates

• Free of Charge: Save money by using a free SSL cert instead of purchasing one from your hosting provider.
• Immediate Availability: The SSL Generator provides certificates instantly, allowing for quick and easy installation.
• Trusted Security: Let’s Encrypt SSL certificates are widely recognised and trusted, ensuring that your website meets industry-standard security protocols.

SmartHost SSL Benefits

For those considering switching to a hosting provider that includes a free SSL cert with every plan, SmartHost offers a comprehensive solution. Not only do we provide free Let’s Encrypt SSL certificates, but we also ensure seamless integration and support, enhancing your website’s security effortlessly.

The SmartHost SSL Generator tool is an invaluable resource for customers of LetsHost.ie, HostingIreland.ie, and Blacknight who are looking to secure their websites without additional costs. By following this guide, you can easily generate and install a free SSL certi, ensuring your site is protected and trusted by visitors. For a more integrated solution, consider switching to SmartHost, where free SSL certificates are included with every hosting plan. For more information and assistance, visit the SmartHost knowledgebase or contact our support team.

1. Obtain SSL Certificate: Use the SmartHost SSL Generator tool to get your free SSL cert and private key.
2. Access cPanel: Log in to your hosting provider’s control panel.
3. Navigate to SSL/TLS Manager: Go to the “Security” section and select “SSL/TLS”.
4. Install Certificate: Use the “Manage SSL sites” option to install the certificate provided by the SmartHost tool.

Obtaining the Certificate

To install an SSL cert in cPanel, start by obtaining a free Let’s Encrypt certificate using the SmartHost SSL Generator. You will need to generate a Certificate Signing Request (CSR) using the SmartHost SSL Generator tool. This tool provides the certificate and private key required for installation.

Accessing cPanel

1. Log in to your cPanel Account: Use your credentials to access your cPanel account.

Navigating to the SSL/TLS Manager

1. Go to the Security Section: Once logged in, scroll down to the “Security” section.
2. Select SSL/TLS: Click on the “SSL/TLS” option to open the SSL/TLS Manager.

Installing the SSL Certificate

1: Manage SSL Sites

1. Manage SSL Sites: In the SSL/TLS Manager, select “Manage SSL sites” under “Install and Manage SSL for your site (HTTPS)”.
2. Domain Drop-Down: Choose the domain for which you want to install the SSL cert from the domain drop-down menu.

2: Enter Certificate Files

1. Certificate (CRT): Copy the certificate provided by the SmartHost SSL Generator and paste it into the “Certificate (CRT)” text box. If the certificate is in a file, you can use the “Browse” option to upload it.
2. Private Key (KEY): Copy the private key from the SmartHost SSL Generator and paste it into the “Private Key (KEY)” text box. Again, you can upload it if it’s in a file.
3. Certificate Authority Bundle (CABUNDLE): If provided, copy and paste the CA bundle into the “Certificate Authority Bundle (CABUNDLE)” text box. This step ensures the certificate is trusted by all browsers. Additionally, the intermediate certificate file is crucial for establishing a complete chain of trust. Upload the intermediate certificate file to the server, configure the virtual host for SSL, and restart Apache to apply the changes.

3: Install the Certificate

1. Install Certificate: After entering all the necessary information, click the “Install Certificate” button.
2. Verify Installation: Check for any error messages. If the installation is successful, you should see a confirmation message.

Managing SSL Certificates

View, Upload, or Delete SSL Certificates

1. View Installed Certificates: In the SSL/TLS Manager, you can view all installed certificates under the “Certificates (CRT)” section.
2. Delete SSL Certificates: If you need to delete an SSL cert, locate the certificate in the “Certificates (CRT)” section and click the “Delete” button.

Common Issues and Troubleshooting

1. CSR and Private Key Mismatch: Ensure that the CSR and private key match the certificate you are trying to install. If they don’t, generate a new CSR and private key.
2. Certificate Authority Bundle Errors: Make sure the CA bundle is correctly copied. If the intermediate certificates are not correct, browsers may show security warnings.
3. Same IP Address Error: If you receive an error about the same IP address, ensure that you have selected the correct domain and that it’s pointing to the correct IP.
4. Self-Signed Certificate: Use a self-signed certificate as a temporary solution when you are unable to issue an SSL cert for your website. This can be particularly useful for accessing admin dashboards like WordPress or cPanel.

Final Steps

1. Enable SNI: Ensure that Server Name Indication (SNI) is enabled if you are hosting multiple SSL sites on the same IP address.
2. Test SSL Installation: Use online tools to test your SSL installation and ensure everything is correctly set up.

Information correct as of May 2024