Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) information
SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) enables you to send data securely between your web site and your visitors. SSL certificates can also prove your identity to visitors. Read these articles to learn more about SSL, and how to set it up on your web site.
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Introduction to SSL
What is SSL, and why would I use it? If you have never worked with SSL certificates before, we recommend you start here. This article covers what SSL and certificates are, and how to obtain them for your website.
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Installing a third-party SSL certificate
You can purchase an SSL certificate from a third-party provider, and this article provides an overview of the process with links to specific steps.
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Installing your Organization Verified SSL certificate
This article describes the process for installing your newly purchased EV or OV SSL certificate with AutoInstall SSL.
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Installing your Domain Verified SSL certificate
This article describes the process for installing your newly purchased domain verified SSL certificate with AutoInstall SSL.
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SSL certificate renewal
Learn all about the renewal process for SSL certificates in this article.
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Redirecting visitors to SSL connections
You can configure your web site to redirect visitors so they always use a secure HTTPS connection, even if they type a non-secure HTTP URL in their web browser. This article covers how to use an .htaccess file to do this redirection.
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Using www and non-www domains with an SSL certificate
You can configure your web site to use SSL even if visitors do not specify the www subdomain in their browsers. This article covers how to use an .htaccess file to do this.
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A2 Hosting’s SSL certificate fingerprints
This article shows how to find the certificate fingerprints for A2 Hosting (or any site) websites. This article shows you how to find certificate fingerprints in Chrome, Firefox, and Edge.
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Generating a private key and CSR from the command line
Depending on how you obtain an SSL certificate, you may have to generate a private key and CSR (Certificate Signing Request) first. This article explains how to generate a private key and CSR from the command line. Please note that if your account includes cPanel access, you do not have to follow the procedures described in this article.
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Secure and insecure content on a web page
This article discusses an issue that occurs when visitors request a secure page on your web site that contains insecure elements, as well as two ways to resolve it, both on the server side and client side.
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Installing an SSL certificate site seal
Learn how to display an SSL certificate site seal on your web site and let your visitors know connections are secure. This article covers seals for Sectigo, RapidSSL, and Symantec SSL certificates.
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SSL certificates and Server Name Indication (SNI) support
SNI enables you to run an SSL-enabled site without purchasing a dedicated IP address. Learn more about how SNI affects your SSL options, such as whether you need to purchase a dedicated IP address for your SSL certificate and what browsers support SNI, in this article.
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Determining the OpenSSL version
Learn how to check which OpenSSL version is installed on a server using the command line.
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Securing an unmanaged server with a Let’s Encrypt SSL certificate
Learn how to automatically generate and install a valid SSL certificate on an unmanaged server using Let's Encrypt.
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Differences between Let’s Encrypt certificates and traditional CA-issued certificates
Let's Encrypt certificates provide a new and easy way to create and install SSL certificates. However, they are not suitable for all situations. Learn about the differences between Let's Encrypt certificates and traditional CA-issued certificates in this article.
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Managing HTTP Strict Transport Security (HSTS) for your site
Learn how to help manage your site's security with HTTP Strict Transport Security (HSTS). This article provides an introduction to HSTS, and covers how to enable it for Linux-based hosting accounts.
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Installing a self-signed SSL certificate
You can install a self-signed SSL certificate on your website with cPanel or Plesk. Learn more here.
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Differences between Sectigo certificates and traditional CA-issued certificates
Sectigo certificates provide a new and easy way to create and install SSL certificates. However, they are not suitable for all situations. Learn more about the differences between Sectigo and traditional CA-issued certificates here.
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Sectigo banned country list
Sectigo certificates are free, easy to use, and supported by A2 Hosting. However, there are some countries where these certificates cannot be used. Learn more in this article.
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Comodo banned country list
Free Comodo SSL certificates are a popular choice for A2 Hosting's VPS customers. However, there are some countries where these certificates cannot be used. Learn more in this article.