SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) is an internet security protocol to secure data transfer between the web server and web browser. It is a certificate that verifies whether the site is secure or not. If a site is SSL certified then it has a lock icon before the URL in the address bar. It is not necessary for blogging or content writing site but if you are getting any kind of information like personal details, payment details, credit card info, and other important credentials it becomes a necessity. SSL Certificate is available at various costs from free to paid based on the security level required for the site. Still, have no clue about what is an SSL Certificate? And If you are willing to have one for your blog/site then read the complete article.
If you have a site that lets users create an account and log in to perform actions, then see how to Add Security Questions to WordPress Login Page.
Types of SSL Certificates
There are three types of SSL certificates available for a website based on the level of security.
- Domain Validated (DV) Certificates
For small-scale site or blog that does not acquire any kind of information from the viewers. Also, it has all basic level security at a low cost when compared to any other certificate.
- Organization Validated (OV) Certificates
These certificates are used by some business-level sites where they acquire user info and more. All the information both sensitive and non-sensitive information provided by the users is protected safely in it.
- Extended Validated (EV) Certificates
These are used by high-level multinational business organizations to protect and withhold all kinds of information (even transaction info) safely. EV certificates cost the most of all other kinds of certificates.
A site without SSL Certificate
Site with SSL Certificate
Get an SSL Certificate from WordPress Hosting site
You can avail SSL Certificate for free from your hosting service provider. Most of the WordPress hosting service that has their own SSL certificates.
- Bluehost
- WPEngine
- HostGator
- InMotion Hosting
- GreenGeeks
- Dreamhost
- SiteGround
- Liquid Web
- iPage
If the hosting service has a free SSL certificate along with their hosting plan then you can activate it from your site security settings.
How to Get a Free SSL Certificate
If your hosting plan or service doesn’t offer any SSL certificate then there are plenty of sites out there that offer SSL certificates for free. Some popular site that offers SSL certificates for free or at low cost is,
- Basic SSL
- Comodo
- Cloudflare
- GoDaddy
- GeoTrust
- GoGetSSL
- HubSpot
- Instant SSL
- Let’s Encrypt
- SSL For Free
How to Install Free SSL Certificate in WordPress
[1] Install and Activate any of the following Plugins on your WordPress. [2] Open the Plugin to add and activate the SSL certificate. [3] If you have any existing SSL on your site, then it allows you to manage and configure the settings. [4] On the WordPress dashboard, go to Settings. [5] Choose General from the Settings.
Modifying Your WordPress Settings Manually
You can also govern your SSL manually by following the steps below.
[1] Open File Manager and navigate to the .htaccess file.
# HTTP TO HTTPS #
<IfModule mod_rewrite.c>
RewriteEngine On
RewriteCond %{HTTPS} off
RewriteRule .* https://%{HTTP_HOST}%{REQUEST_URI} [L,R=301]
</IfModule>
Also read: Best Security Plugins For WordPress For Ultimate Protection
Conclusion
We believe that this article gives you a clear vision of what an SSL certificate is and how to add & access it on your WordPress website. For queries make use of the comments section below. To know more about WordPress, explore the blog.
