How to apply for an SSL encryption certificate? Super detailed operation step guide

at the moment when HTTPS has become the standard of websites, SSL encryption certificates are the core tools to realize encrypted transmission of website data and enhance user trust. Although many novice webmasters or enterprise operation and maintenance personnel know its importance, they are confused about the specific application process. This article will disassemble the entire application process of SSL encryption certificates from pre-preparation, application operation, installation and configuration to post-maintenance, so that zero-based users can successfully complete the deployment.

, how to choose the right SSL encryption certificate?

different types of SSL encryption certificates are suitable for different scenarios and security levels, choosing the right certificate is the first step to efficient application.

1. Select the certificate category according to the website type

personal blog, small information websites can choose the domain name type SSL encryption certificate, only verify the ownership of the domain name, the application process is simple and low cost; enterprise official website, e-commerce platform need to choose the organization type SSL encryption certificate, will verify the true identity of the enterprise, can greatly enhance user trust; involving financial payment, sensitive data transmission website, you need to choose the enhanced SSL encryption certificate, the verification process is the strictest, the highest security level, but also display the name of the enterprise and other information.

2. Select the certificate specification according to the coverage

single domain SSL encryption certificate can only protect one main domain name, suitable for small websites with only a single domain name; multi-domain SSL encryption certificate can protect multiple independent domain names at the same time, suitable for enterprises with multiple brand sites; wild-card SSL encryption certificate can protect the main domain name and all second-level domain names, suitable for platforms with more sub-domains, which can reduce the cost and process of repeated applications.

What should I prepare before applying for an SSL encryption certificate?

adequate preparation can avoid problems such as missing data and verification failure during the application process, and speed up the issuance of SSL encryption certificates.

1, prepare domain name and subject qualification

no matter what kind of SSL encryption certificate, you need to provide proof of domain name ownership, you can obtain domain name registration information through the domain name background, or prepare domain name resolution operation authority. Organizational and enhanced SSL encryption certificates also need to provide enterprise business license, organization code certificate and other main qualification documents, some certificate authorities may require a copy of the legal person ID card and authorization letter.

2, generate a certificate signature request file

certificate signing request file is the core material for applying for an SSL encryption certificate, which can be generated through the server control panel or professional tools. When generating, you need to fill in the correct domain name information, organization name, etc., and properly save the generated private key file. The private key is the key to subsequent installation of the SSL encryption certificate. Once lost, the certificate cannot be used normally.

3. The official application operation of SSL encryption certificate?

complete the preliminary preparation, you can enter the formal application process, the application process of different channels is slightly different, but the core steps are basically the same.

1, select the certificate authority and channel

can apply for SSL encryption certificate directly through the official website of the internationally renowned certificate authority, or through third-party channels such as Cloud as a Service provider and server hosting platform. Some platforms will also provide free SSL encryption certificates, which are suitable for personal webmaster testing. When choosing channels, give priority to formal institutions to ensure the credibility and compatibility of the certificate.

2, submit application materials and complete verification

fill in the application information on the selected platform, upload the certificate signature request file and the main qualification information, and then complete the domain name verification. Domain name verification usually has three ways: email verification, file verification, DNS verification, and complete the corresponding operation according to the platform prompts; organizational and enhanced SSL encryption certificates also need to complete organizational verification. The certificate authority will verify the enterprise information by phone or email to ensure that the qualification is true and effective.

3, obtain and download SSL encryption certificate files

verification is passed, the certificate authority will send the SSL encrypted certificate file to the reserved mailbox, or it can be downloaded directly in the background of the application platform. When downloading, pay attention to choosing the certificate format that matches the server type. Common ones are PEM, PFX, etc., to avoid subsequent installation failures due to format incompatibility.

4. Installation and configuration points of SSL encryption certificate?

successfully apply for an SSL encryption certificate, the correct installation and configuration can make the certificate work and achieve HTTPS access to the website.

1, install the certificate according to the server type

different server SSL encryption certificate installation steps, Apache server needs to upload the certificate file to the specified directory, modify the htpd.conf or ssl.conf configuration file, open port 443; Nginx server needs to add the certificate path in the configuration file, open the SSL module, set the 443 port listening; Windows server can import the certificate through the server certificate function of IIS Manager to complete the binding operation.

2, configure HTTPS jump and security settings

, you need to configure the HTTP to HTTPS forced jump to ensure that users can access the encrypted page regardless of which address they enter. At the same time, you can turn on the HSTS setting to allow the browser to force HTTPS protocol access to further enhance the security of the website. In addition, to check all resource links in the website, replace the HTTP link with the HTTPS link to avoid mixed content warnings.

To sum up, the application of SSL encryption certificate is a complete process from product selection to maintenance. It is necessary to select the appropriate certificate according to the website scene, and then prepare the data to complete the application verification. Finally, the certificate will play a role through the correct installation configuration. Follow-up needs to pay attention to the valid period of the certificate regularly and complete the renewal operation in time to continue to ensure the safe transmission and user trust of the website.