Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) information

With SSL (Secure Sockets Layer), you can safely transfer data between your website and its users. Visitors can also verify your identity with SSL certificates. To find out more about SSL and how to put it up on your website, read these articles.

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.

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.

Installing your Organization Verified SSL certificate

This article describes the process for installing your newly purchased EV or OV SSL certificate with AutoInstall SSL.

Installing your Domain Verified SSL certificate

This article describes the process for installing your newly purchased domain verified SSL certificate with AutoInstall SSL.

SSL certificate renewal

Learn all about the renewal process for SSL certificates in this article.

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.

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.

Hostvento Hosting’s SSL certificate fingerprints

This article shows how to find the certificate fingerprints for Hostvento Hosting (or any site) websites. This article shows you how to find certificate fingerprints in Chrome, Firefox, and Edge.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Determining the OpenSSL version

Learn how to check which OpenSSL version is installed on a server using the command line.

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.

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.

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.

Installing a self-signed SSL certificate

You can install a self-signed SSL certificate on your website with cPanel or Plesk. Learn more here.

Differences between a cPanel certificate and a traditional CA-issued certificate

cPanel 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 cPanel and traditional CA-issued certificates here.

Banned country list for SSL certificates from DigiCert, Sectigo, and cPanel

SSL certificates from DigiCert, Sectigo, and cPanel are easy to use and are supported by Hostvento Hosting. However, there are some countries where these certificates cannot be used. Learn more in this article.

Comodo banned country list

Free Comodo SSL certificates are a popular choice for Hostvento Hosting’s VPS customers. However, there are some countries where these certificates cannot be used. Learn more in this article.

SSL/TLS certificate validity periods

This article discusses validity periods for SSL/TLS certificates on shared, reseller, and Turbo Web hosting servers.

Generating a purchased SSL certificate for an unmanaged hosting account

This article describes how to generate a purchased SSL certificate for unmanaged VPS and Dedicated servers. This article only applies if you have purchased an SSL certificate in the Hostvento Hosting Customer Portal and want to use it on your unmanaged account.