Securing your website with SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) is essential in today’s digital world. SSL certificates encrypt data transmitted between the user and the website, ensuring privacy and security. With DirectAdmin, you can easily install a free SSL certificate using Let’s Encrypt. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you through the process.
Step 1: Log in to DirectAdmin
To begin, log in to your DirectAdmin control panel. You’ll need the login credentials provided by your hosting provider. Once logged in, you’ll see the dashboard with various tools and options.
Step 2: Select Your Domain
In the DirectAdmin dashboard, locate the Account Manager section and click on Domain Setup. This page lists all the domains associated with your account. Select the domain for which you want to install the SSL certificate.
Step 3: Enable SSL for Your Domain
Before you can install an SSL certificate, SSL support must be enabled for your domain. To do this:
- Click on the domain name.
- Tick the box for Secure SSL.
- Ensure that the Use a symbolic link from private_html to public_html – allows for same data in http and https option is selected, unless you have a specific reason to separate the two.
- Click Save to apply the changes.
Step 4: Access the SSL Certificates Section
Return to the dashboard and navigate to Account Manager > SSL Certificates. This is where you’ll manage and install SSL certificates for your domain.
Step 5: Choose Let’s Encrypt
DirectAdmin supports Let’s Encrypt, a free and widely used SSL certificate authority. In the SSL Certificates section:
- Select the Free and automatic certificate from Let’s Encrypt option.
- Specify the subdomains you want to include in the certificate. For example, tick boxes for www.yourdomain.com and yourdomain.com to cover both versions.
- Ensure the email address field is filled in with a valid email address. This is used for notifications regarding your SSL certificate.
Step 6: Request the Certificate
Click the Save or Request Certificate button. DirectAdmin will now communicate with Let’s Encrypt to generate and install your SSL certificate. This process usually takes a few moments.
Step 7: Verify Installation
Once the SSL certificate is installed, you can verify it by visiting your website using https://. If the installation was successful, you’ll see a padlock icon in the browser’s address bar, indicating a secure connection.
Additional Tips
- Automatic Renewal: Let’s Encrypt certificates renew automatically every 90 days, so you don’t need to worry about manual renewals.
- Redirect HTTP to HTTPS: To ensure all traffic to your site is secure, set up a redirection from HTTP to HTTPS. This can be done by editing your .htaccess file or through DirectAdmin settings.
- Troubleshooting: If the SSL installation fails, check that your domain’s DNS
