What is cPanel Auto SSL? #
cPanel offers a vast array of features, including website backup and more. A standout feature is AutoSSL, which automatically issues and renews SSL certificates for websites hosted on cPanel servers. These SSL certificates encrypt sensitive data exchanged between the website and its visitors.
This eliminates potential cyber threats and security gaps, ensuring safe communication and protecting sensitive information like passwords, credit card details, and personal data. AutoSSL streamlines this process by automating the installation and renewal of SSL certificates, removing the need for manual action by website owners.
What is cPanel AutoSSL The Importance of SSL #
Before diving into AutoSSL, it’s important to understand why SSL is crucial. An SSL certificate secures the link between a user’s browser and the web server, preventing data interception by malicious entities and building trust with visitors. Websites with SSL certificates show a padlock icon beside the URL and use the “HTTPS” protocol instead of “HTTP.” Additionally, Google considers HTTPS a ranking factor, so SSL certificates can enhance a website’s SEO.
What is the Process of AutoSSL? #
AutoSSL is designed to simplify SSL certificate management for cPanel users. It automatically installs new SSL certificates when needed, such as during installation, when missing, or upon expiration. Here’s how it works:
- Automatic detection and installation: When a new domain or subdomain is added to a cPanel account, AutoSSL detects it and generates an SSL certificate automatically. This ensures all domains in the account are secure immediately after being added.
- Automated renewal: SSL certificates typically expire after 90 days. AutoSSL renews certificates before they expire, ensuring continuous website security without user intervention or downtime.
- Wildcard certificates: AutoSSL can issue wildcard certificates, covering all subdomains of a primary domain with a single certificate. This is especially useful for sites with multiple subdomains, eliminating the need for separate SSLs for each one.
- Free SSL certificates: AutoSSL uses free SSL certificates from authorities like Let’s Encrypt or cPanel’s provider, Comodo. This makes security more affordable for website owners of all sizes.
- Integration with WHM: AutoSSL can be managed through Web Host Manager (WHM), allowing server administrators to control AutoSSL settings for all cPanel accounts on their server. This is beneficial for web hosting providers looking to include SSL in their hosting packages without manual management.
Advantages of AutoSSL #
- Time saving: AutoSSL removes the need for manual installation and renewal of SSL certificates, allowing website owners to focus on their sites instead of SSL management.
- Cost efficiency: AutoSSL deploys and manages free SSL certificates, reducing the website owner’s total cost of ownership to zero.
- Advanced security: AutoSSL ensures websites are always secured with the latest SSL certificates, eliminating the risk of certificates expiring and exposing sites to attacks.
- Improved SEO: Google favors HTTPS sites in its search rankings. AutoSSL aids in search engine optimization (SEO) while assuring visitors of their security with the padlock icon.