In today's digital landscape, securing your websites is paramount to ensure trust, credibility, and protection for your visitors. Among the various methods available, using a Standard UCC (Unified Communications Certificate) SSL Certificate stands out as an efficient solution, especially for multiple domain setups like Joomla websites. In this guide, we will walk through the process of configuring a Standard UCC SSL Certificate for five Joomla website domains, leveraging cPanel for seamless integration.
1. Accessing cPanel:
Begin by logging in to your hosting provider's cPanel dashboard. This is typically done by navigating to your hosting provider's website, logging in with your credentials, and accessing the cPanel section.
2. Creating a New CSR (Certificate Signing Request) with the 5 Domains:
In the SSL/TLS section of cPanel, locate the option to generate a new Certificate Signing Request (CSR). This step is crucial for obtaining an SSL certificate from a trusted SSL provider. The CSR form requires specific information to generate your SSL certificate. Here is a detailed guide on completing the CSR form:
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Accessing SSL/TLS Manager: Navigate to the SSL/TLS Manager within cPanel.
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Certificate Signing Request (CSR) Form: Look for the option to generate a new Certificate Signing Request (CSR). This form will prompt you to provide the necessary details.
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Key Generation: Start by generating a new "RSA, 2,048-bit" key. This ensures robust encryption for your SSL certificate.
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Domains: Enter the Fully Qualified Domain Names (FQDNs) you wish to secure. List each domain separately, with one domain per line. If securing multiple domains or using wildcard domains (e.g., *.example.com), ensure correct formatting.
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Location Information: Provide the complete name for the city or locality, followed by the state or province. Avoid abbreviations for accuracy.
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Country: Choose the country representing the certificate's company. This reflects the country of origin for your business.
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Company Information: Input the legally registered name of your business. Ensure accuracy, and if your company name includes symbols, verify their acceptance with the certificate authority.
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Company Division: If applicable, provide the name of the division or group within your company. Verify symbol acceptability with your certificate authority.
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Email: Supply a valid email address for domain ownership verification purposes.
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Passphrase: Some certificate authorities may require a passphrase for CSRs. This passphrase confirms identity but is stored unencrypted in the CSR. Avoid using important passwords and ensure it is shareable with the certificate authority.
Once you have filled out the CSR form accurately, proceed to generate the CSR. This process will provide you with the necessary code to obtain your SSL certificate from the certificate authority. Ensure all information provided is correct to facilitate a smooth issuance process.
3. Keying the SSL Certificate:
Keying your SSL certificate is essential for maintaining security and compatibility, especially during server migrations or instances where private keys are compromised. Open the purchased UCC SSL Certificate plan to generate your SSL certificate. You will be prompted to provide the CSR-encoded certificate code obtained earlier into the appropriate field and submit the changes. Wait for a few minutes for the certificate to be issued.
4. Installing the SSL Certificate:
Once the certificate is issued, please obtain the SSL certificate files from the Certificate Authority (CA), download them, and install the certificate onto your server via cPanel.
- Navigate to the SSL/TLS Manager and look for the option to install an SSL certificate.
- Here, you will be prompted to upload the SSL certificate files provided by the CA.
- Once uploaded, cPanel will automatically install the SSL certificate onto your server, associating it with the domains specified in the CSR.
- Verify the installation by accessing your Joomla websites via HTTPS to ensure the SSL certificate is active and properly configured.
5. Conclusion:
Configuring a Standard UCC SSL Certificate for multiple Joomla website domains through cPanel is a straightforward process that significantly enhances the security and credibility of your online presence. By following these steps meticulously, you ensure seamless integration of SSL encryption across all your domains, fostering trust and confidence among your website visitors.
