How can I Secure my WordPress Blog with an SSL Certificate

Amidst the spiraling online predators and threats, how can you be sure that the information you exchange with your audience does not leak into the hands of online snoop dogs? As a blog owner, you need to treat the security of your users’ sensitive information with caution because thieves are out to intercept and abuse it. If you have been wondering how you can secure your blog against such attacks, then you are in the right place because this post endeavors to share with you how an SSL certificate and transitioning your blog to HTTPS can help you do that. In the remaining sections of this site, we will show you how to achieve this level of security in comprehensive and simple steps.

What is the difference?

Before we proceed and see how you can secure your blog by moving it from HTTP to HTTPS, and installing an SSL certificate, let us look at the difference between these security platforms.

• SSL and  HTTPS

SSL and HTTPS are correlated but differ in their meanings like if we consider SSL then it is a secure socket layer that enables secure communication between the server and the browser.  SSL was developed by NetScape and from time to time, amendments came in this useful protocol. SSL 3.0 was released in 1996.

Now coming to HTTPS, it is an implementation and a combination of HTTP and SSL called HTTPS. We can say that HTTPS is a secure form of HTTP. The data flow between the server and the browser will remain intact and safe from data interception.

• HTTP and HTTPS

The difference between HTTP and HTTPS is largely dependent on and defined by the level of security the two platforms offer your blog. Below are the three main differences between these two terms and technologies:

• The level of security: An HTTP site is vulnerable to attacks from hackers and other online malware. The bad boys on the internet can infiltrate your blog and steal sensitive information. On the other hand, an HTTPS has an underlying security layer in the form of an SSL certificate.
• Default port: Another difference between the two technological platforms is the kind of ports they use when accessing a site. All sites with HTTPS use port 443 while those using HTTP use port 80.

• The importance of HTTPS and SSL certificate

Transitioning to the HTTPS platform by installing an SSL certificate has many benefits. Some of the advantages of making this shift are as follows:

• SSL secures data integrity and avoids data sniffers that make data safe over the web.
• It enables your website to enjoy greater ranking with search engines
• It boosts the confidence of your customers in your blog
• With the initiative of Google, SSL should be enabled on blog and content based websites that update content on a regular period.
• SSL especially extended validation secures the website from phishing attack and ensures customers that they are dealing with the right website.
• With SSL enabled on the website, the assurance of customers increase gradually and they would like to interact with the website that turns into higher profit for the company in long run.

Making the transition to HTTPS

After understanding the benefits of making the transition from HTTP to HTTPS, we now move on to look at how you can make this critical shift.

• Get an SSL certificate

The first step entails getting an SSL certificate from a reputable Certificate Authority (CA) if your WordPress hosting company did not give it to you as a subscription bonus. In essence, you will get SSL certificates in three main categories, namely:

• Domain-level validation: This type of SSL Certificate is the entry-level version that offers basic encryption. Also, it is the easiest to get because it entails little verification of the owner’s domain ownership.  If you are interested to get Domain Validation Certificate then Comodo SSL certificate is the best option because it is available at the lowest price from authorized SSL provider.
• Organization-validated: This kind of certificate requires a thorough verification of the business applying for the certificate. It offers higher levels of security compared to the previous one.
• Extended validation: This type of SSL certificate offers the highest degree of security, and hence,  it is the most expensive and it takes a longer period to verify an applicant’s details.

Installing an SSL certificate

To install your SSL certificate, follow this order:

• In the control panel SSL Manager, click below the CTR
• Upload the SSL with its .crt file extension
• Activate the SSL certificate for your blog by clicking below the Install and Manage SSL for your site to move it to the HTTPS
• Choose the domain from the drop-down list and then click the Autofill by domain and finally click on the Install Certificate button

• How to activate an SSL certificate

To activate your SSL certificate, follow these steps:

• Log into your control panel and go to the SSL Manager

• Click on the link beneath the Certificate Signing Request(CRS)

• Complete the form for the domain you want to install the certificate on and then click on the Generate button

• After a successful generation, enter the CRS code, choose the web server your host runs on and then click the Next button
• Afterward, you will be asked to fill in your CRS details and select an approval email
• Next, furnish your personal contact information. Afterward, submit the order and wait for the approval email and use its guidelines to validate your domain

After completing this simple process, your SSL certificate will be issued and emailed to you. These simple and critical steps are enough to get secure your blog from online attacks.

Parting shot

Getting an SSL certificate is one of the surest ways of securing your WordPress blog. In a day when online predators are on the loose, installing this certificate will keep your servers and the sensitive information safe from such threats. By following the insights and steps we have shared in this post, we believe you will take the security of your blog to the next level. If you still have questions on where you can get a reliable SSL certificate to enjoy the benefits of what we have shared, you are welcome to contact us.