Installing Let's Encrypt SSL Certificate in Plesk
In the era of digital technologies and an increasing number of cyber attacks, securing websites is crucial for protecting users' personal data and businesses. One of the fundamental steps to enhance website security is installing an SSL certificate. Let's Encrypt provides free SSL certificates that enable encrypted data transfer between the web server and the browser. In this article, we will focus on the process of installing a Let's Encrypt SSL certificate on a server managed using the Plesk control panel.
Prerequisites
Before you begin with the installation of Let's Encrypt SSL certificate, ensure that:
- You have administrative access to the Plesk panel.
- Your domain is correctly set up and pointing to your server.
Step 1: Logging into the Plesk Panel
Log in to your Plesk panel using your login credentials.
Step 2: Finding the Let's Encrypt Extension
In the Plesk panel, navigate to the "Extensions" section and search for "Let's Encrypt." If the extension is not installed, you can easily add it by clicking on the "Install" button.
Step 3: Installing the SSL Certificate
After installing the Let's Encrypt extension, find the domain for which you want to install the SSL certificate in the "Hosting & Domains" section. Click on "Manage Hosting" next to your domain and then select "Let's Encrypt."
At this stage, you will need to enter an email address for renewal purposes and confirm whether you want to secure the www version of your domain and any subdomains. Then click on "Issue" to generate and install the SSL certificate.
Step 4: Checking the Installation
After successfully installing the SSL certificate, it is recommended to verify that your website is accessible via HTTPS. You can do this by opening your domain with the "https://" prefix in a web browser.
Common Issues and Solutions
- Domain Validation Issue: Ensure that the DNS records of your domain are properly configured, and the domain is pointing to the server where Plesk is installed.
- Error during Certificate Installation: Check the Plesk panel logs to identify the cause of the error and resolve the issue.
Installing Let's Encrypt SSL certificate in Plesk is a straightforward process that can significantly contribute to the security of your website. With Let's Encrypt's free certificates, you don't have to compromise security due to high costs. By following the above steps, you can easily secure your site and protect your users' data.
