Data sent between a web server and a user’s browser is encrypted using a Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) certificate, which is a digital certificate. This guarantees the security of sensitive data, including login credentials, payment card information, and personal data, from unwanted access. To secure your website, you must install an SSL certificate if you’re creating a website or an online store. We’ll demonstrate how to download and install an SSL certificate in Windows in this article.
Purchase an SSL Certificate as the first step. You must first buy an SSL certificate from a reputable Certificate Authority (CA), like GlobalSign, DigiCert, or Comodo, before you can download and install it. CAs are independent companies that provide website owners with SSL certificates. A site hosting company or one of these CAs both offer online SSL certificate purchases.
Create a Certificate Signing Request (CSR) in step two You must create a Certificate Signing Request (CSR) after purchasing an SSL certificate. A CSR is a file that includes the public key for your website as well as other identifying data. The Internet Information Services (IIS) Manager on your Windows server can be used to create a CSR. Select your server in IIS Manager, then click “Server Certificates.” To generate your CSR, select “Create Certificate Request” and then adhere to the instructions.
Step 3: Send the CA Your CSR
You must submit your CSR to the CA after you’ve generated it in order to obtain your SSL certificate. Your information will be checked by the CA before it issues your SSL certificate. The CA will send you an email with a download link for your SSL certificate. Installing your SSL certificate is step four. To install your SSL certificate, launch IIS Manager, choose your server, and then select “Server Certificates.” Click “Complete Certificate Request” after that, then navigate to the folder where you saved your SSL certificate. After giving your certificate a friendly name, click “OK.” Your Windows server has now been configured to use your SSL certificate. SSL configuration
Redirecting all traffic to your website’s HTTPS version is necessary when configuring SSL on your website. This guarantees that all information transferred between your server and the browsers of your users is secured. You must modify the settings on your web server in order to configure SSL. Select your website in IIS Manager, go to “Bindings,” then add an HTTPS bound there. Then, from the drop-down box, choose your SSL certificate, and then click “OK.” Now that SSL is enabled, your website is ready.
In conclusion, installing an SSL certificate in Windows is a simple process that only requires downloading the file. You may secure your website and safeguard sensitive user data by taking the procedures indicated in this article. You can configure SSL on your website to guarantee that all traffic is encrypted after your SSL certificate has been activated.