Bluehost SSL Certificates: Everything You Need to Know

What is an SSL Certificate?

An SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) certificate is a digital certificate that encrypts data that is transmitted between a web server and a web browser. When a user visits a website that uses SSL, their browser will establish a secure connection with the website’s server, ensuring that any data that is transmitted between the two is encrypted and secure.

Why are SSL Certificates Important?

SSL certificates are important for a number of reasons. First and foremost, they help to protect sensitive information that is transmitted over the internet, such as passwords, credit card numbers, and other personal information. Without SSL, this information would be vulnerable to interception by hackers.

In addition, SSL certificates can help to improve search engine rankings. Google has stated that SSL is a ranking factor, meaning that websites that use SSL may rank higher in search engine results pages (SERPs) than websites that do not.

Finally, SSL certificates can help to establish trust with website visitors. When visitors see the padlock icon in their browser’s address bar, they know that their connection is secure and that their information is being protected. This can help to build trust and credibility with your audience.

Bluehost SSL Certificates: Overview

Bluehost offers a number of SSL certificate options to its customers, including:

1. Free SSL Certificate: Bluehost provides a free SSL certificate for all of its customers. This certificate is provided by Let’s Encrypt, a non-profit certificate authority, and is a good option for websites that do not handle sensitive information.

2. Bluehost SSL: The Bluehost SSL certificate is a paid certificate that provides more advanced features, such as increased encryption and browser compatibility.

3. Wildcard SSL: The Wildcard SSL certificate is a paid certificate that can be used to secure multiple subdomains on a single domain.

4. EV SSL: The Extended Validation (EV) SSL certificate is a paid certificate that provides the highest level of authentication and trust. Websites that use EV SSL certificates will display a green address bar in the user’s browser.

How to Install an SSL Certificate on Bluehost

Installing an SSL certificate on Bluehost is a relatively simple process. Here’s how to do it:

1. Purchase an SSL certificate: If you want to use a paid SSL certificate, you’ll need to purchase one from Bluehost. You can do this through the Bluehost dashboard or by contacting customer support.

2. Generate a CSR: A Certificate Signing Request (CSR) is a file that you’ll need to generate in order to request your SSL certificate. You can generate a CSR through the Bluehost dashboard or by using a third-party tool.

3. Submit your CSR: Once you’ve generated your CSR, you’ll need to submit it to the certificate authority (CA) that you’re using to purchase your SSL certificate. The CA will use the CSR to generate your SSL certificate.

4. Install your SSL certificate: Once you’ve received your SSL certificate from the CA, you can install it on your Bluehost account. This can be done through the Bluehost dashboard or by contacting customer support.

5. Configure your website: Finally, you’ll need to configure your website to use SSL. This can typically be done by updating your website’s URL to use HTTPS instead of HTTP.

Conclusion

SSL certificates are a crucial part of website security, and Bluehost offers a range of SSL certificate options to help you secure your website.