1) What steps are required to enable SSL (HTTPS) on a Joomla website?
How do I enable SSL (HTTPS) on my Joomla website?
Secure Socket Layer, or SSL, is an important security element for any website. It’s necessary for websites that handle personal data, like credit cards, user passwords, and customer information, which is why it’s recommended that all website owners enable SSL. It’s also important for improving a website’s SEO, since Google rewards websites that use the HTTPS protocol. In this article, we’ll explain how to enable SSL with the popular content management system, Joomla.
Step 1: Obtain an SSL Certificate
The first step for enabling SSL is obtaining an SSL certificate for your domain. An SSL certificate authenticates the identity of your website and indicates that it is secure. Many hosting providers offer free or low-cost SSL certificates, but be sure to check with yours and inquire about any additional fees you may incur for use.
Step 2: Install the SSL Certificate
Once you’ve obtained the SSL certificate, you must install it on your hosting server. If you’re hosting your Joomla website on a managed server, the SSL certificate should be automatically installed. If not, you’ll need to manually install it using instructions from your hosting provider.
Step 3: Force HTTPS
After the SSL certificate is installed, you must force HTTPS on all the pages of your Joomla website. This is an important step for ensuring that users always use the secure, encrypted version of the website and no unencrypted/non-secure data is transmitted. To do this, you’ll need to edit the ”.htaccess” file in the root directory of your website.
Step 4: Enable SSL for Joomla
Next, you will need to install an SSL plugin for Joomla. This will enable the security protocols and the HTTPS protocol specific for Joomla. There are many SSL plugins available, some free and some commercial. After the plugin is installed, you must configure it according to the settings given by your hosting provider.
Step 5: Test Your Website
After you’ve followed all the steps, you should test your website to make sure everything is working correctly. You can use a website like Qualys SSL Labs(https://www.ssllabs.com/ssltest/) for a complete report of your website. Be sure to check for any errors, and if you have any questions or need help, be sure to contact your hosting provider or a Joomla expert.
At Free Spirits, we understand the importance of a secure website and can assist with any Joomla projects. We offer fast, stable and reliable hosting based on the CWP7 project, and can provide the solutions needed so you can benefit from the advantages of using the HTTPS protocol for your website. Visit our main websites, freespirits.gr and fspirits.com, to contact us and learn more about how we can help.
