How to Install SSL Certificates in DirectAdmin: A Step-by-Step Guide (2024)

21 Oct, 2024
DirectAdmin
How to Install a DirectAdmin SSL Certificate

Today, website security is not just a feature—it’s a necessity.

Without proper website security, you risk exposing sensitive information, damaging your reputation, and losing customer trust.

At Rovity, we are passionate about ensuring the security of your website and the privacy of your visitors.

Why? Because websites are under constant threat. Hackers are always on the lookout for vulnerabilities, such as outdated plugins or weak passwords, and it’s our job to protect both your site and your visitors’ data.

That’s where SSL certificates come into play. SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) ensures that the data flowing between your website and its visitors remains private—encrypted—protected.

Previously, SSL was only for e-commerce and financial sites. Not anymore. Today, every website, no matter its size or purpose, needs an SSL certificate. It’s no longer a question of “if”; it’s a must-have.

Rovity understands the importance of making security accessible to everyone, by offering affordable pricing and simplified tools. That’s why we offer DirectAdmin—a user-friendly hosting control panel that makes installing SSL certificates a breeze.

But why should you bother installing an SSL certificate? Simple: security, trust, and growth.

Key Benefits of SSL Certificates

  • Enhanced Security: SSL encrypts data, safeguarding sensitive information from prying eyes.
  • Improved Trustworthiness: A secure website means visitors can trust you. Trust translates into credibility.
  • Better SEO Rankings: Google loves secure websites. With an SSL certificate, your chances of ranking higher improve.

Rovity’s mission is to help you create a secure and trustworthy online presence. We’re here to guide you every step of the way—and it all starts with installing an SSL certificate.

In the following section, you’ll find a step-by-step guide to make the process as simple as possible.

Getting Ready to Install SSL Certificates

In the next section, we’ll get you ready for the SSL installation process with a few key points you need to know. So, are you ready to secure your site and increase your digital presence?

Let’s get started…

Getting Ready to Install SSL Certificates

Before diving into SSL installation, there’s something you must check: ensure that your domain name is correctly pointed to the hosting server.

Making sure your domain is properly pointed will save you from unnecessary delays and ensure a smooth installation process.

Automatic SSL Installation with Rovity

The Rovity team makes SSL installation easy by handling most of it automatically for you.

Our system checks your DNS settings and requests SSL certificates without you lifting a finger. But hey, sometimes technology can be unpredictable—and if the automatic process fails, there’s no need to worry. We’ve got a manual activation option ready, so you can still get your SSL certificate installed without any hassles.

Hosting Requirements and Nameserver Updates

A quick note before we proceed: this guide assumes your domain is hosted on a DirectAdmin server with updated nameservers. Updated nameservers are important because they ensure that your domain correctly points to your hosting server, allowing SSL certificates to be issued without complications.

If you’re unsure about this, no problem—our support team is always on standby to help you sort it out.

Trusted Certificate Authorities

To keep your website secure, Rovity partners with trusted Certificate Authorities (CAs):

  1. Let’s Encrypt
  2. ZeroSSL

These CAs are responsible for verifying your domain ownership before issuing SSL certificates.

Let’s Encrypt Encrypts Half of Websites

56.7%

Did you know that Let’s Encrypt secures 56.7% of websites globally? This widespread use highlights its reliability and commitment to keeping the internet secure, making it a trusted choice for SSL certificates.

By partnering with them, Rovity is contributing to a more secure online environment—and we’re proud to support this initiative.

Simple SSL Installation via DirectAdmin

Installing SSL via DirectAdmin is easier than you think. Just two steps: log into your control panel, then follow our straightforward instructions to request and activate your SSL certificate.

Our process is designed for everyone—even if you’re not tech-savvy, we’ve made sure it’s simple, clear, and user-friendly.

And remember, if you get stuck, Rovity’s experienced support team is here to assist. You’re never alone on this journey—security is a team effort, and we’re on your side!

In the next section, we’ll walk you through the step-by-step guide to installing SSL certificates in DirectAdmin.

Ready to make your website secure and trustworthy? Let’s move on…

Step-by-Step Guide: Installing SSL Certificates in DirectAdmin

Installing an SSL certificate is crucial for securing your website and ensuring data privacy for your visitors. By following these steps, you’ll be taking a significant step towards enhancing your site’s trustworthiness and overall security.

Step 1: Log into DirectAdmin

Log into the DirectAdmin control panel using the credentials Rovity provided. To make it even easier, use our one-click login feature available on the dashboard.

If you need help with your login details, contact our support team for assistance.

Step 2: Navigate to the Account Manager

Once you’re logged in, head to the Account Manager section. Look for the SSL Certificates icon and click on it.

DirectAdmin SSL Certificates Icon

If you have multiple domains hosted in your DirectAdmin account, select the one you want to secure from the drop-down menu. This will ensure you are working with the correct domain.

Rovity DirectAdmin Select Domain Dropdown Menu

Step 3: Configuring Your SSL Certificate

Now it’s time to request your SSL certificate:

  • Click on the Get automatic certificate from ACME Provider tab.
DirectAdmin Get automatic certificate from ACME Provider Screen
  • Choose between our trusted providers: Let’s Encrypt or ZeroSSL. Both are equally good and strong, offering robust encryption and reliability that have been tested and trusted by millions of users worldwide.
  • To secure your main domain and all subdomains, check the Wildcard box. Rovity recommends selecting the Wildcard option if you are unsure.
  • For optimal security, leave the Key Size and Certificate Type settings as they are. These default settings provide a balance between security and compatibility, ensuring strong encryption without causing potential issues with certain devices or browsers.

Step 4: Submit Your SSL Request

Click SAVE to send your request to the Certificate Authority (CA).

DirectAdmin SSL Certificate and key saved
  1. The CA will verify your domain ownership by checking DNS records.
  2. You’ll receive a notification about the request status through DirectAdmin and via email.
  3. Once verified, DirectAdmin will automatically install and configure your SSL certificate.
DirectAdmin User Dropdown Menu Messages
DirectAdmin LetsEncrypt Request Successful

If the request fails, it could be due to DNS changes that haven’t propagated yet—wait about 30 minutes and try again. If the issue persists, verify your DNS settings or contact our support team for further assistance.

Your Website Secured

After successful verification, your website will be equipped with an SSL certificate, ensuring encrypted connections and enhanced security.

Be sure to verify that your website is accessible via HTTPS to confirm successful installation. It’s simple—just a secure website for you and your visitors.

Rovity makes SSL installation in DirectAdmin straightforward, and our support team is always available to assist if any issues arise.

What’s Next?

Now that your SSL certificate is installed, how do you know it’s doing its job?

In the next section, we’ll dive into how to verify the quality of your SSL certificate—because securing your website doesn’t stop at installation.

Let’s keep going…

Verify Your SSL Certificate Quality

You’ve successfully installed your SSL certificate. Now what? It’s time to verify its quality.

This ensures your website enjoys the full benefits of strong encryption and robust security. After all, an SSL certificate isn’t just about having that secure padlock icon—it’s about providing robust security for your visitors.

To check the strength of your SSL certificate, we recommend using the Qualys SSL Labs Server Test. This tool is free, easy to use, and gives you a comprehensive report on your SSL certificate’s performance, including encryption strength, configuration, and any detected vulnerabilities.

It even provides an overall grade, so you know exactly where you stand.

A significant advantage of Rovity’s SSL installation method is that it usually achieves an A+ grade, the highest level of security available.

SSL Labs SSL Report A+ Graded from Rovity

Benefits of an A+ Grade SSL Certificate

  • Highest Standard Encryption: An A+ grade means your website offers the highest standard encryption for all connections, protecting sensitive data from prying eyes.
  • Visitor Trust and Loyalty: Strong encryption ensures visitor privacy, which builds trust—trust that translates into loyalty.
  • Cybersecurity Confidence: Demonstrating strong cybersecurity measures makes your site more appealing to customers. People want to feel safe, and an A+ grade does just that by mitigating common cyber threats and ensuring secure transactions for your visitors.

Our mission is to provide affordable, high-quality security solutions for businesses of all sizes—whether you’re a small business, a startup, or a freelancer with an individual portfolio. But it doesn’t end with SSL certificates. We provide a comprehensive suite of security features, including a robust Web Application Firewall, anti-malware protection, and automated malware cleaning.

Our proactive security systems ensure your site stays protected 24/7, so you can focus on what matters most—growing your business.

What’s Next?

Now that your SSL certificate is installed and verified, let’s talk about keeping it up to date.

Renewal is easy—especially with Rovity by your side. With automated reminders and a streamlined renewal process, we make sure your SSL certificate stays up to date without any hassle.

In the next section, we’ll walk you through the simple process of renewing your SSL certificate.

Ready to keep your security strong? Let’s dive in…

Easy SSL Certificate Renewal with Rovity

Maintaining your website’s security, SSL certificate renewal shouldn’t be a hassle. Rovity makes it seamless.

Our automated SSL renewal process ensures continuous protection—no stress, no worries, just uninterrupted security.

SSL Certificate Validity

90 Days

SSL certificates from Let’s Encrypt or ZeroSSL are valid for 90 days. But don’t worry—Rovity has got you covered. Our system automatically renews your SSL certificates before they expire, if your DNS settings remain unchanged. This way, your website remains protected with zero downtime.

On those rare occasions when automatic renewal fails, you can manually renew your SSL certificate through the DirectAdmin control panel.

If you need assistance, our support team is available via live chat.

Key Features of Rovity’s SSL Service

  • Continuous Automated Renewals: SSL certificates are automatically renewed before they expire, ensuring uninterrupted protection.
  • Dedicated Support: Got questions or issues? Our support team is here to help with all SSL-related matters.
  • State-of-the-Art Encryption: SSL certificates provided by Rovity offer the highest level of encryption, including EC-384 encryption, for secure data protection.
  • Uninterrupted Security: With proactive SSL renewals, you can focus on growing your business, knowing your site is always secure.
  • Free A+ Graded SSL Certificates: All our SSL certificates are completely free. Website security should be accessible to everyone. This ensures that all businesses, regardless of size, can maintain secure online operations.

The Rovity team believes that top-notch security should come with affordability and convenience. That’s why our hosting plans are not only affordable but also packed with premium features designed to enhance your website’s performance and security.

Fast. Reliable. Secure.

Join us today and experience the Rovity difference—where unmatched security and top-notch performance come together to boost your business growth.

Jafar Muhammed

Jafar Muhammed has 10+ years of experience in WordPress, web hosting, domain names, DNS, CDN, server administration, etc. He is an open web advocate. He is the CEO of Rovity, the fastest-growing premium shared hosting startup in India.