Knowledgebase

Introduction:

Securing your website with an SSL (Secure Socket Layer) certificate is essential in today’s online environment. With Prabhu Host, you can activate a free SSL certificate right from your cPanel in just a few steps no technical expertise required.

SSL helps encrypt communication between your visitors and your website, protects sensitive data, builds user trust, and improves your site’s search engine rankings.

Why SSL Matters

• Encrypts Data: Protects information transferred between browser and server.

• Builds Trust: Shows the padlock symbol in the address bar.

• Improves SEO: Google gives ranking preference to HTTPS-secured websites.

• Avoids Warnings: Prevents "Not Secure" alerts from appearing in browsers.

How to Activate Free SSL in Prabhu Host cPanel

Step 1: Log in to cPanel

Visit yourdomain.com/cpanel and log in using your credentials.

Step 2: Open SSL/TLS Status

• In the “Security” section, click SSL/TLS Status.

Step 3: Select the Domain

• Find your domain in the list and check the box next to it.

Step 4: Issue SSL Certificate

• Click Run AutoSSL or Issue to begin installation.
  This may take a few minutes to complete.

Step 5: Verify the Installation

• Visit https://yourdomain.com
  Look for the padlock icon in the browser’s address bar.

(Optional) Force HTTPS Using .htaccess

To ensure visitors are always redirected to the secure version of your site:

a. Open File Manager

• From cPanel, go to File Manager.

b. Locate the .htaccess File

• Navigate to the public_html directory.

• Enable “Show Hidden Files” if you don’t see the .htaccess file.

c. Edit the File

• Right-click on .htaccess and select Edit.

d. Add This Code at the Top:

RewriteEngine On
RewriteCond %{HTTPS} off
RewriteRule ^ https://%{HTTP_HOST}%{REQUEST_URI} [L,R=301]

e. Save Changes

Step 6: Test the Redirect

• Type http://yourdomain.com in a browser.

• It should automatically redirect to https://yourdomain.com.

Conclusion

Activating a free SSL certificate in your Prabhu Host cPanel account is a quick and impactful way to secure your website, improve SEO, and boost visitor trust. No need for manual CSR or complicated installations it’s all handled through AutoSSL.