The Internet is a huge network that is comprised of many interconnected networks. Web servers power various websites and make them available via web browsers.

Unfortunately, websites, as well as other networks, are vulnerable to attacks by hackers. In this day and age of online transactions, eCommerce, security is essential for services and goods and online companies.

Before we go over the best ways to protect your website from being compromised or infected by an outside threat, let’s look at some of the most important issues that we’ll cover in this article.

The most effective way to protect your website from being hacked and build tremendous confidence in your clients’ minds is to ensure that your website is an SSL-certified website.

What is SSL?

SSL is an abbreviation in the form of Secure Sockets Layer. The internet protocol is used for secure data exchange between a browser used by a user and the site they’re on.

Every internet user is transferring data when they browse websites. The information transferred can be sensitive, such as payment information or credit card details and login credentials.

Utilizing the standard HTTP protocol means that this information can snoop on hackers. This is the point where SSL or HTTPS is in.

Websites require the SSL certifiable by the accredited certificate issuing authorities. The certificate is verified and highlighted in the address bar, with the padlock sign and HTTPS in place of HTTP.

How to get Free SSL Certicicate?

Here are the best WordPress hosting providers that provide no-cost SSL certificates as part of the hosting plan they offer.

• Hostinger
• Bluehost
• HostGator
• Dreamhost
• WPEngine
• SiteGround
• InMotion Hosting
• GreenGeeks
• Liquid Web

If you’re already using one of these companies, then you can activate a free SSL certificate via your dashboard for hosting. You need to login onto your host account’s cPanel dashboard and go to the Security section.

In addition to these hosting providers, if you would like to obtain a free SSL certificate for your site, You can get it through Let’s Encrypt.

What is Let’s Encrypt?

Let’s Encrypt is a CA(Certificate Authority) that provides certificates for free to use TLS encryption via an automated process. Many businesses like Google, Automattic, Mozilla have joined forces to help Let’s Encrypt increase an overall level of security across the Internet. ISRG(Internet Security Research Group) is the one who manages it. Their automatic Cert Management Environment(ACME) lets you create a certificate in only a few steps.

Create Free SSL Certificate using Let’s Encrypt

We will now discuss in depth the process required to create an unpaid SSL certificate with Let’s Encrypt for Hosts that support it. Follow these steps to get your SSL certificate for free.

• Log in onto your website’s cPanel.
• Go to the Security Option
• Locate The Let’s Encrypt option or the Secure Hosting option and click it.
• Choose your Domain Name and add other fields such as email address, if requested.
• Click the Install or Add Now.
• Save the certificate when it has been created. We’ll need it in the future to load it.