Overview
Migrating an SSL certificate to HSJ Host can be necessary when you’re moving your hosting or simply choosing to manage your digital certificates through HSJ Host for better convenience. This guide will walk you through the process of transferring an existing SSL certificate to ensure your website remains secure without interruption.
Prerequisites
• An existing SSL certificate from another provider.
• Access to your HSJ Host account and the control panel of your current SSL provider.
• The private key associated with your SSL certificate.
Procedure
1. Export Your Existing SSL Certificate and Private Key
• Begin by exporting the SSL certificate and private key from your current hosting provider or certificate authority (CA). This is usually done through their control panel, and you might need to download these files in a specific format (e.g., PEM, PFX).
2. Prepare for Migration
• Log into your HSJ Host account. Ensure that your domain is correctly pointed to your HSJ Host services and that any required DNS settings are configured to reflect the change.
3. Import Your SSL Certificate to HSJ Host
• Within the HSJ Host control panel, navigate to the SSL/TLS management section. Look for an option to 'Import an SSL Certificate' or similar.
• Upload your SSL certificate file and private key. Some interfaces may require the CA bundle (intermediate certificates) as well; ensure you have this information ready.
4. Verify the SSL Certificate Installation
• After importing your SSL certificate, use an SSL checker tool to verify that the certificate is correctly installed and recognized by browsers. Check for any errors or warnings that might affect the security or functionality of your website.
5. Update Your Website Configuration
• If migrating from another host, ensure your website’s configuration files (e.g., .htaccess for Apache or nginx.conf for Nginx) are updated to reflect the SSL certificate change. This step is crucial for enabling HTTPS and ensuring all resources are loaded securely.
6. Test Your Website
• Once everything is in place, thoroughly test your website to ensure it loads correctly over HTTPS without security warnings. Check various pages, especially those that handle sensitive information like login pages and checkout processes.
Conclusion
Migrating your SSL certificate to HSJ Host is a straightforward process that ensures your site remains secure through the transition. By carefully following these steps, you can achieve a seamless migration without affecting your website’s trustworthiness and security. For assistance during the migration process, the HSJ Host support team is ready to help.
