How to Get Free SSL from Cloudflare?

SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) is a crucial security feature for any website, as it encrypts the data transmitted between the server and the user's browser. It ensures that sensitive information, such as login credentials and credit card details, remains secure. While SSL certificates can be expensive, Cloudflare offers a free SSL option that is easy to set up and provides a secure connection for your website.

What is Cloudflare?

Cloudflare is a content delivery network (CDN) that acts as a proxy between your website and its visitors. It helps to improve website performance, security, and reliability. Cloudflare offers various services, including DDoS protection, caching, and SSL encryption.

Steps to Get Free SSL from Cloudflare

Step 1: Sign up for Cloudflare

The first step is to sign up for a Cloudflare account. Visit the Cloudflare website at www.cloudflare.com and click on the "Sign Up" button. Follow the registration process and add your website to your Cloudflare account.

Step 2: Configure DNS Settings

After adding your website to Cloudflare, you need to configure your DNS settings. Cloudflare will provide you with two nameservers that you need to update in your domain registrar's settings. This step is necessary to route your website's traffic through Cloudflare's network.

Step 3: Select SSL/TLS Encryption Mode

Once your DNS settings are updated and propagated, go to the "SSL/TLS" section in your Cloudflare dashboard. Under the "Overview" tab, you will find the "Encryption Mode" option. Choose the "Flexible" option for the free SSL certificate.

Step 4: Enable Automatic HTTPS Rewrites

Enabling the "Automatic HTTPS Rewrites" option in the "Edge Certificates" section of your Cloudflare dashboard ensures that all resources on your website are loaded securely over HTTPS. This feature fixes any mixed content issues that may arise when migrating from HTTP to HTTPS.

Step 5: Verify SSL Certificate

Cloudflare will automatically issue an SSL certificate for your website. To verify if the SSL certificate is active, visit your website using the HTTPS protocol (e.g., https://www.yourwebsite.com). If the SSL certificate is active, you will see a padlock icon in the browser's address bar.

Step 6: Redirect HTTP to HTTPS

To ensure that all traffic to your website is encrypted, it is essential to redirect HTTP requests to HTTPS. You can achieve this by adding a redirect rule in your website's .htaccess file or using a plugin if you are using a content management system (CMS) like WordPress.

Conclusion

Getting a free SSL certificate from Cloudflare is a simple and effective way to secure your website. By following the steps outlined above, you can encrypt the data transmitted between your server and your visitors' browsers, enhancing the security and trustworthiness of your website.

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