What is an SSL certificate?

An SSL certificate makes sure that data between your website and its visitors is sent securely. You can recognize a secured site by the padlock in the address bar and the use of https:// instead of http://.

Why is SSL important?

  • Security: Sensitive information (such as passwords) is sent encrypted.

  • Trust: Visitors can see that your website is secure.

  • Google ranking: SSL is a positive SEO factor.


1. Requesting an SSL certificate from, for example, Sectigo, Comodo or Xolphin.

In cPanel

  1. Log in to your cPanel account.

  2. Go to SSL/TLS > Certificate Signing Requests (CSR).

  3. Fill in the form:

    • Domain name: for example yourwebsite.nl

    • City / State / Country

    • Company name (may be fictitious if you don't have a company)

  4. Click Generate. Copy the generated CSR (including the BEGIN/END lines).

In DirectAdmin

  1. Log in to your DirectAdmin account.

  2. Go to SSL Certificates > choose Create A Certificate Request.

  3. Enter your details as described above.

  4. Click Save and copy the CSR.

Use this CSR to request your SSL certificate from an external provider (such as Sectigo or Comodo).

After approval you usually receive the following files:

  • certificaat.crt

  • private.key (you keep this yourself when generating the CSR)

  • ca-bundle.crt (sometimes optional)


2. Installing the SSL certificate

In cPanel

  1. Go to SSL/TLS > Manage SSL sites.

  2. Scroll down and choose your domain name.

  3. Paste the contents of the files into the correct fields:

    • Certificate (CRT) → certificaat.crt

    • Private Key (KEY) → private.key

    • Certificate Authority Bundle (CABUNDLE) → ca-bundle.crt (if included)

  4. Click Install Certificate.

In DirectAdmin

  1. Go to SSL Certificates.

  2. Choose Paste a pre-generated certificate and key.

  3. Paste:

    • First certificaat.crt

    • Then private.key

  4. Click Save.

  5. For ca-bundle.crt: click CA Root Certificate at the bottom and paste it in there.

  6. Click Save again.


3. Does it work?

  1. Visit your site via https://yourdomain.nl.

  2. Check whether there is a padlock in the address bar.

  3. Test with SSL Labs to be sure.

Sometimes your browser may still show a warning because of the cache or DNS propagation. Wait a few minutes or clear your cache.


4. Common errors & solutions

  • Still “Not secure”?

    • Your certificate may not have been installed correctly.

    • Check that you used the correct .crt, .key and .ca-bundle.

  • Browser keeps showing an error?

    • Clear your browser cache or try it in incognito mode.

Can't figure it out? Feel free to contact us!


FAQ

What is the difference between free and paid SSL?
Free SSL (such as Let’s Encrypt) is fine for standard websites. Paid certificates provide extra validation and sometimes warranties (e.g. EV SSL with the company name in the browser).

How long is a certificate valid?
Usually 1 year. Don't forget to renew it on time!

Can I use the same certificate on multiple domains?
Yes, if you have a multi-domain (SAN) or wildcard certificate.



Further reading