How to Apply for and Use a Domain SSL Certificate

Introduction to Domain SSL Certificates

An SSL certificate is a type of digital certificate used to encrypt communication between a server and its clients. It's like an electronic ID card that verifies the identity of a server and ensures secure data transmission. Once an SSL certificate is installed, your website address will change from HTTP to HTTPS, and a padlock icon will appear in the browser's address bar, indicating a secure connection.

Benefits of SSL Certificates:

• Encrypted Communication: SSL certificates utilize encryption algorithms to secure data transmission between the server and clients, preventing data theft or tampering.
• Authentication: SSL certificates verify the true identity of a server, preventing users from accessing phishing or malicious websites.
• Increased Trust: HTTPS and the padlock icon in the browser's address bar can enhance user trust in a website, which is crucial for sites involving sensitive information (e.g., e-commerce sites, online payment platforms).
• SEO Optimization: Search engines prioritize HTTPS websites, so installing an SSL certificate can help improve the search ranking of a website.

Applying for an SSL Certificate via ServBay

1. Open the SSL Certificate Management Panel: In ServBay's sidebar, click "SSL Certificates" to enter the certificate management platform.
2. Click the Add Button: Click the "+" button in the upper right corner.
3. Fill in the Certificate Information: On the "Request Certificate" page, enter the following information:
   • Common Name: This can be a domain name or an identifiable name, e.g., My Side Project.
   • Usage Purpose: Choose the purpose of the certificate, select TLS/SSL.
   • Request Method: Select ServBay CA.
   • Issuer: Choose ServBay User CA.
   • Algorithm: Select the encryption algorithm, such as ECC or RSA.
   • Key Length: Choose the key length, such as 384 or 2048.
   • Domain: If you need to apply for a certificate for multiple domains, you can enter multiple domains in this field, separated by commas, supporting wildcard domains (e.g., *.servbay.com). For example, servbay.com, *.servbay.com, servbay.dev. This field is used for adding Subject Alternative Names (SANs).
4. Click the "Request" Button: After completing all steps, click the "Request" button to submit the SSL certificate application. ServBay will automatically issue and install the certificate.

Certificate Allocation and Usage

For self-applied certificates, you need to manually assign the certificate to the corresponding website. You can view the issued certificates and their associated domain names in the "SSL Certificates" list.

Certificate Renewal

Due to browser restrictions, ServBay's SSL certificate validity period is 800 days. Before the certificate expires, you can click the button on the right to renew it. Each renewal extends the validity by an additional 800 days from the current date.

Certificate Export

1. Enter the SSL Certificate Management Panel.
2. Find the certificate you need to export.
3. Click the Action Button: Click the export icon to the right of the certificate.
4. Choose Export Directory: In the pop-up window, select the location where the certificate should be saved after export.
5. Distribute the Certificate: The exported certificate will be automatically compressed into a zip file, containing the certificate file (.crt), the certificate key (.key), and the root certificate. You can distribute and install them as needed.

Certificate Deletion

1. Enter the SSL Certificate Management Panel.
2. Find the certificate you need to delete.
3. Click the Action Button: Click the trash icon to the right of the certificate.
4. Select Delete: In the pop-up menu, choose "Delete" and confirm the deletion.

Conclusion

I hope the above document helps you apply for and use SSL certificates on the ServBay platform. If you have any questions, please contact ServBay customer service for assistance.