How to Create a Self-Signed SSL Certificate

Self-signed certificates offer the same protection as signed certificates.  They simply are not verified by an oustide Certificate Authority.  They are great for testing servers or for when you are creating a website that you need to test over an https:// connection, as you do not have to pay for the self-signed certificate. Since the certificate is self-signed, most users will see a warning in their browser, indicating this. 

You can also use self-signed certificates for situations that require privacy, but people might not be as concerned about. For example:

•  Username and password forms
• Collecting personal (non-financial) information
• On forms where the only users are people who know and trust you

This article will show you how to generate a self-signed certificate using the HostMySite control panel.  You will still need to install it on your site through the control panel for it to be live:

Installing SSL on Windows

Installing SSL on Linux

This article assumes that you are already familiar with how to log in to the customer control panel. If you do not know how to log in or have forgotten your password, please refer to this article first.

• Click on the Account tab, then select "Account Settings".

• Select "More Tools".

• Click "SSL Certificates" under the Account Data section.

• Select "Create New Certificate".
  

•  The form should pre-fill with your account contact information, but you should review to ensure this is correct for the domain which you're referencing. In the "Common Name" field, type in the URL you wish the certificate to be valid for (ie. www.domain.xyz, store.domain.xyz, etc.), then click Next.Your certificate signing request has now been generated successfully. You will be taken to a new screen where you can download your CSR and private key. It is recommended that you leave the check box enabled for "Store private key in repository" as this will keep the key stored in the control panel for later use. The private key is essential for installation of the SSL certificate, so it is important to keep a copy of this file. Click Close to ensure this file is saved.

• Your certificate signing request has now been generated successfully. You will be taken to a new screen where you can download your certificate and private key. Click Finish to save these files in your user repository in the control panel.
  

If you have any further questions that were not answered in this article, please contact us.