WordPress is among the most popular platforms that allow users to create their own websites. One of the changes introduced recently is full support for encrypted HTTPS connections – this must be available on every server used by WordPress. Owners of websites based on this system are therefore now required to have an SSL certificate.
SSL Certificates in WordPress
Changes regarding the necessity of implementing SSL on WordPress-based sites began in 2017. Initially, the platform primarily promoted its largest hosting partners, who included SSL certificates in their offerings and provided them to clients as part of basic packages. The WordPress team is currently also assessing various features of its application that can benefit most from implementing SSL certificates. This includes, for instance, the ability to authorize via the WordPress API. At present, many of these functionalities work only on websites secured by a proper certificate. The requirement to implement SSL in WordPress is particularly important for owners of technologically advanced sites, such as online stores. Soon, the majority of WordPress features related to security, payment authorization, and user privacy will be reserved exclusively for sites that have the appropriate safeguards in place.
SSL Certificate and WordPress
WordPress currently powers more than a quarter of all websites worldwide. For users, the obligation to introduce additional encryption protocols is thus a very beneficial solution, as it significantly increases security. There is a high probability that the most frequently visited websites will allow smooth transmission of passwords and other private data through a secure channel. An SSL certificate also reduces the risk of data leaks from a protected site, giving administrators an additional layer of security. If a WordPress site is left without an SSL certificate, users will see a warning about an untrusted website during connection. Highlighting the low level of security is becoming an increasingly frequent deterrent, especially if the site offers services for sale or requires registration to access content. Currently, WordPress already checks at the configuration stage whether a given server meets the requirements for an HTTPS connection on the operator’s default site.
Adapting WordPress to an SSL Certificate
Implementing SSL on a WordPress site is not complicated. The certificate should first be installed directly on the server hosting the application. With many hosting services, this can be done in just a few seconds, typically from the administration panel. However, installing the certificate does not automatically enable the address to run on the HTTPS protocol. You must first go to your WordPress settings and set the main site address to the HTTPS version. For very extensive websites, installing an additional plugin that forces SSL encryption on every subpage can be a good solution. Nonetheless, do not make any changes to plugins or settings before installing the SSL certificate itself. Otherwise, you might lose access to the backend, which could only be recovered through database editing.