How To SSL

SSL

Secure Socket Layer certificates are a way of protecting a website’s data from hackers and spying eyes, especially for sites that take payments. SSL certificates can be purchased from most domain and hosting companies like GoDaddy or BlueHost.

Once the certificate is installed and active, the site images and links will need to be secured. What that means is every http:// in all the links of the site need to be changed to https:// so that the green lock will appear in the browser bar (look up at the top of the browser now). You can see the green lock on many of the popular domains you visit everyday, for example Facebook:

If you don’t want to go through the hassle of updating all of the links on the site, there are some options for certain platforms. WordPress for example has a plugin called Velvet Blues that is a simple URL redirect tool. Simply put the old domain in with the http: and the in the lower box put the new https: and hit update. After the links are updated, you can remove the Blue Velvet plugin as there is no need to hang on to it.

Another option to consider is GoDaddy dedicated WordPress hosting which comes with a forced SSL so that all images and links are run as secure. This is probably the best route to go as it is easiest and works well. If you are considering an SSL on your website, we would be glad to discuss your particular situation and whether SSL would be the right choice. Call now 406-208-8733

Written by: Jophiel Silvestrone

Jophiel Silvestrone has written 326 posts in the Tech Blog.

Jophiel grew up on a ranch in Paradise Valley, Montana near Chico Hot Springs. Working on the ranch instilled work ethic and self motivation. Filled with this drive, Jophiel started mowing the local school's yards twice a month throughout the summers, at the age of 12. He moved to Billings in 2004, where he has been deeply involved in the local business community ever since. A serial entrepreneur, Jophiel has ran multiple businesses in our local community. The first business, a janitorial and carpet cleaning company, founded in 2005, has employed over 50 locals. Moving on to the media industry, Jophiel and several partners founded Green Directory Montana in the spring of 2007. Green Directory's sustainability ranking software awarded points based on sustainable or "green" actions. These points counted towards a business's total "Green Score," which in turn ranked them against other businesses in their category and throughout the entire site. It also featured a limited edition print version distributed annually. A business acquisition allowed Jophiel to focus on new projects, and a few close business colleagues and Jophiel started Rocky Mountain Mr. & Ms. Magazine, a lifestyle publication for men and women in the Magic City. After a year and a half at the helm of RM3 Magazine, the business was purchased. He now runs a web development company SkyPoint Studios and fathers his son Jaoquin, who plays football, basketball, soccer, and is learning snowboarding from his dad. Recently, has expanded to locations in Havasu, Arizona & Vegas. SkyPoint Studios is a market leader in both Billings & Havasu and Jophiel is working on building that same level of market dominance in Vegas. Specialties: Extensive experience in online and offline business. Especially savvy at WordPress, and operate several sites, one example is the blog: skypointwebdesignbillingsmontana.com/tech-blog. Check out skypointwebdesignbillingsmontana.com for the latest projects from SkyPoint Studios.