SSL Certificates – The Why and How from PACS
This Month’s WordPress SIG Topics
What’s new in WordPress since we last met.
Our featured area is a discussion on WordPress website security.
But first, our Topics from the Trenches segment.
Topics from the Trenches
Anyone, anyone? Yes, in the back!
Topics From The Trenches
What is markdown?
– John Davey
What is Markdown?
Markdown is a text-to-HTML conversion tool for web writers.
Markdown allows you to write using an easy-to-read, easy-to-write plain text format, then convert it to structurally valid HTML.
Uses of Markdown
Creating WordPress content Add New Page ‹ wpsigworking — WordPress
Generic HTML writing
General notes – Obsidian
What’s new with WordPress?
The Month in WordPress – November 2022 – Detailed blog post on The State of the Word.
No new code releases
Featured Topic: SSL Certificates
Why & How
SSL (Secure Sockets Layer)
The standard security technology for establishing an encrypted link between networked computers.
Benefits to your WordPress Website
Encrypts and secures sensitive information so that only the intended reader can read it.
Ensures secure passage of information across the net
SEO & Perceived Value Impact
SSL certificate impacts your website SEO
Sites w/o SSL installed deemed lower-trust websites
Penalized on search rankings
Give visitors confidence
Secure with SSL
How to Get One?
Ask your host
Let’s Encrypt (letsencrypt.org) is free
Some charge, eg GoDaddy $79/year
Cloudflare, free tier
Really Simple SSL – WordPress plugin | WordPress.org
Then What
Install Certificate
Redirect HTTP -> HTTPS
How to Redirect
Log into WordPress Dashboard
Settings | General
WordPress Address (URL)
Site Address (URL)
Update URLs to include https instead of http
Server Redirect
RewriteEngine On
RewriteCond %{HTTPS} !=on
RewriteCond %{HTTP_USER_AGENT} ^(.+)$
RewriteCond %{SERVER_NAME} ^coolexample.com$ [OR]
RewriteCond %{SERVER_NAME} ^www.coolexample.com$
RewriteRule .* https://%{SERVER_NAME}%{REQUEST_URI} [R=301,L]
Mixed Content Messages
Database Search and Replace
http://coolexample.com -> https://coolexample.com
http://www.coolexample.com -> https://collexample.com
Plugin: [Better Search Replace – WordPress plugin | WordPress.org](https://wordpress.org/plugins/better-search-replace/
