Article Topics

  • 40.0 - SSL Overview
  • 40.1 - Website Go-Live Process for Agencies

40.0 - SSL Overview

 

SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) is the standard security technology for establishing an encrypted link between a web server and a browser. If you do not have the SSL certificate, a secure connection cannot be established. SSL Certificates are typically installed on pages that require end-users to submit sensitive information over the Internet like credit card details or passwords. Example pages include payment pages, online forms and login pages. However, in 2017 Google and other search engines began flagging all websites as “Not Secure” if they do not have an SSL Certificate. Having this flag may cause leery visitors to your website to stay away out of fear that your site is not safe.

 

Therefore, NETSIMPLE will be creating an account for your agency with Cloudflare so that every website created will be secure. All NETSIMPLE websites must be secured with an SSL and will need to be placed within this account.

40.1 - Website Go-Live Process for Agencies

 

The below instructions will walk you through pushing a website live and applying an SSL.

 

Step 1: Verify if Your Domain has a Current Working Website 


Step 1 - Video Tutorial:


 

Step 1 - Walkthrough:

 

1. Search your domain in an incognito mode on your web browser to determine if there is a pre-existing website.

 

Note: Incognito mode will prevent the browser from caching pre-existing settings.

 Step 2: Log into Your Domains Registrar Account


Important Note: This portion of the tutorial was implemented in GoDaddy. Each registrar will require different steps, but the overall concept is generally the same.


Step 2 - Video Tutorial:


 


Step 2 - Walkthrough: 


2. Next, log into the domain’s registrar account (ie GoDaddy, Network Solutions, 1and1, etc.) 

 

Note: For this tutorial, GoDaddy is the registrar. The client will need to provide login credentials. 

 

3. After logging in to your domain’s registrar account, select your login name in the top right-hand side of your screen to prompt a drop-down menu.

 

4. In the drop-down menu, select the “My Products” option below the “Account” section.

 

Note: If you are unable to find the domain you wish to take live listed, select the “Manage All” button located in the top right-hand section of the domains block to make all domains visible. 

 

5. Locate the domain you are about to take live and select it.

 

Note: Depending upon what registrar you are working with, this may be as simple as selecting the URL itself within the domains list. 

 

6. Next, navigate to the DNS records. 

  

7. Once you have navigated to your DNS records, it will be in your best interest to take a screenshot of that record for reference for later use. This will allow you to restore the original DNS records if needed.

 

8. Modify the Apex A record to where name equals “@” (not the domain name) and host equals the IP address 15.197.209.87. 

 

Note: In this example using GoDaddy, this can be edited by selecting the pencil icon associated with the row of the record in question. The methods of editing may very dependent upon your domain registrar provider.


 


 

9. Ensure there is a "CNAME" record for www and it points to the "@" symbol. If one does not exist, create a new one. Do not use an A Record for www. Delete all A Records associated with www.

 

10. Be sure to save your changes before moving on to the next step.

Step 3: Log into Cloudflare Account


Step 3 - Video Tutorial:


 


Step 3 - Walkthrough:

 

11. In a new tab, log into your "Cloudflare" account provided to you by the NETSIMPLE MIS Team.

 

12. Next, select “Add a Site”.
 

13. Then insert your websites URL and select the “Add Site” button.

 

14. Select your “Plan” and be sure to select the “Confirm Plan” button after doing so. 


Note: Once you get to the plan selection stage, all agencies will select the free plan option as per agreement with NETSIMPLE unless noted otherwise.

 

15. Cloudflare will then initiate a brief scan of your DNS records while importing all data into your Cloudflare configuration.

 

16. After the scan is complete you will be presented with your websites DNS record information for review. Compare these records to the ones found in the registrar. If any are missing, add them at this point. Once all records match, proceed to the next step.


Note: The orange cloud depicted next to any record indicates Cloudflare protection. Only the Apex A Record and the www.CNAME record should have the orange cloud. Deactivate all other orange clouds by clicking on them.

 

17. If everything appears correct, select the “Continue” button located towards the bottom of your screen.

 

 Step 4: Return to Registrar Account

 

Step 4 - Video Tutorial:


 

Step 4 - Walkthrough:


18. Return to the registrar account and change the "Name Servers" as part of the Cloudflare directions. This option is located towards the bottom of the screen when using GoDaddy.


Note: Your Cloudflare account will provide 2 unique nameservers (i.e., Vern.ns.cloudflare.com) and can be copied by selecting the “Click to Copy” option displayed below the nameserver.

 

 

19. Once your nameservers are updated, be sure to “Save” your changes.

 

Note: To ensure your nameservers have been updated on Cloudflare, we recommend selecting the “Re-check Now” button displayed in the video tutorial. This process may take several hours to be re-checked and will issue a notification of a successful update via email once the site becomes active.