How to Check Your Zibster Website SSL Certificate
Overview
Zibster automatically provides and manages SSL security for websites hosted on current SSL-supported versions of the Zibster platform. SSL allows your website to load securely using https:// and helps encrypt information exchanged between your website and its visitors.
You do not need to purchase, install, or manually renew an SSL certificate for a supported Zibster website.
This guide explains how to confirm that your website is using SSL, how to view your certificate details in Google Chrome and Safari, and what to do if your website displays Not Secure or another security warning.
What Is an SSL Certificate?
An SSL certificate helps create an encrypted connection between your website and a visitor's browser.
When SSL is active, your website loads using an address such as:
https://www.yourdomain.com
Zibster websites that support SSL are configured to use the secure HTTPS version of the website.
HTTPS confirms that the connection between the visitor's browser and the website is encrypted. It does not, by itself, verify the identity, reputation, or trustworthiness of a website.
Important: Zibster Manages Your SSL Certificate
Zibster handles the SSL certificate for websites hosted with Zibster, including the renewal process.
Your certificate will display an expiration date when you view its details. This is normal and does not mean you need to renew the certificate manually.
You do not need to:
-
Purchase a separate SSL certificate for your Zibster website
-
Manually renew the SSL certificate
-
Generate a Certificate Signing Request, also known as a CSR
-
Provide Zibster web server software or version information to renew the certificate
If you receive an SSL renewal notice from another company, contact Zibster Support before purchasing or renewing anything. The notice may relate to a separately purchased service that is not required for your Zibster-hosted website.
How to View Your SSL Certificate in Google Chrome
STEP ONE
Open Google Chrome and visit your website using your primary domain name.
For example:
https://www.yourdomain.com
Confirm that your website loads normally using https://.
STEP TWO
Click the SITE INFORMATION icon to the left of your website address in the Chrome address bar.
Chrome will display information about the website and connection.
STEP THREE
Open the connection or certificate information shown by Chrome.
The exact wording may vary depending on your version of Google Chrome.
FINAL STEP
Review the SSL certificate details.
You may see information including:
-
ISSUED TO — The domain name covered by the certificate
-
ISSUED BY — The certificate authority that issued the certificate
-
VALIDITY PERIOD — The dates when the current certificate was issued and when it expires
You may also see additional technical information, including certificate fingerprints and public key details.
Remember that the expiration date shown is for the current certificate. Zibster manages its renewal automatically.
How to View Your SSL Certificate in Safari on Mac
STEP ONE
Open Safari and visit your website using your primary domain name.
For example:
https://www.yourdomain.com
Confirm that your website loads normally using https://.
STEP TWO
With your website open, click SAFARI in the menu bar at the top of your screen.
STEP THREE
Click CONNECTION SECURITY DETAILS.
Safari will display information about the secure connection and the SSL certificate being used by your website.
FINAL STEP
Review the certificate information displayed by Safari.
You may see details about the website domain, certificate issuer, and validity period.
The certificate expiration date does not require any action from you. Zibster manages SSL renewal automatically for your hosted website.
What If My Website Shows “Not Secure” or a Security Warning?
If your browser displays Not Secure, first check whether the website is loading with http:// instead of https://.
If your website is using an older version of the Zibster platform that does not support SSL, the browser may display Not Secure because HTTPS is not available on that version.
If your website is on an SSL-supported version of Zibster and you see Not Secure, a privacy warning, a certificate warning, or another security error, contact Zibster Support.
Do not purchase another SSL certificate or attempt to install one yourself.
Security or website availability problems may be related to the domain connection, DNS settings, or the SSL certificate. If you recently launched your website or changed its domain or DNS settings, those changes may still be updating across the internet.
If no recent domain changes were made, Zibster Support can review your domain connection and SSL status.
When contacting Support, provide your website address and a screenshot of the complete browser warning whenever possible.
Helpful Notes
Check the primary domain that your clients normally use to visit your website. If you have more than one domain connected to your Zibster account, certificate information may differ depending on the domain you enter.
If your browser displays a full privacy or certificate warning, do not bypass the warning just to access the website. Contact Zibster Support so we can review the connection.
The expiration date displayed in the certificate details does not mean you need to purchase or renew anything. Zibster manages the certificate renewal automatically for supported Zibster websites.
Need Help?
If you are unsure whether your SSL certificate is working correctly or you received an SSL renewal notice from another company, contact Zibster Support before making any changes or purchasing another certificate.
Zibster Support Hours: Monday–Friday, 9am–6pm EST
Phone: 844.353.3412
Channels: Phone, Live Chat, Support Ticket
