How to Enable/Disable AutoSSL for Specific Users from WHM Panel?

Managing SSL certificates is important for sustaining website security. AutoSSL simplifies this process significantly. SSL certificates are automatically installed and renewed. Thus, it ensures that websites remain secure without manual intervention. WHM (Web Host Manager) provides a straightforward way to enable or disable AutoSSL for specific users.

This guide will walk you through the steps to manage AutoSSL settings for individual users from the WHM panel.

What is AutoSSL?

AutoSSL is a feature included in cPanel and WHM. It provisions and renews SSL certificates for all websites hosted on a server without manual intervention. It checks that all websites have a proper SSL certificate. Thus providing security by encrypting the information exchanged between the server and clients. This automatic management of SSL certificates reduces the possibility of having expired certificates, which may cause warning messages and, consequently, reduce the trust of visitors.

Why Manage AutoSSL for Specific Users?

AutoSSL is mostly helpful to most users, but there are occasions when you may need to enable or disable AutoSSL for certain accounts. For example, some users want to implement third-party SSL certificates or have other special needs that AutoSSL cannot satisfy. Alternatively, you may want to ensure that certain critical accounts are always AutoSSL enabled for enhanced security. Managing AutoSSL settings at the user level allows you to tailor the security features to the specific needs of each account.

Steps to Enable AutoSSL for Specific Users

Log into WHM

- You can access your WHM panel by entering your server’s IP address or hostname followed by /whm

- Submit your username & password to log in.

Navigate to AutoSSL Management

- In the WHM dashboard, write "AutoSSL" in the search bar located at the top left corner.

- Click on "Manage AutoSSL" from the search results.

Select the Provider

- WHM allows you to choose the SSL provider for AutoSSL. The common options are "cPanel (powered by Sectigo)" and "Let's Encrypt."

- Select your preferred provider and click "Save."

Enable AutoSSL for Specific Users

- In the "Manage Users" tab, you will see a list of all user accounts on the server.

- Locate the user account for which you want to enable AutoSSL.

- Click the toggle switch under the "AutoSSL" column next to the user’s name.

- A confirmation message will appear, indicating that AutoSSL has been enabled for the selected user.

Steps to Disable AutoSSL for Specific Users

Log into WHM

- Access your WHM panel using your server’s IP address or hostname followed by /whm (e.g., https://yourserverip/whm).

- Enter your WHM username and password to log in.

Navigate to AutoSSL Management

- In the WHM dashboard, search for "AutoSSL" in the search bar located at the top left corner.

- Click on "Manage AutoSSL" from the search results.

Select the Provider

- Although this step is more relevant when enabling AutoSSL, it’s good practice to ensure you’re familiar with your current SSL provider settings.

Disable AutoSSL for Specific Users

- In the "Manage Users" tab, you will see a list of all user accounts on the server.

- Locate the user account for which you want to disable AutoSSL.

- Click the toggle switch under the "AutoSSL" column next to the user’s name to disable AutoSSL for that account.

- A confirmation message will appear, indicating that AutoSSL has been disabled for the selected user.

Additional Considerations

- Manual SSL Management: If AutoSSL is disabled for a user, ensure they are aware of the need to manage their SSL certificates manually. It includes installing and renewing certificates before they expire to maintain website security.

- Notifications: Inform users about the status of their AutoSSL settings. Clear communication helps prevent confusion and ensures users know how their SSL certificates are being managed.

- Monitoring: Regularly monitor the status of SSL certificates for all users, especially those for whom AutoSSL is disabled. This proactive approach helps in maintaining overall server security.

Conclusion

Enabling or disabling AutoSSL for specific users via the WHM panel is a straightforward process that allows for tailored SSL management. Thus, we have seen how server administrators can provide SSL certificates in a way that will be most beneficial to each user. AutoSSL, when enabled, guarantees constant protection, while disabling it offers the possibility to implement customized SSL solutions in WHM, which is crucial for a safe and stable hosting environment.