Running a website is like hosting an event—you want your visitors to feel safe and secure. That’s where Really Simple SSL steps in. This WordPress plugin helps you switch to HTTPS effortlessly so that your visitors’ data is protected while enhancing your site’s credibility with search engines.
In this guide, we’ll explore how Really Simple SSL works, its key features, use cases, and the pros and cons to help you decide if it’s the right plugin for your website.
Let’s get started!
What is Really Simple SSL?
Really Simple SSL is a WordPress plugin designed to simplify the process of securing your website. It takes care of installing an SSL certificate, which is essential for ensuring that your site operates over HTTPS instead of HTTP.
This switch is crucial because it encrypts the data between your site and its visitors. If your hosting provider doesn’t offer an SSL certificate, this plugin can install a free one for you.
In addition to setting up SSL, it goes a step further by running a security health check on your hosting server. It identifies any vulnerabilities or weaknesses in your WordPress setup and notifies you of potential risks in plugins, themes, or core WordPress updates.
Related Read - 9 Best Security Plugins for WordPress
What are Really Simple SSL Key Features?
WordPress Hardening
WordPress Hardening is an essential feature that strengthens your website’s security by fixing common vulnerabilities in WordPress installations. Really Simple SSL tackles this by running a file permissions check, ensuring your files are secure from unauthorized access.
It also helps you activate crucial security headers that protect against various attack. Additionally, the plugin offers multiple hardening options that are easy to enable and manage.
Login Protection
Login Protection is designed to guard against brute-force attacks, a common method hackers use to gain access to your site. By limiting the number of login attempts and integrating two-factor authentication, Really Simple SSL adds an extra layer of defense.
This means that even if a hacker gets your password, they won't be able to log in without the second verification step. Furthermore, the plugin provides enhanced password security features, encouraging the use of strong passwords to prevent unauthorized access.
Vulnerability Management
Vulnerability Management is another standout feature that keeps your site protected by identifying and addressing any security risks in real-time. Really Simple SSL performs recurring vulnerability scans and sends out email notifications whenever it detects a problem, such as outdated plugins or WordPress core files.
This proactive approach keeps your site safe from known threats. Additionally, the plugin can quarantine or force updates for compromised files or plugins. This ensures that your website remains secure without requiring constant manual oversight.
Firewall
The Firewall feature is designed to block malicious traffic before it reaches your website. By using region restrictions and IP blacklisting, Really Simple SSL identifies and prevents unauthorized users from accessing your site.
For advanced users, there’s also support for HTTP Strict Transport Security (HSTS) and additional firewall rules. These extra layers of protection help you mitigate various types of attacks and ensure that your site remains secure even under more sophisticated threats.
SSL Encryption
SSL Encryption is the core of Really Simple SSL’s features. The plugin enforces the use of HTTPS, preventing sensitive data from being exposed. It also provides automated content fixing, so any non-HTTPS elements on your site are automatically corrected.
Additionally, it includes an SSL server health scan to check for any issues that could compromise your site’s security.
Really Simple SSL Use Cases
- New WordPress Sites: If you’re starting a new WordPress site, it ensures your site is secure right from the beginning. It handles all the technical work, like configuring HTTPS, so you don’t have to worry about setting things up incorrectly.
- Upgrading Existing Sites: For sites still running on HTTP, upgrading to HTTPS is a must for better security and SEO. It simplifies this process, automatically transitioning your content to load securely via HTTPS.
- Mixed Content Issues: If your site has a mix of HTTP and HTTPS content, which can happen due to migrations or plugin conflicts, it can cause security issues. It’s mixed content fixer resolves this.
- Subdomains with HTTPS: Managing HTTPS across multiple subdomains can be tricky, but this plugin makes it easier by supporting multisite installations. It ensures that all your subsites are configured securely with HTTPS without the need for manual intervention.
Pros & Cons of Really Simple SSL
Pros:
- Easy SSL setup for WordPress sites
- Automatically installs SSL certificates using Let’s Encrypt
- Seamlessly moves your site from HTTP to HTTPS
Fixes mixed content errors quickly - Includes server health checks and vulnerability scanning
- Adds security headers with minimal effort
Cons:
- Some advanced features require a paid version
