# Shields Guard Installation

### 🚀 Site Setup Guide – “Create Site” Process

The **Create Site** process in ShieldsGuard allows users to onboard and prepare a new domain for protection. While the platform handles much of the technical work automatically, there are critical steps the user must complete to ensure full security enforcement — especially for DDoS and WAF modules.

***

#### 🧭 Step 1: Click “Create Site”

From the main dashboard, click the **Create Site** button to begin. This option is located in the Welcome panel and acts as the entry point for setting up a new domain.

<figure><img src="/files/GynHZ24RUyEl16GrCoY2" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

***

#### 🌐 Step 2: Enter Domain Name

You’ll be prompted to enter the domain name you wish to protect (e.g., `example.com`). Once submitted, click **Create Site** to continue.

<figure><img src="/files/jIaILgABczVIykovyxWA" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

***

#### 📦 Step 3: Choose a Plan

You’ll be presented with available protection plans:

**✳️ Start-Up Plan**

* Basic DDoS detection and Web Application Firewall access
* Designed for budget-friendly, smaller websites

**🚀 Enterprise Plan**

* Full security suite, including advanced WAF and tailored protection
* Recommended for production environments or large-scale platforms

🆓 A 14-day free trial is available for all new domains.

<figure><img src="/files/9czKIT9VrcztQOibn0yW" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

***

#### 💳 Step 4: Billing & Trial Activation

You’ll see a summary of the selected plan:

* Trial Duration: 14 days
* Total Amount Due: **$0.00**
* Proceed by clicking **Start Trial**

The site will now begin provisioning.

***

#### 🛠️ Step 5: Enter Hosting IP Address

You will be asked to provide the **IP address of the web server** hosting your domain.

📥 Enter the IP (e.g., `192.0.2.14`) and click **Save**.

<figure><img src="/files/VG3TyMw1DAUURLJSIYAW" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

***

#### ⚙️ Step 6: Site Creation in Progress

Once the domain is accepted, the system will automatically begin:

* ✔️ Creating the site record
* ✔️ Applying DNS routing logic
* ✔️ Initializing configuration settings

You will see a progress screen indicating status updates.

***

#### 🔐 Step 7: DNS & SSL Notices

If your domain is not yet using ShieldsGuard nameservers, you will receive the following notice:

```
Your nameservers are being processed. SSL cannot be created until this process is complete.
ns1: guard.ns.shieldsguard.com
ns2: shields.ns.shieldsguard.com
```

DNS must be correctly pointed for SSL to be issued and fully enable HTTPS traffic.

<figure><img src="/files/BhWAFzgRzkdtKxyuUBo6" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

***

### ⚠️ Important Notes

| ⚠️ Configuration Step                  | Requirement                                                                                               |
| -------------------------------------- | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| 🔒 **DDoS Protection**                 | **Not active by default**. You must manually configure this in **Protection > DDoS Protection** settings. |
| 🛡️ **WAF (Web Application Firewall)** | **Disabled by default**. You must activate it under **Protection > WAF**.                                 |
| 🌐 **DNS Propagation**                 | SSL and protection may be delayed until DNS settings are properly applied.                                |

***

### ✅ After Setup

Once all configurations are complete and traffic starts flowing:

* ShieldsGuard begins monitoring your domain
* Logging and analytics activate automatically
* You can fine-tune **rate limiting**, **filter rules**, and **IP access**
* You should now proceed to activate WAF & DDoS Protection from the **Protection Panel**

***

#### 📋 Quick Checklist

| Task                         | Status                        |
| ---------------------------- | ----------------------------- |
| Domain Added                 | ✅                             |
| Trial Activated              | ✅                             |
| Hosting IP Configured        | ✅                             |
| SSL Issued (if DNS complete) | 🟡 Pending                    |
| DDoS Protection Activated    | ❌ Must be configured manually |
| WAF Enabled                  | ❌ Disabled by default         |

***

> 🎯 The Create Site process gives you a fast start — but enabling full protection requires a few manual steps. Don’t forget to activate DDoS protection and WAF before going live.


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