SSL certificates

Keeping it secure

We've got your back with the world's toughest SSL encryption.
SHA-2 and 2,048-bit encryption.
Unlimited servers, no extra cost.
Simple, intuitive administrative tools.

How it works

An SSL acts as a secure tunnel that safeguards all data passing through, including usernames, passwords and credit card numbers.

First, the SSL handshake

When a site visitor enters a secure area, your SSL certificate establishes an encrypted connection with the visitor’s browser.

Security indicators appear

A padlock icon and https:// prefix appears in the status bar of the visitor’s browser to show the information they’ve entered is safe. If you have a high-assurance EV certificate, the status bar will also turn green.

A secure, encrypted connection

All information passing to and from the website is scrambled by 2048-bit encryption that is virtually unbreakable by hackers.

Your questions, our answers

  • What is SSL?

    SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) is industry-standard technology that encrypts communications between an SSL-protected web server and a user’s browser. This ensures that all data passed between the two remains private. Millions of websites use SSLs to protect customer privacy during online transactions. For more information, see Defining SSL Certificates.

  • How do I generate a Certificate Signing Request (CSR)?

    CSR generation is wholly dependent on the software you use on your web server. Select your web server software after reading this general guideline: The Common Name field should be the Fully Qualified Domain Name (FQDN) or the web address that you plan to secure with the SSL certificate. For example, an SSL certificate issued for example.com will not be valid for secure.example.com. Our SSL certificates work with all popular web server software. If your web server software does not appear on our dropdown, please contact us with full details of your web server software. Email us now For specific instructions on how to generate a CSR on Plesk Panel, cPanel and Microsoft IIS, please visit our Knowledge Base.

  • How do I install my SSL certificate?

    When the certificate is issued, we send an email to let you know. What happens next depends on where you're hosted and the options you selected when you requested the certificate. If you selected Web Hosting, Website Builder or Quick Shopping Cart® when you requested your certificate, we automatically update the IP address for your website when your SSL is approved. You don’t need to do a thing. If you host your website with another provider, or you use one of our VPS or Dedicated Servers, see Installing an SSL: Server Instructions for information about installing the SSL on your server.

    For specific instructions on how to install an SSL certificate on Parallels Plesk Panel, cPanel and Microsoft IIS, please visit our Knowledge Base.

  • How long will I have to wait for my SSL certificate?

    Domain validation certificates simply require us to verify that you (or your client) owns the domain you’re securing. This usually takes 5 minutes or less.

    Organization validated SSLs take 3-5 business days, as we’re validating not just domain ownership but also the existence of the organization or business on the SSL application. In both cases, you can expedite the process by making sure the contact information listed in the WhoIs for the domain is up to date.

    For Extended Validation (EV) certificates, there is an extensive vetting process that starts with an in-depth application. Before you start, pull together details about the business, such as registration number, incorporation or registration agent and any relevant jurisdiction information.

  • What’s a Unified Communications (UC) certificate?

    A Unified Communications certificate (UCC) is an SSL certificate that secures multiple domain names and multiple host names within a domain name. A UCC SSL lets you secure a primary domain name and up to 99 additional Subject Alternative Names (SANs) in a single certificate. For example, www.domains1.com, www.domains2.net and www.domains3.org. UCCs are ideal for Microsoft® Exchange Server 2007, Exchange Server 2010, and Microsoft Live® Communications Server.

    UCCs are compatible with shared hosting. However, the site seal and certificate "Issued To" information will only list the primary domain name. Please note that any secondary hosting accounts will be listed in the certificate as well, so if you do not want sites to appear 'connected' to each other, you should not use this type of certificate.

  • What is a Wildcard SSL certificate?

    A Wildcard SSL certificate secures your website URL, and an unlimited number of its subdomains. A single Wildcard certificate can secure both www.coolexample.com, and blog.coolexample.com.

    Wildcard certificates secure the common name and all subdomains at the level you specify when you submit your request

  • How many unique domains can I secure with https?

    Depending on how your website is configured, you might want to use something other than a single-domain SSL certificate.

    • Wildcard SSLs cover all of a domain name’s subdomains. For example, you can secure *.coolexample.com, which would cover shop.coolexample.com, www.coolexample.com and any other subdomains.

    • UCC SSLs can cover multiple subdomains, unique domain names, and websites. For example, you can secure www.coolexample.com, mail.coolexample.com and www.awesomeexample.com.

  • Want to know more?

    Visit our Knowledge Base to learn more about SSL certificate set up, usage and management.

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