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SSL Certificate Frequently Asked Questions

SSL certificates keep online interactions private even though they travel across the public Internet, and they help customers gain the confidence to transact with your web site. Doing business online without SSL is like leaving customer credit card numbers on the counter or offering a dressing room without a door.

What is an SSL Certificate?

An SSL certificate is a bit of code on your web server that provides security for online communications. When a web browser contacts your secured web site, the SSL certificate enables an encrypted connection. It’s kind of like sealing a letter in an envelope before sending it through the mail.

SSL certificates also inspire trust because each SSL certificate contains identification information. When you request an SSL certificate, a third party (such as Thawte) verifies your organization’s information and issues a unique certificate to you with that information. This is known as the authentication process.

Which SSL Certificate is right for Me?

The right SSL certificate for your organization depends on your web site and your audience.

  • For public web sites where customers enter credit cards or other high value information, you need to quickly show users proof of your web site’s identity and encryption. An SSL Certificate with EV turns the address bar green in high-security browsers and displays your verified organization name, making it easy for users to trust your site.
  • If your site requires sign-in or log-in, Organization Validation Certificates provide assurance of your site’s identity and security. The encryption is as strong as an EV certificate, however, without the visibility and assurance of the green address bar.
  • To keep internal communications and intranets private, an Domain Validation Certificate provides encryption for employees and on-site users. Only the domain name is verified.

If you cannot risk losing a single user for lack of trust, choose SSL Certificate with EV to inspire the highest level of trust among your site’s users.

How Do I Get Started?

  1. Generate a Certificate Signing Request (CSR) for the web server you plan to secure. If you do not manage your own web server, contact your web host or Internet service provider to request a CSR.
  2. Select an SSL Certificate and click buy.
  3. Pick up your certificate in to your Certificate Center Account.
  4. Follow installation instructions for your Web server.
  5. Download the Trusted Site Seal to display on pages within your secured domain.