What is SSL?

SSL stands for Secure Sockets Layer. It is an encryption layer that encodes information that is exchanged between a client and a server, protecting the transmission of sensitive and private data.

Customers know when they are viewing an SSL protected website when their browser displays the little gold padlock and the address bar begins with a https rather than http.

Extended Validation Certificates (EVS) also turn your user’s web browser address bar green, quickly showing the site is secure and trusted.

What is a RapidSSL Certificate?

RapidSSL Certificates uniquely enable businesses to obtain low cost 1 year fully functional single root trusted SSL certificates and are ideal for websites conducting light – medium levels of ecommerce. RapidSSL (a subsidiary of GeoTrust) owns the root used to issue the certificates, making RapidSSL both stable and far easier to install than a chained root install certificate.

Why do I need an SSL certificate for my site?

If your site sends or receives sensitive information, including accepting payment information, account information, or if your site includes a log-on feature, then your site should be secured with a certificate. Other applications of SSL Certificates include sites that utilize an API, database, and email.

How does SSL work?

An SSL certificate is a file installed on the web server that a web site is running on. This file is composed of two segments. The first is the public key, which encrypts data. The second is the private key, which decrypts data. When a client, such as a web browser, connects to an SSL secured server a unique session is created using these two keys. All data transmitted during this session is protected, and cannot be decrypted by any party other than that specific client and the server.

What benefit is there to purchasing a higher assurance certificate?

Low assurance certificates (such as GeoTrust Rapid SSL) that perform domain only verification only encrypt the connection. Higher assurance certificates perform the same encryption, with the addition of the peace of mind for your visitors knowing that the certificate authority has already validated your site as belonging to a legitimate business.

How many domain names does a certificate secure?

Typically you can only secure one domain name (either with or without the “www”) per certificate. Wildcard certificates are an exception. A wildcard certificate will secure the root domain, and all sub-domains associated with that domain.

Do SSL certificates work in all web browsers?

SSL Certificates are compatible with 99.9% of all browsers, including all major web browsers.