SSL Certificate

Shopping carts require an SSL, Secure Socket Layer (SSL) technology protects your website and makes it easy for your users to trust you by protecting your data from hackers and is required. Rates for SSL certificates vary widely but through my distribute, we offer GeoTrust certificates starting at $100yr.

SSL Certificate FAQs

What is SSL, and what is an SSL certificate?

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.

An SSL certificate allows you to apply SSL encryption technology to your site, so that information traveling from it is encrypted. SSL certificates are expected by consumers for any site that handles sensitive information like identity information, credit card numbers, or confidential records.

How does an SSL certificate 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.

Why do I need an SSL certificate for my site?

If your site sends or receives sensitive information, customers expect it to be secured with an SSL certificate. Many will leave your site if they see that it is not secured.

What is a certificate authority (CA)?

A certificate authority is the company issuing the SSL certificate. The CA we use is GeoTrust

GeoTrust® is the world's second largest digital certificate provider. More than 100,000 customers in over 150 countries trust GeoTrust to secure online transactions and conduct business over the Internet. Our range of digital certificate and trust products enable organizations of all sizes to maximize the security of their digital transactions cost-effectively.

What is the difference between SSL certificates levels?

Domain Validation certificates authenticate that the purchaser of the cert also owns (or administers) the domain name to which the cert will be applied. This lowest level of authentication also offers the lowest prices and allows you to secure your web site the most rapidly. The RapidSSL from GeoTrust uses Domain Validation

Organization Validation certificates receive some scrutiny to confirm the relationship between the domain name, domain owner, and the business for which the certificate will be used. This type can also secure multiple sub-domains with a higher trust level

Extended Validation certificates require the certificate authority (the company issuing the certificate, such as GeoTrust or Symantec) to perform a more extensive verification of the purchaser's business and their authority to purchase a certificate on behalf of that company. Once installed, EV certificates turn the browser address bar green to give visitors a visual cue that this is a trustworthy site.

Compare GeoTrust SSL Certificates

Low assurance certificates encrypt the connection. Higher validation certificates perform the same encryption, and add peace of mind for your visitors by showing them that the certificate authority has validated your site as belonging to a legitimate business.

What does the green address bar do?

The green address bar gives an intuitive visual cue that your business is legitimate. The green bar is only available with Extended Validation (EV) certificates.

In contrast, major web browsers have integrated anti-phishing protection so that known phishing sites will display a red address bar. Studies have shown a strong, positive impact for businesses that use EV certificates.

How do visitors know what kind of SSL certificate I'm using?

To find out what SSL certificate you use, visitors simply click the lock icon in their browser's address box. 

Do SSL certificates work in all web browsers?

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

Only SSL Certificates Premium and above support Mobile devices.

Can I upgrade my SSL Certificate?

Once you purchase a certificate, we can't upgrade it. However, if you need a more secure certificate immediately, you can purchase it and install it on the same web server as the old certificate.

If you don't need the more secure certificate immediately, you can wait until your current certificate expires and install a more secure one at that time.

Comparison of Certificate Authority Providers

We recommend Rapid SSL because it works well and cost effective but will use any provider .

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