1. 
   SSL Questions

2. What is SSL?
3. Can you explain briefly how an SSL Certificate works?
4. Who needs SSL?
5. Can I use an SSL Certificate with name based hosting?
6. What browsers do your SSL Certificates work with?
7. How long does it take to get an SSL Certificate?
8. How can I check the status of my SSL Certificate order?
9. What steps do I need to take to complete an SSL Certificate order?

What is SSL?

SSL stands for Secure Socket Layers. The SSL security protocol provides data encryption, server authentication, message integrity, and optional client authentication for a TCP/IP connection.

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Can you explain briefly how an SSL Certificate works?

When you got to a web site that uses an SSL Certificate, several things happen behind the scenes. First, your browser checks the identity of the Certificate Authority(CA) who issued the Certificate, against a list of "known good" CA's. Next it verifies the identity of the domain using the Certificate is in fact the identity who registered it. For example, if you are at https://www.serve-you.net, then the Certificate better have been issued to www.serve-you.net. Next, your browser verifies that the Certificate's key & signature are present. The date range is then checked to make sure it is still valid. Finally your browser opens an encrypted session with the site you are visiting. The lock icon appears at the bottom of your browser.

If any of these steps fail, your browser will generate an error and will not start an encrypted session.

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Who needs SSL?

Any company or individual wishing to collect private information from its users will require a Web Certificate. This includes all e-commerce web-sites (for which SSL security has already become the standard) as well as sites which collect personal information from their users.

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Can I use an SSL Certificate with name based hosting?

No, you must have your own unique IP.

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What browsers do your SSL Certificates work with?

Our Certificates are supported by any browser released in the past decade.

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How long does it take to get an SSL Certificate?

Our SSL123 Certificates are nearly instant activation, as there is no business validation on them. All other certs will take a few days. You will usually receive a web certificate within three business days after the verification has been complete. The verification period varies and relies greatly on the information provided by the company during the application process.

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How can I check the status of my SSL Certificate order?

Login to our SSL control panel. Go to Digital Certificate -> List/Search. Click on the domain name for which the SSL Certificate was registered.

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What steps do I need to take to complete an SSL Certificate order?

Please see this page for details on how to complete an SSL order.

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So what are you waiting for? Get your SSL Certificate now!