1. Starting the Order:
- Navigate to the "SSL Certificates" tab.
- Click “⊕ New SSL Certificate”.
- SSL certificates can be viewed by either the ‘Brand’ (CA) or by ‘Validation’ type.
- Pick the SSL you need and click ‘Put into cart’.
Note: For guidance on selecting the certificate and the appropriate SSL validation type, refer to the end of this article, or contact our sales services. If you're not yet a client, you can use our contact form.
2. Providing Necessary Data:
- Click on the “Additional data required” link under the “Complete?” column.
- Input the CSR into the provided space and then click “Read CSR” to verify the details.
- Add an Owner Contact, choose the duration for 1 year, and specify the authentication method. Other inputs are optional. Finally, click “Update Order SSL Certificate”.
3. Approval Email Details:
The approval email address should match the domain's WHOIS record for the certificate creation. Upon evaluating a CSR, potential email addresses will become apparent. If our system can retrieve an email from the domain's WHOIS automatically, it will display the WHOIS Admin email.
For convenience, the following predefined approver email addresses can also be used:
- admin@...
- administrator@...
- hostmaster@...
- webmaster@...
- postmaster@...
Domain Validation Methods:
- Email: An approval link is sent to the approver email.
- DNS: Specific resource records are needed for each host. These records will be added automatically if the DNS zone is managed by us.
- File: A specific file with certain content must be hosted under a particular path on web servers.
4. Finalizing the Order:
- Choose the domain name.
- Click “Submit Order”.
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Understanding SSL Certificates
SSL certificates serve as a protective shield for online data transfers, but not all certificates are created equal. Let's delve into the differences between the commonly used Standard SSL Certificate and the more rigorous Extended Validation Certificate.
Difference Between Standard SSL Certificate and Extended Validation Certificate
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Validation Levels: While both SSL certificate types offer industry-standard encryption, their level of validation differs. Typically, when referring to a "standard SSL", one means a single domain, domain validated (DV) SSL certificate. These certificates are swiftly registered, and affordable, yet might not provide the desired level of trust for business-centric tasks. On the other hand, an Extended Validation (EV) certificate involves a meticulous validation process where the issuing authority verifies multiple facets of your company, ensuring a higher level of trust.
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Pricing Disparity: You might wonder why EV certificates come with a higher price tag compared to standard SSL certificates. The answer lies in the detailed validation process. The extra effort and resources expended by the Certificate Authority to vet and issue an EV certificate naturally translates to a higher cost.
Considerations for Extended Validation Certificates
Before opting for an EV certificate, consider the following:
- Urgency: Need a certificate in a jiffy or at a lower cost? A standard SSL might be your go-to.
- Trust Factor: If instilling maximum trust in your visitors is pivotal, and you wish to showcase serious commitment to security, an EV certificate should be your choice.
- Nature of Your Site: Sites handling ecommerce, finance, healthcare, or any sensitive data should ideally lean towards EV certificates for enhanced credibility and security.