Support - SSL Certificates

What is a Web SSL certificate?
What types of SSL certificates are there?
How much are SSL certificates?
How do I get certificates from other certificate authorities?
Do I need a domain name?
How do I get one?

What is a Web SSL certificate?

SSL stands for Secure Sockets Layer. The primary function of a Web server SSL certificate (also known as a Secure Certificate) is to allow you to collect information from a user visiting your Web site and pass the information from their browser to the Web server securely by encrypting the information.

The second function of an SSL certificate is to verify the authenticity of your Web site as it relates to your domain registration and business presence. This is enabled by the certificate authority (Geotrust, Verisign, etc.) and their extensive review of your request for a SSL certificate. This way your Web site visitors can be assured that not only are they encrypting their data before sending it across the Internet but that they are also doing business with a legitimate and registered company or entity.

What types of secure certificates are there?

The primary certificates Adhost will purchase for you are:

What is the difference?

It's recommended that you visit www.geotrust.com/ssl/ and read about the differences. One main difference is that the process for obtaining one of the True BusinessID certificates requires you to verify the authenticity of your business and domain name registration; thereby ensuring to your Web site visitors they are doing ecommerce with a verified and legitimate business entity.

Only Extended Validation SSL Certificates trigger the green bar in high-security web browsers.

True BusinessID with EV

How much are SSL certificates?

We advise that you obtain your certificates for longer than 1 year. You benefit by a better price and avoid any interruptions of service due to prolonged or delayed yearly renewal processes.

GeoTrust True BusinessID with EV

1 year $350 (after 8/31/10 $700)
2 year $650 (after 8/31/10 $1,300)

GeoTrust True BusinessID

1 year $200
2 year $375
3 year $500

GeoTrust True BusinessID Wildcard (unlimited subdomains)

1 year $700
2 year $1,300
3 year $1,900

GeoTrust QuickSSL

1 year $150
2 year $275
3 year $350

How do I get certificates from other certificate authorities?

You may specify a SSL certificate from any other CA (Certificate Authority, i.e. Verisign). Adhost will generate the server side CSR (Certificate Signing Request) for you and email to you. It will be your responsibility to purchase the certificate from the CA you have chosen. Once we have received the issued certificate from you, Adhost will then install it. Fee for this service is $50/year and is NOT included in the price of your certificate.

Do I need a domain name?

Yes, you do need a domain name to purchase an SSL certificate. Also, make sure that the domain name registration and all its information is exactly correct as it pertains to the business name, address, and contacts.

How do I get one?

You can purchase one through Adhost by filling out this form SSL Certificate Request Form.