Advanced SSL

How to Pass Domain Control Validation (DCV)?

Domain Control Validation (DCV) helps prevent the unauthorized issuance of SSL certificates. Without it, SSL activation is not possible. This guide covers the DCV process and shows you how to pass it in several ways. Use the DCV method for SSL certs most suitable to your skills and situation.

What Is SHA-256 Algorithm & How It Works

A common specification of all SSL certificates, irrespective of brand, price, and type, is the SHA-256 algorithm. You will see a mention of it in the certificate’s details or the features listed on the product’s information. For non-techies, SHA-256 is usually a complete mystery. In this article, we want to show you what it is […]

What Is OCSP Stapling and How to Use It?

A valid SSL certificate signed by a trusted Certificate Authority is mandatory today for all websites. If your certificate has expired or has been revoked, browsers will not trust it anymore. Browsers use the Online Certificate Status Protocol (OCSP) to determine the validity of your SSL certificate. However, the original OCSP has a few shortcomings, […]

What Is HTTPS Port 443 and How to Open It?

When you install an SSL certificate, one of the steps is to select port 443 – the default port for the HTTPS connection. But what exactly does it do, and what is port 443 used for? This article provides the answers and shows how to open port 443 on the most popular operating systems.

SSL Certificate Without a Domain Name. Is It Possible?

Every website needs an SSL certificate these days to remain accessible via Chrome, Firefox, Safari, or other popular browsers. If you don’t secure your site, browsers will flag it as unsafe, and your content won’t feature in search engine results pages. But can you get an SSL certificate without a domain name? This article provides […]

Best Practices to Store the Private Key

The private key is a text file created during the Certificate Signing Request (CSR) using a unique random number. You should always keep it in a safe place and never share it with anyone. Even if it’s just a text file, it’s essential for data integrity. You can damage your reputation beyond repair if your […]

What is SNI (Server Name Indication) and How Does It Work?

Running several HTTPS websites under the same IP address is normal practice today. But that wasn’t always the case. Initially, you needed a dedicated IP address for every domain you wanted to secure. However, the arrival of Server Name Indication (SNI) changed the entire SSL landscape. In this article, we explain what is SNI, how […]

What is PKI (Public Key Infrastructure) & How Does It Work?

In the modern digital age, secure communication and data transfer are the lifeblood of the entire Internet. But how can users share their sensitive information online without worrying about potential breaches? Introducing Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) – a vital component for maintaining trust and security on the Web. So, what is Public Key Infrastructure, how does […]

How to Secure Multi-Level Subdomains with Wildcard Certificates?

SSL certificates can secure websites of any size and complexity. Since HTTPS became a requirement, more users have learned how to install and manage SSL certs on different platforms. However, the less tech-savvy folks face stern challenges when the multi-level subdomains come into the equation. Unlike regular websites that use a single SSL certificate, you […]

What Is OpenSSL? How Does OpenSSL Work?

Proper SSL implementation is crucial to a website’s security and success. And, with so many web owners learning about SSL for the first time, it’s essential to equip them with all the necessary tools and utilities. One such tool is OpenSSL. So, what is OpenSSL, and why is it so important? The following guide covers […]