FAQs

The steps to install an SSL certificate vary from server to server. Generally, after you receive the SSL certificate files from your Certificate Authority via email, you need to download them on your local device and then upload them on the website’s server you intend to secure.

You can do this directly from your web hosting panel interface or with OpenSSL through a command-line interface (CLI) or terminal. Here’s how a typical SSL installation works:

• Download the ZIP archive from your CA containing the SSL files. Extract the archive’s contents on your device.
• Upload the server certificate (issued for your domain name) and the CA Bundle files with root and intermediate certs on your server.
• Enforce HTTPS across all your website.
• On our website, you will find in-depth, step-by-step tutorials on how to install an SSL certificate. We cover over 80 platforms, from web servers and hosting panels to networks, firewalls, and VPNs.

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SSL certificates work by establishing a secure and encrypted connection between a user’s web browser and the web server hosting the website. This secure connection is achieved through a process called SSL/TLS (Secure Socket Layer/Transport Layer Security) protocol.

When a user visits a website with SSL enabled, their web browser requests a secure connection from the web server. The server then responds by sending its SSL certificate to the user’s browser. The certificate contains the website’s public key, which is used to encrypt any data sent between the user’s browser and the server.

The user’s web browser then checks the SSL certificate to make sure it’s valid and issued by a trusted Certificate Authority (CA). If the certificate is valid, the web browser creates a unique session key, which is used to encrypt and decrypt all data sent between the user’s web browser and the server.

This process ensures that any data exchanged between the user and the website is protected from interception or tampering by third parties.

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A SAN certificate secures multiple domain names under a single SSL installation, while a Wildcard certificate protects unlimited subdomains and the domain name. SAN certificates can also encrypt subdomains, but a Wildcard certificate cannot secure multiple websites.

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The Subject Alternative Name field is where you include additional hostnames (sites, subdomains, common names, etc.) to be encrypted by a single Multi-Domain SAN SSL certificate.

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A SAN certificate can encrypt 1 to 3 domains by default, depending on the certificate brand, and up to 250 additional SANs for an extra fee. You can request more SANs during your SSL certificate order at the checkout.

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Multi-Domain SSL certificates work the same way as Single-Domain certificates, except for the number of domains they can secure. A multi-domain cert protects both your internal and external domains/subdomains under a single SSL installation and a one-time renewal period. Depending on the SSL brand you choose, the certificate will include a few additional domains by default (called SANs), as well as the option to secure multiple subdomains. If you need more domains, you can add up to 250 SANs. But that’s not all. Even if your multi-domain certificate is up and running, you can always purchase extra domains and then simply reissue your certificate.

For instance, with a Multi-Domain SSL cert that includes 3 domains by default you can secure:

Three different domains:

1. yoursite.com
2. yoursecondsite.com
3. yourthirdsite.com

Three different subdomains:

1. blog.yoursite.com
2. sotre.yoursite.com
3. membership.yoursite.com

Three different domains and subdomains:

1. yoursite.com
2. blog.yoursite.com
3. anothersite.com

Configuring your Multi-Domain certificate is easy. During the CSR (Certificate Signing Request) generation, please include your first domain. For example, yoursite.com. Right under the CSR text area, in the additional domains’ fields (SANs), specify the rest of domains or subdomains you want to encrypt. After you pass the SSL validation, you can safely install the certificate on your server.

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When you buy a Multi-Domain SSL certificate, please note that it has two alternative names: SAN SSL and UCC SSL. SAN SSL stands for Subject Alternative Name Certificate, and UCC SSL is an acronym for Unified Communication Certificate. You will find all these names across our wide range of Multi-Domain products.

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Multi-Domain SSL Certificates are the most versatile SSL solution on the market. With a single Multi-Domain certificate, you can secure up to 250 different domains. Certain Multi-Domain products also protect unlimited subdomains, solving the most complex web security challenges.

Their flexibility saves users valuable time and tons of money. Instead of spending a fortune on separate certificates for each of your domain names, you can buy a Multi-Domain SSL certificate and quickly encrypt the entire network of your sites.

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The best indicator of a website that uses HTTPS is the padlock icon next to the URL in the browser’s address bar. If the website loads over HTTP, your browser will likely block the connection and issue an SSL security warning.

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Yes, redirecting a website from HTTP to HTTPS will ensure visitors access only the encrypted version of your site. If they load the HTTP version of your domain, a security warning will notify them that the connection is not secure.

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