What is an SSL Certificate?
SSL stands for Secure Sockets Layer and an SSL Certificate is a security protocol for servers and web browsers, ensuring that any data passed between the two is private - this is achieved by using an encrypted link that connects the server and browser.
You know when you are visiting a website that uses an SSL Certificate when the web address starts with an "https" (the "s" meaning secure) and there is a little padlock to the left of the address.
As of July 2018, Google has been ensuring that website meet SSL requirements by flagging sites without SSL Certificate as unsafe in the Chrome browser. This means that without one, clients and visitors will be made aware that any site not using one is insecure and therefore vulnerable to hackers.
Increased security
Protect your client's sensitive data such as IDs, passwords and credit card numbers from malicious actors.
Improve customer trust
Affirm your online identity with your clients, confirming you are legitimate, validated and security aware.
Better Google rankings
Rank higher in Google search engine algorithms and so increase organic traffic to your website.
How do SSL Certificates work?
When a person visits a secure "https" web site, an SSL certificate confirms identification information about the web server and establishes an encrypted connection between the person's browser and the server almost instantaneously.
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After the web address is entered, a browser attempts to connect to the website's server and requests that it identify itself.
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The web server sends back a copy of its SSL Certificate.
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The browser checks to see if it trusts the web server's SSL Certificate and if so sends back a confirmation of trust to the web server
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The web server then sends back to the browser a digitally signed acknowledgement to commence an SSL session
SSL Certificate Options
RapidSSL 128-bit Certificate
$5.00 / m
$60.00 / year
An entry level certificate that will secure your website fast and is best-suited for small businesses and individuals.
Encryption up to 256-bit
Immediate issuance
Single domain name (FQDN)
Includes $10,000 warranty
Domain name on certificate only
Install on unlimited servers
QuickSSL Premium Certificate
$10.00 / m
$120.00 / year
A single-domain certificate that with unlimited server licenses and is best-suited for small businesses and individuals.
Encryption up to 256-bit
Immediate issuance
Supports HTTP, POP, IMAP & SMTP
99.9% web browser recognition rate
Includes $500,000 warranty
Domain name on certificate only
RapidSSL 128-bit with Wildcard
$21.00 / m
$252.00 / year
Secure all your sub-domains with only one certificate that is best-suited for small businesses and security conscious individuals.
Immediate issuance
Unlimited sub-domain security
99.9% web browser recognition rate
Includes $10,000 warranty
Domain name on certificate only
Install on unlimited servers
Geotrust True BusinessID with EV
$24.00 / m
$288.00 / year
EV (Extended Validation) SSL offering the highest level of protection for large institutions or e-commerce websites.
1 - 3 day issuance
Company & Organization validation
Unlimited sub-domains security