An SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) certificate is a digital credential that enables secure, encrypted communication between a web browser and a server. While the term "SSL" is still widely used, it has been replaced by the more secure TLS (Transport Layer Security) protocol. SSL/TLS certificates authenticate the identity of a website and ensure that any data transmitted between the website and its users is encrypted. Each certificate includes a public and private key, with the public key used to encrypt data while the private key is responsible for decrypting information.

Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) and Transport Layer Security (TLS) both represent cryptographic protocols and both rely on digital certificates to authenticate website identities. While they share a similar purpose, TLS is the more advanced and secure successor to SSL, addressing vulnerabilities in SSL and introducing stronger encryption, improved performance, and enhanced security features. Although SSL has officially been deprecated, the term "SSL" is still commonly used to refer to TLS in many contexts. Today, virtually all secure web connections rely on TLS.

Encryption strength depends on the key length used during the encryption process, with 128-bit and 256-bit encryption being the most common. While both offer strong protection, 256-bit encryption is considered more secure because its longer key length results in an exponentially higher number of possible key combinations, making it more resistant to brute force attacks. That said, 128-bit encryption is still secure and sufficient for some applications. The actual encryption strength used in an SSL/TLS connection is determined by the cipher suite negotiated during the TLS handshake between the browser and the server. BoostSSL certificates meet the highest standards with 256-bit encryption.

An intermediate certificate serves as a bridge between the top-level root certificate and the end-entity certificate, which is ultimately issued to a specific website or organization. Issued by the root CA, the intermediate certificate plays a critical role in establishing a chain of trust that links the highly secure root certificate to the end-entity certificate. As a key part of the trust hierarchy, intermediate certificates ensure that the end-entity certificate is recognized as valid and trusted by web browsers.

Wildcard SSL certificates can cover one main domain name (www.domain.com) and an unlimited amount of subdomains (mail.domain.com, login.domain.com, test.domain.com, etc.).

A Domain Validated (DV) SSL certificate is a quick and easy way to secure a domain, as the Certificate Authority (CA) issuing the certificate only requires verification that the recipient actually owns the domain they wish to cover. This verification process can typically be completed in a matter of minutes. However, these certificates offer little in the way of SSL recognition, so they are recommended for websites where visitor trust is not of high importance and information like usernames, passwords, or credit card information is not required.

An Organization Validated (OV) SSL certificate requires that a business complete a light vetting process by the Certificate Authority before being issued. These certificates are a nice middle-ground between DV and EV certificates, as they aren't as expensive as EV options but still offer more SSL and trust indications than basic between DV and EV certificates. These certificates typically take between 2-3 days to be issued.

EV stands for Extended Validation and is the most premium type of SSL certificate available. EV certificates are becoming more and more commonplace in the industry, especially amongst ecommerce sites, as they are used by some of the most trusted sites in the world like Bank of America, Twitter, Paypal, and more. These certificates require that a company complete a thorough vetting process before being issued.

The main criteria for qualifier for an EV certificate would be that your business is an official company registered with a government authority. Also, if you're a Sole Proprietor or a Partnership registered in the U.K., you cannot qualify for any EV SSL certificate.

All major SSL Brands like GeoTrust, RapidSSL, Symantec, Thawte & Comodo offers coverage for www and non-www on single-domain certificates. However, multi-domain certificates may require each domain that you need to secure to be included as an additional domain and will not automatically cover any domain name. Please contact our support team if you need any help picking the best certificate for your needs!

Wildcard SSL certificates can cover one main domain name (www.domain.com) and an unlimited amount of subdomains (mail.domain.com, login.domain.com, test.domain.com, etc.).

Serenity Is Multi-Faceted Blockchain Based Ecosystem, Energy Retailer For The People, Focusing On The Promotion Of Sustainable Living, Renewable Energy Production And Smart Energy Grid Utility Services.

Wildcard SSL certificates can cover one main domain (www.domain.com) and an unlimited amount of subdomains (mail.domain.com, login.domain.com, test.domain.com, etc.). Multi-domain (SAN) SSL certificates can cover multiple domains on just one certificate. For example, Symantec and Thawte multi-domain certificates can cover up to 250 domains, whereas Comodo certificates can cover up to 250 domains with just a single SSL certificate. GeoTrust multi-domain certificates can cover anywhere from 25 to 250 domains, depending on the type of certificate you order.

256-bit encryption is a server configuration. This has nothing to do with the certificate itself, it is based on your server configuration. To learn this, you should seek information provided by your webhosting platform or operating system. They will inform you how to set this encryption strength up.

These key lengths refer to the strength of the private key. You can think of it as the size of the cypher being used to encode your messages. Obviously, 2048-bit private keys are exponentially more secure than 1024-bit ones and are the new standard across the industry and are required during the generation process.

SHA stands for Signature Hashing Algorithm. It's a mathematical hash that proves the authenticity of the certificate. SHA-1 is an older version of the algorithm that is no longer seen as secure by industry experts and major browsers and is not allowed to be used during the generation process any longer by the industry. SHA-2 is the latest version that is widely accepted and viewed as secure by all major browsers and industry experts. The hashing algorithm of your CSR has no relevance to what hashing algorithm is used on the certificate.

A Certificate Authority (CA) is the company that actually issues the SSL certificates. Symantec, Thawte, GeoTrust, RapidSSL, and Comodo are all CAs, for example. We are a reseller of these CAs, meaning that we are able to offer the exact same certificate that you would get from buying direct, but at much lower prices. We are hooked up to the API of these CAs, which is how we are able to offer the exact same products. Because we buy in bulk, we are able to offer them at the significant discounts that you see. We also offer dedicated SSL support for every certificate we offer and can help walk you through the entire process, from purchasing to generation to issuance to installation and more.

All of the Certificate Authorities (CAs) that we carry are leaders in the industry and trusted across the world. Symantec is the largest CA in the world, and their DigiCert Trust Seal is the most recognized symbol of trust across the web. Their name definitely adds the most value of any CA in the industry. Additionally, GeoTrust, Thawte, RapidSSL, and Comodo are all trusted and secure CAs.

Yes, the brands that we provide all have their roots included in modern devices and browsers. They all feature 99% or better compatibility, or browser ubiquity.

An SSL certificate warranty covers any damages that you may incur as a result of a data breach or hack that was caused due to a flaw in the certificate. The warranties range in value, which means that the higher value certificates come with more extensive warranties.

Browser ubiquity or browser recognition basically means how many browsers recognize an SSL certificate and properly display the trust indicators. So, the higher the browser ubiquity of an SSL certificate, the more browsers that recognize and accept it.

Our SSL certificates can be valid from anywhere to 1-2 years, depending on the certificate you choose to purchase. Per the Certificate Authority/Browser (CA/B) Forum, the governing body of the SSL industry, EV certificates can only be issued for a maximum of 2 years. DV and OV certificates from Symantec, GeoTrust, Thawte, Comodo, and RapidSSL can be issued for a maximum of 2 years.