What is SSL?
SSL stands for Secure Socket Layer. It might sound complex, but it's really not. SSL Certificates authenticate your
website's identity, and encrypt the information visitors enter on your site. This keeps thieves from "overhearing" any exchange between that Web page and
another computer. When you have an SSL Certificate protecting your website, your customers can rest assured that the information they send is
secured and can't be viewed by cyber crooks.
For more information, see Defining SSL Certificates.
What are the benefits of having an SSL Certificate on my website?
Go Daddy SSL Certificates inspire trust and show visitors that you value their privacy. An SSL Cert protects your customers' sensitive
information such as their name, address, password, or credit card number by encrypting the data during transmit from their computer to your Web server. SSL
is the standard for Web security, and a Server Certificate is required by most merchant account services – you'll need one if you plan to
accept credit cards on your site.
For more information, see How does an SSL certificate work?
How will people know my website is safe?
How you build your website is entirely up to you. In fact, most basic secure websites can be hand-coded using HTML. When a visitor
enters an SSL-protected page on your website, their browser bar displays a padlock and the https:// prefix in the URL address. While most Internet users
know to look for those SSL indicators, you can also add a site seal to your website to show visitors your site is verified and secured. Visitors can click
the SSL site seal to view your certificate's status and details, seeing for themselves that it's safe to send sensitive information to your website.
Websites protected by Go Daddy's Extended Validation SSL display a green browser bar as well, giving users the green light.
For more information, see Verifying a Certificate's Validity on Your Computer.
What is the difference between Standard SSL and Premium SSL?
All SSL-protected sites display HTTPS in the address. Sites protected with a Premium EV SSL Certificate display a green browser bar to quickly assure
visitors that the organization's legal and physical existence was verified according to strict industry standards. The Premium EV SSL Certificate requires
the most extensive vetting process. We verify your control of the domain and the legitimacy of your company by validating the legal name, address, phone number
and other business information. Issuance takes approximately 30 days, but we've got you covered during that time. EV SSL Certs come with a free Standard SSL to
use during the vetting process, so you can keep your transactions secure.
For more information, see What are the advantages of a Premium Extended Validation (EV) SSL Certificate for your business?
Why should I buy an SSL from GoDaddy.com?
For one thing, our SSL certs cover unlimited secure servers. They support up to 256-bit encryption and they're recognized
by all of the major desktop and mobile browsers on the market. Plus, they're backed by the industry's best 24/7 phone service and support. There's absolutely
no technical difference between Go Daddy SSL Certificates and those offered by other companies – they simply cost less. Is it any wonder we're the largest
provider of net new SSL Certificates in the world?
For more information, see What Is the encryption strength of your SSL certificates?
Which SSL do I need?
Some configurations require a specific type of SSL Cert. Do you need to cover multiple domains with a UCC (Unified Communications Certificate), or unlimited
subdomains with a Wildcard SSL? Use these questions as a guideline to help find the SSL you need to cover multiple secure sites:
- Where are you located? Our certificates are issued worldwide with a few restrictions. Check this list to find out if you're covered.
- Is this for a business or personal website?
- Which type of server of Web hosting do you use?
- How many unique domains do you want to secure with HTTPS?
- Do you need an SSL Certificate that supports Intel vPro technology for remote PC management? Check out our Deluxe Certificate.
- Do you run an Open Source project? Apply now to get a FREE 1-year Standard SSL Certificate!
For more information, see Finding the SSL You Need.
What happens after I purchase an SSL Certificate?
After you purchase the SSL, take about 10-15 minutes to activate the credit and submit a request for the certificate to use on your website. We'll verify
your request and keep in touch with you through the process. When the SSL Certificate is issued, we'll send you an email with details for completing
installation, making your server a secure server.
For more information, see Requesting a Standard SSL Certificate.