The browser and server start talking using the encryption, the Web browser shows the encrypting icon, and the Web pages and information are processed securely.
What is an SSL Certificate?
A Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) Certificate creates an encrypted link between a Web site and a visitor's Web browser. This link ensures that all data passed between the Web site and the browser remains private and secure. The SSL Certificate triggers the "s" in "https" in the Web site address and the closed padlock on the browser - items most consumers look for when transacting business online.
The Certificate also demonstrates to your visitors that your Web site is owned by a legitimate business. This is done through a validation process performed by a Certificate Authority (CA) prior to issuing you an SSL Certificate. Network Solutions is a trusted CA.
Why does my business need an SSL Certificate?
The encryption provided by SSL Certificates helps to prevent hackers from stealing private and confidential information sent via the Internet. A Web site secured with an SSL Certificate provides a safe place for customers to enter sensitive data such as credit card information, bank account numbers, etc. If you transact business or collect sensitive information on your Web site, you need an SSL Certificate!
What is "Identity Assurance"
In addition to encryption, an SSL Certificate provides identity assurance which proves that the business running the Web site is who they claim to be. Identity assurance is accomplished through a validation process. Network Solutions offers two different validation processes:
- Organizationally Validated SSL Certificates are only issued after verifying the legitimacy of the applicant's business. This is done by manually checking credentials such as Dunn & Bradstreet number, articles of incorporation, WHOIS, passport, driver's license, etc.
- Extended Validation SSLCertificates provide the highest level of Certificate validation and are available to all business and government entities, but are not available to individuals. The Extended Validation application process is more rigorous and detailed than for any other Certificate. Validation for EV Certificates will require additional steps, which may include obtaining signatures from several people within the company applying for the certificate, legal verification, etc.
Why should I trust Network Solutions with my online security needs?
Network Solutions was named the fastest growing Certificate Authority in 2007, growing by 159%*. As one of the largest providers of SSL Certificates, Network Solutions is an established and trusted name in the industry. Our SiteSafe™ SSL Certifcates offer:
- State of the art encryption - With the ability to encrypt data at up to 256-bits, SiteSafe Certificates convert your data into virtually impenetrable code that is safe from hackers and identity thieves.
- Highest-dollar-value guarantee available - SiteSafe™ offers up to $1 million in relying party guarantees to provide even more assurance to your customers that their transactions are protected.
- Free, 24/7 support - Get help when you need it from our award-winning customer service department.
- You get the highest level of data encryption and customer support at 1/2 the price of the leading competitor**.
* According to a Dec. 2007 NetCraft Secure Server Survey, NetCraft, LTD.
** Savings claim based on 3 year purchase of Network Solutions(R) SiteSafe(TM) SSL - Basic for $99/year, compared to Verisign(R) Secure Site Pro for $827/year.
How do I choose the right SiteSafe™ Certificate for my business?
All Network Solutions® SiteSafe SSL Certificates offer the same level of encryption and are an excellent choice for businesses conducting online transactions or collection of sensitive information. When choosing which SSL Certificate to use, there are two important things to consider: 1) What validation method suites your business? and 2) What specific features, like issuance times and guarantees, do you require?
- SiteSafe Basic, & Pro & Wildcard - All three of these SiteSafe SSL Certificates are "organizationally validated". The Wildcard Certificate, however, is different in that it is only for Web sites needing to encrypt multiple subdomains (i.e. security.networksolutions.com is a subdomain of networksolutions.com). If you need to secure 3 or more subdomains, the Wildcard Certificate is your best value.
- SiteSafe EV Certificates - Obtaining an EV Certificate requires a far more detailed application and validation process, including a verifiable physical existence and business presence. This is beneficial if you own a large e-commerce Web site and want an additional visual indicator that your site is secured. In addition to displaying a closed padlock image and "https" Web address prefix, Web sites secured by an EV Certificate will turn the address bar green.
How do I choose an SSL Certificate provider?
Things to consider when evaluating SSL Certificate providers include the data encryption level, Web browser compatibility, price, and customer support. Network Solutions SiteSafe™ SSL Certificates offer:
- State-of-the-art encryption levels-up to 256 bit
- Compatibility with over 99% of Web browsers worldwide.
- Competitive pricing.
- Award-winning, free, 24/7 Real-Person Customer Service™.
What is the difference between SSL Certificates and a Site Confirm Seal?
A SiteSafe™ SSL Certificate creates an encrypted link between your Web site and your visitor's browser, and comes with a free "seal" to display on your homepage. This clickable seal shows detailed information about your company along with the guarantee behind the SSL Certificate.
If you don't need to encrypt your Web site for secure online transactions, you can purchase and display just the Site Confirm Seal to show your Web site has been validated as a legitimate business. Visitors can click on this seal to view your company's credentials.
How do I receive my SSL Certificate?
When you buy a SiteSafe™ SSL Certificate you are asked to provide specific information which Network Solutions will verify, or validate, to prove you are a legitimate business. For example, you may be asked for articles of incorporation, licensing, etc. You move through the various stages of validation using Network Solutions Account Manager. E-mail communications will also be sent to you to assist you in the process.
Once all validation is complete, your SSL Certificate is issued electronically and is ready for installation on your Web site. If your Web site is hosted with Network Solutions, much of this installation process is automated for you.
Extended Validation (EV) SSL Certificates
Can I upgrade my current SSL Certificate to an EV Certificate?
Yes, if your business meets eligibility guidelines. If you have a SiteSafe™ Basic, Pro or Wildcard SSL Certificate from Network Solutions, we are pleased to give you a substantial discount off of the purchase of an EV Certificate. To receive your discount, you must place your EV Certificate order with an EV SSL Certificate specialist at 1-866-616-7647.
Wildcard customers should note that industry guidelines prohibit the issuance of wildcard EV Certificates. To reap the benefits of an EV Certificate for their Web site, they may want to purchase an EV Certificate for their main domain and retain their current Wildcard Certificate to cover their sub-domains.
If you have an SSL Certificate from a Certification Authority other than Network Solutions, you may still upgrade to a SiteSafe™ EV Certificate at a very competitive price.
Please note that industry guidelines require all EV applicants, even those who already have SSL Certificates, to successfully complete the extended validation process before receiving an EV Certificate.
What is the Network Solutions® EV Root Updater Code?
When running on the Microsoft Windows Vista™ platform, Internet Explorer® 7 (IE 7) automatically updates its store of EV Roots. Unfortunately this is not the case when IE 7 is running on Windows® XP. To address this, Network Solutions developed its EV Root Updater Code to automatically update your visitors' Web browsers to support your EV SSL Certificate. The EV Root Updater Code is a simple script that you can embed into the secure pages of your Web site. The EV Root Updater Code will transparently update the EV Roots stored in your visitors' IE 7 browsers on Windows® XP so their address bars will display as green for your Web site address.
How does Extended Validation differ from existing validation procedures?
CA/B Forum guidelines currently restrict EV Certificates to corporations, business entities (such as sole proprietors, general partnerships, unincorporated associations, etc.), and government entities. For those eligible, the application process for an EV Certificate is more thorough than existing procedures, requiring applicants to provide more detailed information about their businesses for final verification. The extended validation process is intended to enhance the authority of and consumer confidence in the Certificates, and to make it nearly impossible for fraudulent or criminal applicants to receive an EV Certificate.
What type of information will a Certification Authority need in order to issue an EV Certificate?
When you apply for an EV Certificate you will be asked to provide certain types of information about your business ownership. This information may include:
- Dun & Bradstreet registration numbers
- Proof of physical address via database listings
- Opinion letter from legal counsel or public accountant
- Other corporate, financial, and government documents such as Articles of Incorporation, bank accounts, and business licenses
- Government-issued photo IDs
The Certificate Authority will review and verify the accuracy of these documents. It may also perform additional checks before issuing the EV SSL Certificate. If the applicant's credentials can't be verified in accordance with the CA/Browser Forum guidelines, then the CA will not issue the Certificate.
How long does it take before I receive an EV SSL Certificate?
Extended validation is a newer protocol with more stringent requirements. At this time, the validation process is expected to take about 5 to 10 business days once the Certification Authority has received all required documentation.
Are transactions processed differently on Web sites using EV Certificates than those using OV Certificates?
No. Consumers will see a difference in the representation of the EV Certificate and secure connection (e.g., green address bar), but will experience no change or slowdown in operation or transaction procedures.
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SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) is the transaction security protocol used by Web sites to protect online communications. The most common use of SSL is to provide protection for confidential data, such as entering personal details or credit card information into a Web site.
