What Is a Single Domain SSL Certificate and How Do I Get an Affordable One?

A single domain SSL Certificate is a security protocol that encrypts data transmitted between your website and visitors, but only for one domain name. These certificates protect sensitive information from prying eyes while helping you build trust with users and improve search engine rankings. This blog teaches you everything you need to know about these certificates, how they work with Web Hosting, and why they matter. We’ll show you how to get an SSL Certificate for your business website with Hosted.com to enhance your online security without breaking the bank.

What are SSL Certificates?

An SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) certificate, often called TLS (Transport Layer Security), is a digital document that verifies a website’s identity and uses public key cryptography to encrypt data transmitted. This establishes a secure connection between a user’s browser and the website they are visiting and ensures the site is what it claims to be.

Having one on your website is important for security and provides several benefits.

Firstly, sensitive information like usernames and passwords, credit card details, and personal data are encrypted, making it difficult for hackers to intercept and steal. SSL also protects against data tampering. If the data is altered during transmission, the browser and server can detect and prevent the corrupted data from being processed.

Next, users generally see websites with SSL Certificates as more trustworthy and credible than sites without one. The same goes for search engines that often prefer websites with the HTTPS (Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure) prefix in their domain name or URL, which requires an active SSL.

How They Work

How do SSL Certificates work?  First, the site owner purchases one from a trusted Certificate Authority (CA). The CA then verifies the owner’s identity and if the registered domain name it’s being used for is legitimate. The certificate can then be installed on the website’s server; if you have received your SSL through Hosted.com as part of a cPanel or WordPress Hosting package, we will take care of this process.

Every SSL Certificate contains a public key and a private key. The public key is distributed freely and can be shared with anyone trying to access your website. The private key, however, is strictly confidential and is known only to the website owner or server administrator.

When someone visits the website, their browser communicates with the server to establish a secure connection; called an SSL handshake. Their browser sends a request to the server. The server responds by sending its public key to the browser.

The browser uses the server’s public key to encrypt the data it wants to send. The server receives the encrypted data and uses its private key to decrypt it.

This process ensures the data transmitted between the browser and the server remains confidential and protected from unauthorized access. It also ensures that the user accesses the correct website, not an imposter, for example, a phishing site.

Checking for an SSL Certificate

Your site’s visitors can easily see if it has an SSL installed by checking the domain in the address bar. If the domain starts with “HTTPS instead of “HTTP” it indicates that the website uses encryption. Also, most modern web browsers show a small padlock icon in the address bar. Clicking on the padlock gives them more information about the certificate such as:

• The name of the CA who issued the certificate.
• The dates when it was issued and how long it is valid.
• The certificate’s specific details, like its algorithm and key length.
• Information about the connection’s security, such as the encryption protocol used.

Sites without HTTPS may be marked as “Not Secure” in browsers, alerting users not to engage with it and potentially increasing bounce rates. Several browser extensions and online tools are available to help you see if a website has an SSL Certificate and check its level of security.

Types of SSL Certificates

There are several types of SSL Certificates, each offering various levels of security and validation; these are often indicated by the padlock icon in the browser.

Domain Validation (DV) SSL: The most basic type of certificate. It only verifies domain ownership and provides data encryption, ensuring secure transfer between your site and visitors.

Organization Validation (OV) SSL: This certificate verifies domain ownership and the organization’s identity. It provides the same level of encryption as DV but adds a trust factor by verifying the organization.

Extended Validation (EV) SSL: The highest level of validation and security. These often require additional documentation and checks to verify the organization’s identity. EVs are indicated by a green address bar in the browser, signaling a high level of trust.

Multi-Domain SSL: This certificate verifies and secures multiple domains under a single certificate, making it suitable for organizations with multiple websites or subdomains.

Wildcard SSL: The Wildcard SLL Certificate protects a single domain and its subdomains. It is ideal for large websites with many subdomains.

Understanding Single Domain SSL Certificates

As the name implies, a single domain SSL Certificate is designed to secure one website. It provides data encryption and identity verification for that specific domain name. While single domain SSLs can be issued for DV, OV, and EV certificates, they cannot be used to secure subdomains. If you need to protect multiple subdomains under a single domain, you will need a Wildcard SSL.

The benefits of a single domain SSL include:

• Cost-Effective: These certificates are the most affordable option, making them a good option for smaller websites with limited budgets.
• Simplicity: They are easy to install and manage, requiring minimal technical knowledge.
• Security: Single domain SSL Certificates provide enough security to protect sensitive data and help maintain user and search engine trust.
• Purpose: A single domain is specifically designed for a single site, providing optimal security and performance for your domain.
• Improved SEO: Search engines prefer sites with SSL encryption that show your website is safe, potentially increasing visibility.

SSLs usually have an expiry date of one year. This means you’ll need to renew your SSL certificate annually to ensure your website remains secure and you aren’t exposed to potential security vulnerabilities and data breaches.

When to Use a Single Domain SSL Certificate

A single domain SSL Certificate is the cheapest option and the easiest to manage if your website only has one domain linked to it. It can provide enough security for your online business without adding extra features for basic data encryption.

However, it has certain limitations because it is designed for individual use. If your website has multiple domains or subdomains, you may need a multi-domain or wildcard SSL to secure all domains with one certificate.

If you have a larger website with more complex security requirements, it’s best to consider more advanced options.

Lastly, while affordable for one site, a single certificate may not be the most cost-effective option if you have multiple domains, as you’ll have to get certificates for each one, which adds to the cost.

Obtaining an Affordable Single Domain SSL Certificate

The exact steps for obtaining and installing an SSL certificate may vary slightly depending on your web server and hosting provider. However, the general process typically involves the following:

1. Select an SSL Certificate (DV, OV, EV, dependent on requirements) from your chosen CA.
2. Generate a Certificate Signing Request (CSR). This request contains information about your domain name and business.
3. Submit the CSR to the CA.
4. The CA will verify that you own the domain and have the right to obtain a certificate.
5. This normally takes a few minutes For DV SSLs. If you want OV and EV certificates, the process can take a few days, as extra validation is required.
6. Once the validation is complete, the signed SSL Certificate and its private key will be sent to you.
7. Install the signed certificate and the corresponding private key on your server.

Remember: the prices of SSL Certificates can vary depending on a few factors:

• Validation Level: EV certificates are typically expensive; OV and DV certificates are the cheapest.
• Issuer: Different CAs may charge different prices for their certificates.
• Validity Length: Longer-term certificates may cost more upfront but can save you money in the long run.
• Extra Features: Some certificates may include additional features like server or client authentication, which can increase the price.

To save you the trouble of obtaining and installing a certificate, Hosted.com provides a free SSL certificate when you sign up for a cPanel or WordPress hosting plan.

We handle the entire process, including generating the CSR, installing the certificate, and configuring it for the web server. This saves you time and effort, especially if you are unfamiliar with the more technical side of web security.

Common Issues & Troubleshooting

Occasionally, you may run into issues. Here are some common errors and how to fix them:

Incorrect CSR: If you don’t generate the CSR correctly, the CA may be unable to issue the certificate. Always double-check that the information on the CSR is accurate.

Installation Error: Ensure the certificate and private key are installed correctly in the appropriate directories on your web server.

Configuration Issues: Check your web server configuration to ensure it is correctly configured to use the SSL Certificate. Common errors include incorrect paths, missing directives, or incorrect permissions.

Browser Compatibility: Some older browsers or browsers with strict security settings may be incompatible with certain SSL Certificates. Test your website in different browsers to ensure compatibility.

Certificate Chain: If the certificate chain is incomplete or incorrect, the browser may not trust the certificate. Ensure that the intermediate certificates are included in the certificate chain.

Maintaining Your Single Domain SSL Certificate

Once you have obtained and installed your new SSL, you must monitor and maintain it to ensure it operates correctly.

As mentioned earlier, all types of SSLs have an expiration date. Keep track of yours so you can renew it in time. It’s always a good idea to renew in advance to avoid any interruptions in your website’s security if it accidentally expires.

Additionally, create backup files of your certificate, private and public key to prevent data loss in case of accidental deletion or a corrupted file.

Update your intermediate certificates. These are the go-between for your root CA and your website certificate. They may change over time, so ensure your server has the latest version installed.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• SSL Certificates are essential for securing a website and building trust with visitors while improving search engine visibility.
• A single domain SSL Certificate offers a cost-effective way of securing an individual website without compromising data security.
• Single domain SSL Certificates are best suited for small businesses or individuals with a single website linked to one domain name.
• Obtaining, installing, and configuring high-quality, affordable single domain SSL Certificates is relatively easy with a little technical knowledge. Hosted.com includes a free SSL with installation in our Hosting plans.
• While the installation process may vary slightly, it’s straightforward and can often be completed without extensive technical knowledge. Hosted.com takes care of SSL installation for you.
• Regular maintenance and renewing of your single domain SSL Certificate are essential for maintaining consistent site security and user trust.

FAQs

Other Related Blogs:

– Risks And Realities Of Unsecure Websites

– Domain Security: Best Practices

– Web Hosting Security – Top 11 Best Practices

– SSL Certificate – What it is, Why it is Needed, and How to Set It Up

– Choose a Security Focused Hosting Plan