SSL Certificates
Domain Validated SSL Certificates for Secure Websites
Protect your website, visitor data, and reputation with a trusted SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) Certificate. An SSL Certificate enables HTTPS, encrypts sensitive data, and helps visitors feel safer when browsing, completing forms, or submitting payment details.
With Hosted.com®, you can choose from a range of affordable Domain Validated (DV) and Wildcard SSL Certificates from trusted providers, with fast online validation and free installation* on our servers.
* Ts & Cs apply.
DV SSL & Wildcard SSL Plans
Not sure which type of SSL Certificate your website needs?
Choose a DV SSL Certificate if you need to secure one domain, e.g. yoursite.com.
Choose a Wildcard SSL Certificate if you need to secure multiple subdomains, like shop.yoursite.com, blog.yoursite.com, and support.yoursite.com.
Which SSL Certificate is Right for You?
The right SSL Certificate depends on the level of protection and validation you need. For small businesses, startups, blogs, and freelancers, a DV SSL Certificate is usually enough protection to build a secure website.
If you need multiple subdomains, a Wildcard SSL Certificate is usually easier to manage and more cost-effective than buying separate certificates for each one.
What is a Domain Validated SSL Certificate?
Most people still use the term SSL when talking about security certificates; TLS (Transport Layer Security) is the modern version. SSL Certificates help encrypt the data transmission exchanged between your website and its visitors. This can include information submitted via contact forms, account logins, or checkout pages.
A Domain Validated (DV) SSL Certificate confirms that you own the domain name for the website you want to secure. Once the certificate is issued and installed, it enables HTTPS. A website with an active SSL shows HTTPS and a security indicator in the address bar. The exact indicator may vary depending on the browser and device, e.g., a settings icon.
Why Does Your Website Need an SSL Certificate?
An SSL Certificate should be one of the first security measures you implement. Here's why:
Have Multiple Subdomains? Choose a Wildcard SSL
A Wildcard SSL Certificate secures your main domain and multiple subdomains with one certificate. This is helpful if your website uses different areas for different functions. For example, one Wildcard SSL can be used for:
example.com
shop.example.com
blog.example.com
support.example.com
Instead of buying separate SSL Certificates for each subdomain, a Wildcard SSL helps you:
Simplify certificate management
Reduce costs
Add subdomains more easily
Keep security consistent across your site.
Benefits of a DV SSL Certificate
DV SSL Certificates have multiple benefits, when combined with a secure cPanel Web Hosting or WordPress Hosting plan. Hosted.com® cPanel Web Hosting and WordPress Hosting plans come with a free entry level SSL* to cover your site from day one. Speak to our Support Team to learn more about their basic functionality, to see if you need to purchase a DV SSL Certificate.
* Ts & Cs apply.
Affordable
DV SSL Certificates are the cheapest on the market and one of the most cost-effective ways to help protect your website.
Fast to Issue
The validation process is fast because it only verifies control of the domain. That means you can get one issued online in minutes.
Strong Encryption
The data transferred between browsers and your website is encrypted, making it harder for it to fall into the wrong hands.
Improved Trust
For small businesses, trust matters. A DV SSL certificate helps visitors feel safer while making your website look professional and credible.
Better Security
SSL works alongside secure hosting, strong passwords, updates, malware protection, and regular backups to help keep your site safe.
Why Buy an SSL Certificate from Hosted.com®?
Hosted.com® makes it easy to secure your site and manage your SSL Certificates alongside your domains and Web Hosting. Whether you need a standard DV SSL or a Wildcard SSL for multiple subdomains, you can choose from trusted SSL providers and get support when you need help.
Manage Domains, Hosting, and SSL in One Place
With Hosted.com, you can manage all your website services from one user-friendly control panel. You can register a domain name or transfer your domain, and setup hosting with your SSL certificate configured and installed, all in one place.
Support When You Need It
If you are not sure which SSL Certificate to choose, our Support Team is here to help. You can get assistance with setup, installation, troubleshooting, and any questions you have.
Free Installation* on Hosted.com® Servers
If your website is hosted on Hosted.com® servers, we will install your SSL Certificate for you. This removes the guesswork and gets your certificate configured correctly the first time.
Affordable SSL Options
You can choose from a range of affordable SSL plans with unlimited reissuance based on your website and domain needs.
Fast Validation
DV SSL Certificates are issued quickly because validation is completed online and focuses on domain control. This helps you get your website secured without unnecessary delays.
Trusted SSL Providers
Hosted.com® offers SSL Certificates from trusted providers, including Certum, Comodo, and RapidSSL.
Domain Validated SSL Certificate Features
Now that you know the basics of what an SSL Certificate is, here are the features included in DV SSLs from Hosted.com.
Broad Server, Browser, and Device Compatibility
Your SSL Certificate should work where your visitors are. Hosted.com®'s SSL Certificates are compatible with most major browsers, mobile devices, web servers, email clients, and hosting control panels, including:
What is a Domain Validated SSL Certificate?
A Domain Validated SSL Certificate confirms that you control the domain connected to the certificate. It enables HTTPS encryption and helps protect data shared between your website and its visitors.
What is a Wildcard SSL Certificate?
A Wildcard SSL Certificate secures one main domain and multiple first-level subdomains with a single certificate. It is useful for websites that use subdomains such as shop.example.com, blog.example.com, or support.example.com.
Is DV SSL enough for a small business website?
Yes. A DV SSL Certificate is often suitable for small business websites that need HTTPS protection, visitor trust, and encrypted data transfer. It is a practical option for blogs, portfolios, landing pages, and standard business websites.
What Customers Say About Hosted.com®
See why our customers choose Hosted.com® for fast, secure hosting and quick domain registration with easy website management and professional email solutions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Find clear answers to common questions about Domain Registration, Web Hosting, WordPress Hosting and website security. Our FAQs explain the basics - from choosing a domain to cPanel Web Hosting and protecting your site - in simple, easy-to-follow steps.
A secure website usually displays HTTPS in the URL and a browser security indicator near the address bar. Browser indicators vary by browser and device, but HTTPS is the main sign that SSL/TLS is active.
The most common SSL Certificate types are DV, OV, EV, and Wildcard SSL. DV – Domain Validated SSL confirms control of a domain. OV – Organization Validated SSL includes business validation. EV - Extended Validation SSL provides a higher level of business validation. Wildcard SSL secures a main domain and multiple first-level subdomains.
SSL installation depends on your hosting setup, server, and control panel. If your website is hosted on Hosted.com® servers, we will install your SSL Certificate for you.
A CSR (Certificate Signing Request) is a file generated by your server when you apply for an SSL Certificate. It contains information that the Certificate Authority uses to issue the certificate for your domain.
A CSR is usually generated from your hosting control panel or by your provider before the SSL Certificate is issued. If your website is hosted with Hosted.com®, support can assist you with the SSL setup process.
You should renew your SSL Certificate before it expires to keep HTTPS active on your website. The renewal process is similar to the original setup and may require generating or submitting a CSR again.
Yes. If your website collects information, has forms, uses logins, or needs to build visitor trust, SSL is strongly recommended.
SSL/TLS is the security technology that encrypts data between a website and a visitor’s browser. HTTPS is what appears on the website URL when SSL/TLS is active. In simple terms, SSL makes HTTPS possible.
In many cases, yes. A DV SSL Certificate is suitable for small-business websites, blogs, portfolios, and other sites that need basic HTTPS protection.
Choose a Wildcard SSL if you need to secure multiple subdomains under the same main domain with one certificate.
DV SSL Certificates are usually issued quickly because they only require domain ownership validation. Once the validation step is complete, the certificate can often be issued in minutes.