Which SSL Do I Need?

Some websites or server configurations require a specific type of SSL. Use these questions as a guideline to help determine which SSL you should use.

Where are you located?

Our SSL certificates are issued to individuals and companies worldwide, but there are a few restrictions. For more information, see Which countries are currently supported for certificate issuance?

Is this for a business or a personal website?

How do you want to show visitors that your site is secure? Do you want visitors to see the SSL belongs to a verified organization, or is HTTPS in the address enough?

All SSL-secured sites display HTTPS in the address. Premium Extended Validation (EV) SSLs also display a prominent indicator — usually a green address bar — to quickly assure visitors that the organization’s legal and physical existence was verified according to strict industry standards. For more information, see What is a Premium Extended Validation (EV) SSL certificate?

Which type of server or Web hosting do you use?

Our SSL certificates work on all types of hosting and server configurations, but these specific servers must use the certificate listed:

• Quick Shopping Cart® stores must use a single-domain Standard or Premium SSL.
• Intel vPro servers must use a Deluxe High Assurance SSL (available only via call-in).
• Exchange Server 2007 and 2010 must use a Multiple Domain (UCC) SSL to secure multiple services (domains).

All domains are listed in a UCC. If you want to secure both fully qualified (example: www.coolexample.com) and partially qualified (example: coolexample.com) domains with a UCC, make sure to select a domain for each one. Know which domains you need to cover when you purchase, because you cannot upgrade.

How many unique domains do you want to secure with HTTPS?

Do all of the sites have fully qualified domain names, or do you need to add a few subdomains (see What is a subdomain?) on the fly?

• Wildcard SSLs cover multiple subdomains. For example, you can secure *.coolexample.com, which would cover shop.coolexample.com, www.coolexample.com, and any other subdomains.
• UCC SSLs can cover multiple subdomains, unique domain names, and websites. For example, you can secure www.coolexample.com, mail.coolexample.com, and www.awesomeexample.com.

UCC SSLs represent all secondary domains with the primary business name, so all sites should be related. A UCC site seal displays only the primary domain name as “Issued To,” and all secondary websites are listed in the certificate details.

Please see the following articles for more information about each SSL option:
What is a Multiple Domain (UCC) SSL Certificate?
What is a Premium Extended Validation (EV) SSL certificate?
What is a Wildcard SSL certificate?