We want you to make informed decisions about your hosting. That's why we're committed to helping you learn and understand the services you're paying for, so that you can get the most from them.
Here are some of the most frequently-asked questions about SSLs:
Will an SSL help protect my site against malware and hacked plugins?
No. SSLs encrypt sensitive data, like credit card numbers and medical information, so that anyone who illegally intercepts that data during transit or processing won't be able to read it.
SSLs do not identify or quarantine malware, nor do they prevent it from sneaking into your website's code through compromised plugins or themes. We have a different addon for that—it's called SiteLock and you can read about it here.
Will an SSL cover all the domains on my hosting account?
No. An SSL can only be installed on a single "hostname", which is one variation of one domain name. SSLs do not cover multiple domains, or multiple subdomains. For example, you can install an SSL on store.yoursite.com, but then it won't cover yoursite.com, and vice-versa. It only encrypts the hostname it's installed on. (A Wildcard SSL covers every hostname of a single domain.)
Can I use Let's Encrypt instead?
Yes. We now offer Let's Encrypt SSLs for free (on supported servers.)
However, it's important to understand that Let's Encrypt SSLs are significantly different from commercial SSLs like the ones we provide from RapidSSL. They're free—but they're also not providing you with the same level of security that an SSL purchased from a Certificate Authority would do.
Let's Encrypt is a domain-validated SSL. What this means is that they provide a secure connection to your site, and provide you with https:// and a padlock, but that's all they do.
Let's Encrypt SSLs do not: verify you as a legitimate business entity; offer support if it breaks; work in all browsers; include validating organization information in the certificate; or allow you to accept payment through your website or online store.
You should carefully consider what type of SSL your website requires. If you are selling anything online, a commercial SSL is required. Large business sites and anyone taking user's personal information should also use a commercial SSL. Small blogs and hobby sites are a better fit for Let's Encrypt. If you aren't sure, contact us.
Will an SSL increase my search ranking / improve my SEO?
Yes and no.
The primary function of an SSL is to encrypt sensitive, private data and identify legitimate businesses/practices. SSLs aren't made to 'do' anything else.
That being said, search engines like Google strongly prefer websites that are secured with an SSL from a Certificate Authority because it's safe for the searcher to visit and buy things on that website. Search engines are more likely to rank SSL-secured sites higher in search results because of these reasons, and Google Chrome has even started warning users when they're visiting an website that is "not secure".
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