SSL FAQs

The wildcard applies to the Alpha, Domain, and Organisation SSL certificates. The certificates are issued for the domain name specified in the initial application. If you buy a wildcard with one of these three certificates, it means that the common name specified is *.yourdomainname.com. You can then use the certificate on an unlimited number of subdomains and servers. You also have the option to add in the future.

If you need to secure multiple subdomains on a single domain name, you can buy a wildcard. For a wildcard SSL certificate, a common name of *.yourdomainname.com would secure www.yourdomainname.com, mail.yourdomainname.com, secure.yourdomainname.com, etc...

To complete the application for your SSL certificate you need to generate a CSR and submit it to our Certificate Authority (CA). The CSR contains text that's been encrypted and includes details of your application: company name, domain name, location, email address. Plus, your public and private keys will be generated. Your public/private keys are for encrypting/decrypting all online communication and transactions between you and your customers. To ensure your website traffic stays secure, you must keep your private key a secret. Once our CA receives and confirms your details, it will issue your SSL certificate.

Our Certificate Authority provides an SSL certificate Request Helper which will create your CSR. This tool allows you to generate the CSR for OpenSSL, Microsoft Exchange 2007, Microsoft Exchange 2010, Java Keytool, F5 Big-IP, and Microsoft IIS

Please note that if you’re generating a CSR for a wildcard SSL certificate, your common name must start with an asterisk (*), i.e., *.eurodns.com. The asterisk represents any subdomain name.

You may prefer to generate a CSR through the platform. If so, please choose from the list below and follow the instructions:

• Microsoft IIS 7
• Microsoft IIS 5/6
• Microsoft Exchange 2007
• Microsoft Exchange 2003
• Tomcat
• Apache OpenSSL

Check out our support article for easy activation of your SSL certificate. It can be done during domain name registration or from the product page. The simple activation steps apply to whichever SSL certificate you choose, free or purchased.

Every SSL certificate has a digital signature based on a one-way cryptographic hashing algorithm. In non-geeky terms it’s a secret code that works as a security mechanism to check the integrity of data. For a decade, the SHA-1 was the algorithm of choice. But, it hasn’t kept up with technology and is now vulnerable to attack. Websites that have SSL certificates with SHA-1 will trigger an alert message that warns that the site is unsafe. Those pesky hackers broke the code! All our SSL certificates have the SHA-2 algorithm. If you’re a bit of a techie you might be interested in reading about SHA-1 upgrading to SHA-2 on our blog.

No way! The SSL certificates we provide will accelerate your website load speed. When a user visits your website, their browser asks for proof of the validity of your certificate. It’s an automated process and ensures your website loads faster and visitors aren’t left hanging.

It’s because the audit and validation process for the EV SSL certificate isn’t automated and the background checks are meticulous. It’s the price you pay for super-protection, but it’s worth it.