What is an SSL certificate and why do I need one?

SSL encrypts information sent between your website and a visitor's web browser so that it cannot be read as it is sent across the internet.

If you’ve ever bought anything online, you’ve probably used SSL without realising it.

When websites request sensitive information from a visitor, like financial details or a password, they will use an SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) certificate to encrypt the information sent between the visitor’s web browser and the web server. This ensures that their confidential details cannot be read as they are sent across the internet.

If your website has an SSL certificate associated with it, a padlock icon will appear next to the URL so that visitors can immediately see that your site is secure. Furthermore, the address of your webpages will normally start with https://, instead of http://.

Padlock icon

If you request any customer information as part of your website, then we highly recommend that you purchase an SSL certificate.

What is the difference between the SSL certificates offered by 123 Reg?

Domain SSL Certificateideal if you have recently launched your own online business. Offers quick issuance SSL with high encryption (128-256 bit). In times of phishing and identity theft, your customers look to you to secure information sent over the Internet with the strongest encryption from the most credible security providers. With a Domain SSL Certificate, your padlock will be activated within minutes, allowing you to provide secure financial transactions, account logins and online services through your website as soon as possible.

Domain SSL Wildcard Certificate offers all the features of a Domain SSL with the added benefit of saving you time, administration and money. Typically, a standard SSL Certificate is only issued to a single domain name, which means it can only be used on the exact domain (including subdomain) to which it has been issued. With a Wildcard SSL certificate, you easily get around this restriction by issuing your certificate to *.domain.com which will allow you to secure an unlimited number of subdomains associated with that domain. For more information about Wildcard SSL certificates, please read the following article: What is a Wildcard SSL certificate?

Organisation SSL  Certificateideal if your website is well-established, busy and growing. Offers the same features and benefits as the Domain SSL, with the further advantage of being org-validated. This means that customers will be able to see your validated company details within the SSL Certificate, further ensuring their trust in your business.

Organisation SSL Wildcard  Certificate offers all the features of an Organisation SSL with the added benefit of saving you time, administration and money. Typically, a standard SSL Certificate is only issued to a single domain name, which means it can only be used on the exact domain (including subdomain) to which it has been issued. With a Wildcard SSL certificate, you easily get around this restriction by issuing your certificate to *.domain.com which will allow you to secure an unlimited number of subdomains associated with that domain. For more information about Wildcard SSL certificates, please read the following article: What is a Wildcard SSL certificate?

Extended Validation SSL (EV SSL)  Certificateideal if your business site is well-established, busy and growing and you want the best security you can get for your site. Provides a higher level of trust and assurance than any other certificate available. For more information about EV SSL certificates, please read the following article: What is an Extended Validation SSL certificate?

Please note: If you wish to purchase an Organisation or Extended SSL certificate, you will be required to undergo a more thorough vetting process carried out by our SSL-partner company, Starfield Technologies. For more information about the vetting process, please click here.

Why should a company use EV SSL?

  1. Protect your customer’s accounts from phishing attacks – any website that gives their customers accounts is a potential phishing target.
  2. Protect your brand from copycat websites – ensure customers know the site claiming to be you really is you.
  3. Elevate your site image – position your brand against the big brands, thousands of which have already adopted EV SSL.

Please note: If you wish to purchase an Organisation or Extended SSL certificate, you will be required to undergo a more thorough vetting process carried out by our SSL-partner company, Starfield Technologies. For more information about the vetting process, please click here.