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. SSL stands for secure sockets layer (you never know, it might come up in a quiz sometime), and it's most commonly used when websites request sensitive information from a visitor, like a password or credit card number. If you've ever bought anything online, you've probably used SSL without realising it. Most web browsers display a padlock when you're viewing a site over SSL, so you know the connection is secure. SSL Certificates are digital certificates that authenticate the identity of a Web site to visiting browsers and encrypt information for the server via Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) technology. The address of pages viewed over SSL also normally starts https://, instead of http://.When you buy SSL, you're actually buying an SSL certificate. This is issued by a trusted authority and identifies your site or business. You can then install this onto your domain name in order to encrypt pages on your website. If you have a website package with us, we'll automatically install your SSL Certificate for you.

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. SSL stands for secure sockets layer (you never know, it might come up in a quiz sometime), and it's most commonly used when websites request sensitive information from a visitor, like a password or credit card number. If you've ever bought anything online, you've probably used SSL without realising it. Most web browsers display a padlock when you're viewing a site over SSL, so you know the connection is secure.

You can use our SSL certificates to secure any website you run. But people usually use them to protect ecommerce sites, or in situations where their website is exchanging sensitive information. For instance:

• Entering credit card details
• Logging in with a username and password
• Viewing or sending emails
• Downloading a customer database
• Online banking or sharing financial details
• Private chat rooms

You can use our SSL certificates in two ways: With domains you host and manage through EyHost. As standalone certificates. You can install your SSL certificates where ever you like - even on other hosting services. We'll explain exactly how to set everything up when you buy the certificate.

All our SSL certificates work with the vast majority of web browsers, including Internet Explorer, Firefox, Opera, Google Chrome and Safari. The proportion of people using browsers which aren't compatible with our SSL certificates is tiny - around 1% - and as our certificates comply with industry standards, you'll encounter this problem with any SSL certificate provider.

Once your SSL cert has been purchased, the next step is to have a CSR code generated on the server where your website is hosted. You will need to have a dedicated IP address, or SNI technology active any shared servers. Using a web host that supports third-party SSL certificates, is important, as well, but if you are a EyHost hosting customer, this requirement has already been fulfilled. Read more detailed instructions about activating your SSL cert.

When you change your hosting service, believe that your CSR/RSA pair has been compromised, or replace the domain name(s) for which the SSL was issued, you need to have your SSL encryption certificate reissued. Changes to contact details in the certificate may require a reissue, as well. To begin the process, you must generate a new CSR/RSA pair and save your RSA for further installation. Be sure to save your RSA for later steps in the installation. This can usually be done by the user, but your hosting provider may be able to assist. At EyHost, there is no cost to reissue your SSL certificate.

When you purchase an SSL certificate, an expiration date is encoded by the certificate authority, and cannot be changed. Beginning 30 days prior to the expiration, but before the actual expiry date, you must complete the renewal process. When you use EyHost as your SSL provider, we will contact you via email during the renewal window to remind you to take action. The process is easy, and requires only four steps. Learn more about the SSL renewal process.