SSL - General
What is SSL?
SSL stands for Secure Sockets Layer, and is used on pages that handle sensitive information such as credit card numbers. By applying a SSL certificate on a website, it is possible to send html pages in an encrypted format so the information is protected during transmission.
The visitor will need to access the page using the prefix 'https' instead of the standard 'http', and in most browsers a padlock or some other symbol will appear to assure the visitor that the site is protected by SSL.
I need to use SSL to protect some pages with sensitive information. What is the process for this?
There are several steps to protecting your site with SSL.
- Issue a Trouble Ticket in the Aquest Hosting control panel requesting a CSR This is a text key you will provide to a SSL provider in step 2.
- You purchase a SSL Certificate from a SSL Certificate provider. Some SSL providers are
- The SSL provider will authenticate you and your site, and will send you the SSL Certificate and instructions for installation.
- You will send to the Aquest support staff:
- SSL Certificate
- Installation instructions.
- A list of files and/or folders that should require SSL.
We will then install your certificate to your site and require SSL on the pages you specified. It is easier if you put all pages that require SSL into folders and require SSL on the entire folder. This way you can add more pages or change pages and as long as they are in the secure folder, no further setup is needed to secure those pages.
Is there a cost involved in setting up SSL?
Yes, there is the cost of purchasing the SSL certificate, which you will pay to the SSL provider you choose, and there is a setup fee and monthly fee you will be charged by Aquest Hosting. Our current pricing can be found at http://www.aquesthosting.com/AddOns.aspx.