SSL Resources

“What does SSL certificate encryption strength mean?” In this post, we'll break down what “SSL encryption strength” means and help you learn how to make an informed decision about the best SSL certificate for your website security. But, before we dive into SSL/HTTPS encryption strength, let's first understand how SSL encryption works.

IoT SSL Certificates for Connected Device Security – All You Need to Know

We'll actually break down what an IoT device certificate is, what it does, and why people commonly refer to it (mistakenly) as an IoT SSL certificate. But before we dive into that, let’s understand why IoT security is essential.

Why Do I Need an Email Digital Certificate?

We’ll talk about email digital certificates in this post — but, first, we have a question for you: Do you know why do sharks migrate to another place? Yes, you guessed it correctly — because they’re in search of new prey. Now remember this fact for later — you’re going to need it.

What Is a Website Security Certificate and Why Do I Need One?

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Do you want people to find your ecommerce website? And do you want them to feel comfortable and confident using it to make purchases? Then you need a website security certificate, or what’s known as a website certificate for short. Why? Because it’ll help you to achieve all of these things and more.

How to Solve the ‘Certificate Not Secure’ Error in Email on Android

(3 votes, average: 3.67)

Are you facing the dreaded ‘certificate not secure’ email error on your Android device? Are you frustrated that your email data isn’t as secure as you’d like? If the answer to the first question is yes, answer of the second question is obviously a yes as well. Well, we understand your frustration and that’s the reason why we’re actually creating this post.

What Is an RSA Algorithm in Cryptography?

“What is RSA encryption?” and “What is an RSA algorithm?” These are two of the first questions someone who hasn’t dealt with SSL/TLS certificates before asks when they come across the term “RSA.” RSA is a term quite commonly used when it comes to cryptography. RSA is a modern cryptographic algorithm that encrypts and decrypts data. It was invented by mathematicians named Rivest, Shamir and Adleman (hence where the name “RSA” was derived) in year 1978.

SSL Certificate Authority — What You Should Know About SSL Authority Organizations

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If you’re trying to understand what an SSL certificate authority is, let’s consider a few analogies: If public key infrastructure (PKI) was a tree, certificate authority (CA) would be its trunk; if it was a car, CA would be its chassis; if it was a chair, CA would be its sturdy frame. Well, we’re getting too much off track, but you get the point, right?

An X509 Certificate — All You Need to Know About X.509 Security

(3 votes, average: 3.00)

What exactly is an X.509 certificate? Here’s the answer

In cryptography, X.509 is a standard format for public key certificates. A digital certificate that uses the SSL X.509 standard is regarded as an “X.509 certificate,” although you sometimes may

HTTPS & SSL Certificates Explained: Website Security 101

If you seek a simple yet profound understanding of SSL certificates, then you've come to the right place. In this post, we'll explain HTTPS and SSL/TLS certificates in language that you can easily understand. That’s why we have “HTTPS and SSL certificates explained” in the title. But before we dive deep into SSL certificates and how they work, let's first have a look at how the world looked before SSL certificates.

Do I Need a Dedicated IP for SSL?

(3 votes, average: 3.67)

Two very common questions people ask us are “do I need a dedicated IP for SSL?” and “Is SSL without a dedicated IP possible?” Both related questions are understandable because SSL/TLS certificates as a concept can be pretty confusing thing to deal with at times — especially if you’re coming across it for the first time. And that’s why we’re here — to help you make sense of topics relating to SSL.

MacOS Codesign: How Do I Sign a File with a Code Signing Certificate in MacOS?

Whether you’re here because you’re looking for a “macOS codesign” solution or another variation of the statement, we’ve got you covered. If you’re thinking of signing your file or software using a certificate authority in macOS, you’re definitely thinking in the right direction. A code signing certificate is a great way to protect software from being compromised and provides assurance to users that the software/app they’re about to install is from you and is genuine. Because it asserts your company’s name and signature, the code signing process establishes an element of trust in a user’s mind. And, as a result, enhances reputation of your company.

Hashing vs Encryption — Simplifying the Differences

Ah, yes, hashing vs encryption. For those of you who have no idea as to what hashing or encryption is, it’s pretty much like a blank paper that we’ll fill in for you momentarily. But for those of you who have a vague understanding of either hashing or encryption, you may still have some confusion as to whether hashing and encryption are the same thing or if they’re two different processes.

6 SSL Certificate Best Practices to Improve Your Website Security

From “do we even need SSL?” to “we don't have SSL yet?” — the world of website security has witnessed a dramatic change in the attitude of website owners. An SSL certificate is no longer a luxury for them; it's an absolute necessity. Regardless of whether your goal is to avoid security warnings displaying in browsers for non-HTTPS sites or to enjoy the SEO advantage given to HTTPS sites, it’s important that you follow SSL certificate best practices.

A SSL Certificate File Extension Explanation: PEM, PKCS7, DER, and PKCS#12

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There’s no doubt that the world of SSL certificates can be highly confusing for someone who is new to the industry. One of the reasons behind this is the different formats in which SSL certificates are issued. Yes, you read that right: SSL certificates can be issued in various formats such as CER, CRT, DER, PEM, P7B, P7S, PFX, P12, etc. That’s because SSL certificates are issued with different certificate file extensions or in different file formats — such as a PKCS7 certificate or a DER certificate — based on their encoding and the information they store.

SHA2 SSL/TLS Certificates: All You Need to Know

SSL. TLS. SHA-1. SHA-2. SHA2 certificates. If you're even a little bit exposed to the world of SSL/TLS certificates, you must've realized that it's full of weird acronyms that mean nothing that they sound like. Today, we're going to talk about one such acronym that puzzles many. Yes, we're going to talk about SHA2 and how it’s used in the security implemented by SSL certificates.

OCSP & SSL Certificates — All You Need to Know About OCSP Protocol

We know you’re here to learn about online certificate status protocol (OCSP), but first, imagine if you're a web browser (yes, we're serious). In this scenario, one of your users types in the URL of an SSL-enabled website. Because you're a browser, you're supposed to visit the website, fetch it and show it to your user. So, how would you verify that the certificate of the website is valid?? How do you know whether a certificate authority (CA) hasn’t revoked the certificate?

How to Renew Your Code Signing Certificate in 6 Easy Steps

Keeping an up-to-date code signing certificate is essential for every developer. After all, you need a valid code signing certificate to sign your software and executables so they’re trusted by all of the major browsers. In this article, we’ll walk you through how to renew a code signing certificate — but, first, let’s consider an example:

What is a Premium SSL Certificate & Benefits of Premium SSL?

What Is Premium SSL Certificate?

“Premium SSL certificates” are distinguished variants of the standard SSL certificate. They are specially designed for securing e-commerce websites and come packed with enhanced features and additional

Is It Safe to Use 256 Bit SSL Encryption for Website Security?

Is 256 bit SSL encryption safe? Yes. In fact, 256 bit SSL encryption is actually considered the standard when it comes to website security. But when it comes to understanding 256 bit security in terms of its certificate, hashing algorithm, and keys, there’s a surprising amount you need to know. It’s not just about the certificate itself — that’s only part of the equation when it comes to website security.

Microsoft EV Code Signing Certificate — What to Know & How to Get One

As a developer, you’re responsible for creating the best software possible. Of course, part of that responsibility extends to ensuring that what you create is trusted by clients — otherwise, what’s the point? This requires the use of code signing certificates. But if you want to achieve instant application reputation from Microsoft SmartScreen, the only way to do so is by using a Microsoft EV code signing certificate… well, really, any extended validation (EV) code signing certificate.

What is A Root CA Certificate and How Do I Download It?

Every root CA certificate is the reason that SSL certificates are regarded as the standard basis for website security today. Considering cybercrime damages are projected to reach $6 trillion annually by 2021, keeping your business’s cyber security measures in check should be at the top of your priority list.

How to Get a Comodo Digital Signature Certificate for Email & Documents

Having both your emails and documents secured and encrypted can be very useful to your business. How, you may ask? By using a Comodo digital certificate. This type of Comodo signature certificate secures your emails and documents through encryption and increases the trust the recipient has for you and the reputation of your business. And who doesn’t want that?

What is an EV Certificate?

If you’re here because you’re wondering “what is an EV certificate?” you’ve come to the right place. Extended validation (EV) SSL certificates are often regarded as the premium tier of SSL certificates — and for good reason.

Back Up or Export an SSL Certificate with a Private Key

Many users believe that once they’ve installed an SSL certificate on a web server, they can’t back up or export the certificate and install it on another server. Well guess what? They’re wrong. You absolutely can export a certificate with its private key.

TLS vs SSL vs HTTPS: What’s the Difference?

TLS, SSL, HTTPS. TLS vs SSL. SSL vs HTTPS. Acronym soup. The world of website security acronyms can be almost as annoying as that Deangelo Vickers character from the TV show “The Office” if you’re just getting to know about it. Although Deangelo Vickers will always win this battle, in my opinion, at least we can turn him off and watch something else. But when it comes to the acronyms and lingo of the cyber security industry, there’s no option but to learn suck it up and learn them. So, let’s get started by talking about each and what the difference is between SSL and HTTPS, and where TLS fits in.

128 Bit SSL Encryption: What You Need to Know

There are two possible reasons why you're reading this post right now. The first is that you're exploring SSL certificate options, and you stumbled across the term “128 bit SSL encryption.” The second possible case could be that you came across this term on an ecommerce site or somewhere else, and your sheer curiosity led you here. In either case, you'll have a good enough idea about 128 bit SSL encryption.

128 Bit vs 256 Bit Encryption SSL: What You Need to Know

As you’re reading this blog post, it’s highly likely that you’ve come across various SSL certificate options of 128 and 256-bit encryption strength. And now you’re probably wondering what the difference is between the two and which is more effective. On the surface, it's evident that the bigger the encryption strength, the better it is. However, there’s more to 128 bit vs 256 bit encryption than just the numbers. And the true strength of encryption lies In this post, we’ll outline what both 128 and 256 bit encryption mean, how they differ, and which one is better for you.

CER vs CRT: The Technical Difference & How to Convert Them

(4 votes, average: 2.75)

CER, CRT, DER, PEM, P7B, P7S, PFX, and P12. Do you feel like pulling your hair when you see so many SSL/TLS certificate formats and extensions? Well, you’re not the only one. In our experience, a person dealing with SSL certificates passes through this stage at least once in their life. So, don’t worry as many have been there (and many are yet to arrive). In the meantime, we want to help by making this phase as short as possible for you. And that’s why we’ve come up with this article — to help you clear up any confusion regarding CER vs CRT files.

Why Do I Need an Email Encryption Certificate for My Outlook?

It may be hard to think about security while you’re writing an email — after all, it’s not like you’re constantly sharing blatantly confidential information through email (at least I hope you aren’t!) like passwords or usernames. However, email security needs to be a top concern, which is why you should use an email encryption certificate.

How Do I Install a Secure Email Certificate in My Outlook?

Hackers continually try to find new ways to steal data from businesses. That’s why it should come as no surprise that 91% of phishing occurs via email. As many as a million phishing emails containing the dreaded Emotet trojan have been known to be sent in a single day! But how can you combat this threat? Having a secure email certificate (also known as S/MIME certificate or an Outlook email encryption certificate) can help your company do precisely that.

Why I Should Conduct an SSL Certificate Price Comparison

An SSL certificate is considered a must-have for any business that operates a website. After all, it’s what enables you to use the HTTPS encrypted protocol to securely transmit data between your end users’ client and your server. As you’ve likely seen when perusing various SSL reseller and certificate authority (CA) websites, though, the prices can vary dramatically from one certificate to the next. But why is that? And what should you consider when you compare SSL certificate prices?

Why Should I Pick HTTPS Instead of HTTP for My Blog?

In the battle of HTTPS instead of HTTP — or vice versa — which comes out on top? Whether you’re holding off on HTTPS because of the rumored costs associated with the protocol or you simply don’t want to go through the hassle of making the switch, it’s something that you need to do. Google deemed it necessary and made it mandatory in 2018 — other major browsers followed suited.

What’s the Best Price for an EV SSL Certificate?

If you’re looking for the best EV SSL certificate at the best price, you’ve come to the right place! Let’s jump into EV SSL certificate prices and how you can get the best deal for your needs.

What is a Software Publisher Certificate? How Do I Get One?

A software publisher certificate (also known as a code signing certificate or a software signing certificate) is a digital certificate that software publishers use to digitally sign software before releasing it to the public and/or their customers. Seems pretty straightforward, right? Let’s go a bit further to explain what that really means.

TLS vs SSL vs HTTPS – What’s the Difference?

That’s a great question. Over the past several years, Google and Mozilla have led a push that encourages all websites to switch from HTTP to HTTPS. This has led to a lot more awareness around website security and internet encryption, but many people find the acronyms a bit confusing. And, quite frankly, we can’t blame them — there are a lot of abbreviations to keep track of when it comes to website security! Let’s break down TLS vs SSL vs HTTPS in simple language.

Can I Get a Free EV SSL Certificate?

(2 votes, average: 5.00)

If you’re looking for an EV SSL certificate, congratulations — you’ve chosen the most exclusive, highly verified SSL certificate for your website. It’s a great way to provide your customers with the maximum information possible so they know they can trust your website.

What Is a CA Signed Certificate & How Do I Get One?

If you’re getting ready to switch your website from HTTP to HTTPS, you may be wondering whether you need to purchase a CA signed certificate for SSL, or if you can just use a self-signed certificate. Here’s what you need to know…

How Do I Get an HTTPS Certificate for My Website?

Thanks to Google’s effort to encourage all websites to switch from HTTP to HTTPS, most web traffic is now on HTTPS. As of October 2019, approximately 90% of web browsing is done over HTTPS! If you own a website, you should buy a HTTPS certificate for your website so you can make the switch, too! Here’s what you need to know about how to get a security certificate for your website.

How Much Does an SSL / HTTPS Certificate Cost?

Since you’re reading this article, you probably already know that you need an HTTPS certificate for your website (technically, they’re called TLS certificates, but they’re colloquially referred to as SSL certificates or HTTPS certificates a lot). The next question you’re probably asking is: what’s the price of an HTTPS certificate? Let’s dive into the key things you need to know to get the lowest HTTPS certificate cost that meets your needs.

What Is an ASV Vulnerability Scan?

Perhaps the most vilified of all the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS) requirements is number 11 — that all organizations accepting payment must perform quarterly scans by an approved scan vendor. These are also known as ASV vulnerability scans. But that’s not all, either. If your organization accepts payment cards, regardless of what level you’re at, compliance is a must.

How Much Does PCI Compliance Cost?

Companies and organizations loathe compliance. It requires attention, labor and expenses to be assumed and there’s really no profit involved. That leads compliance frameworks like Payment Card Industry Data Security Standards (PCI DSS) with a rather onerous reputation, that — in some cases — really isn’t deserved.

What Is a PCI Approved Scanning Vendor?

If you want to be compliant with Payment Card Industry Data Security Standards (PCI DSS), then you’re required to perform quarterly scans of your internal and external networks using an approved scanning vendor, or ASV.

Positive SSL vs Comodo SSL — Are They Really Different?

Although from the same brand, PositiveSSL and Comodo CA branded SSL certificates have a few key differences that makes it easy to differentiate between the two. What is the difference between Positive SSL vs Comodo SSL certificates? The truth is that they’re made for two different purposes — with Positive SSL focusing on the most bang-for-your-buck and Comodo CA providing the most features.

What is an SSL Certificate for Your Mail Server?

(2 votes, average: 4.00)

Servers that host websites aren’t the only ones that need SSL certificates. You need to have an SSL certificate on your mail server, too.

Best WooCommerce SSL Provider — Get Up to 80% Off on WooCommerce SSL

Wondering what WooCommerce SSL is? WooCommerce itself is an open source eCommerce plugin for WordPress. So, what this means is that when someone is talking about a WooCommerce SSL certificate, it means that they’re talking about an SSL certificate that they use on their WooCommerce WordPress website.

DV vs OV vs EV SSL – Which Certificates Are Good for Site Security?

While website security used to be one of the most overlooked aspects to business owners, the rise of cyberattacks has made taking precautions against attackers no longer optional. That’s why making sure that your website has the proper security measures in place is just as important as checking your office is locked at the end of the day. This is where it’s helpful to compare DV vs OV vs EV SSL certificates to see which solution offers the best security for your website.

OV vs EV SSL — What You Should Know About Them

Understanding the difference between OV vs EV SSL is like understanding the difference between two pairs of shoes. While they both essentially serve the same function — both types of x.509 digital certificates help to facilitate encryption and assert identity — they require different levels of effort and have different features. Some shoes are somewhat inexpensive and are made quickly in mass-production environments. Others involve more individual effort, care, and attention.

A DV vs EV Certificate — Why Should I Choose One Over the Other?

When choosing between a DV vs EV certificate, how do you know which is the better option? That depends on whom you ask. Domain validation (DV) and extended validation (EV) are two types of SSL certificates that you can buy for your website. Well, we say buy, but you can actually get some DV SSL certificates for free. So, why wouldn’t you just do that? Here’s why: Identity is important.

How to Solve the Code Signing Error ‘No Profile for Team’

Uh oh. You’ve received an error — something along the lines of “ Code Signing Error: No Profile for Team ” or maybe even “Code Signing Error: No Account for Team.” As you’ve probably seen online, you’re not alone with this issue. But what do either of these messages mean? And how can you address them so you can continue with your software development and publishing tasks?

The Difference Between a Digital Signature vs Digital Certificate