HTTPS Certificate Overview

HTTPS Certificates are a way to ensure your customer's information does not get into the wrong hands and helps protect their security of purchasing from you.

How HTTPS Certificates Work

When an HTTPS page is submitted, the certificate ensures the identity of the domain and that the information is being to a verified address rather than a side/non-secure location. A message will appear to a website visitor if there was a problem with the process (such as not being able to access the HTTPS Certificate or that it’s out of date) and ask how you want to proceed.

The Need for HTTPS Certificates

HTTPS Certificates are absolutely necessary if your website accepts sensitive information, such as credit card payments. Ensuring your HTTPS Certificate details are predominately displayed on your website helps visitors feel more comfortable with their transactions.

Your own HTTPS Certificate vs a Shared one

Though you can acquire HTTPS Certification through a shared HTTPS Certificate (such as shared ones provided by some web hosting companies) for very minimal (if any) cost, it's highly recommended that you purchase your own. In addition to having complete control of your HTTPS Certificate, you won't need to worry about someone else not renewing the certificate or not installing it properly. Also, by having your own HTTPS Certificate, the website page address will show your domain name rather than the shared account (http://wwwmydomain.com vs https://www.myhostingcompany.com/mydomaincom)