Understanding Your Free SSL Certificate (AutoSSL)
Welcome to Eastern Shore Web Services! Security is a top priority, which is why your hosting account comes equipped with AutoSSL. This feature ensures that your website is automatically secured with an SSL certificate right out of the box, giving your site that reassuring padlock icon in the browser.
What is AutoSSL and How Capable Is It?
AutoSSL is an automated system that provisions and renews free, Domain Validated (DV) SSL certificates for your websites. These certificates are highly capable and provide the exact same industry-standard 256-bit encryption as most paid certificates.
- Automatic Installation: AutoSSL runs automatically in the background. As soon as your domain points to our servers, AutoSSL will request and install a certificate.
- Auto-Renewing: You never have to worry about your certificate expiring. The system handles renewals automatically before the expiration date.
- Perfect for Most Sites: If you are running a blog, a portfolio, or a standard informational website, AutoSSL provides all the encryption you need to keep your visitors safe.
Why Might I Need a Paid SSL Certificate?
While AutoSSL is fantastic for encryption, it only verifies domain ownership. If you are running an e-commerce store, handling sensitive customer data, or operating a large corporate website, there are several reasons you might want to upgrade to a premium, paid SSL certificate:
- Organization and Extended Validation (OV/EV): Premium certificates verify your actual, physical business identity, not just your domain name. This adds a critical layer of trust for customers who want to know exactly who they are doing business with.
- Financial Warranties: Unlike free certificates, paid SSL certificates come with warranties (often ranging from $10,000 to over $1,000,000). This provides financial protection in the highly unlikely event of a certificate failure or encryption breach.
- Site Trust Seals: Premium certificates usually provide a dynamic site seal that you can display on your checkout pages to visibly increase customer confidence and boost conversions.
- Longer Validity Periods: Paid certificates generally have longer validity periods, which means fewer background renewals and less chance of a temporary lapse in coverage.
We Are Here to Help
Please note that AutoSSL relies on DNS. When you first sign up or point a new domain to Eastern Shore Web Services, it may take a little time for the free SSL to fully activate and secure your site. If your website displays a "Not Secure" warning for an extended period, or if you have questions about upgrading to a premium certificate to protect your e-commerce store, please open a ticket with our support team!
