Free SSL Protection with ScalaHosting and Let's Encrypt
ScalaHosting partners with Let's Encrypt, one of the leading certificate authorities, to offer free SSL solutions with zero effort from your side.
Once a Scala client, an SSL will be activated for your account automatically, regardless if you are on an SPanel or cPanel server. No need for support requests or any extra payments.
You can also ensure domain validation on all your subdomains with a free wildcard SSL. Simply contact us, and our technicians will handle the installation for you!
External SSL Certificate Price List
- RapidSSL$30 / year
- GeoTrust QuickSSL Premium$95 / year
- GeoTrust True BusinessID$100 / year
- GeoTrust True Business ID with EV$225 / year
- GeoTrust True Business ID Wildcard$450 / year
- RapidSSL Wildcard$149 / year
- Symantec Secure Site$360 / year
- Symantec Secure Site Pro$799 / year
- Symantec Secure Site EV$799 / year
- Symantec Secure Site Pro EV$1199 / year
Learn More about SSL Certificates
What is an SSL Certificate?
SSL is short for Secure Socket Layer, a security protocol that utilizes advanced encryption mechanisms to secure the connection between a web server and the user's browser. Websites protected by an SSL are indicated with a site seal—a padlock icon in the address bar.
The SSL contains information about the certificate authority (issuing company), a public key (for encrypting data), and a private key (for decrypting it).
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A visitor clicks to see certain website content
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Their browser sends an identification request to the web server
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The server returns a copy of the SSL certificate as a response
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The browser checks it and signals the web servers if all is ok
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The server delivers the website content
Why do you need an SSL certificate?
There are more than a few reasons why an SSL certificate is essential for every single domain you own.
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Keep confidential information safe
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Establish trust in your brand
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Increase protection against hackers
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Protect your business name and user data
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Comply with PCI standards for online transactions
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Improve search engine ranks
SSL Certificate Types
Not sure which type of SSL certificate can best protect your website's identity? Let us help you make the best choice!
Standard SSL Certificates
The most common type of digital certificate is configured to supply an encrypted link for a single domain name and website. It covers both the www and non-www versions of the domain and includes basic encryption and a trust indicator (site seal).
Ideal for: The standard SSL is the go-to choice for most online projects that utilize a single domain. This includes member-only spaces, webmail, personal websites, blogs, and any pages that require inputting login credentials.
Wildcard SSL Certificates
Wildcard certificates ensure the protection of both a domain name and all subdomains associated with it. The name comes from the wildcard character (*), which is used to protect everything related to the domain. For example, *.yourdomain.com can secure mail.yourdomain.com, shop.yourdomain.com, forum.yourdomain.com, etc.
Ideal for: Businesses that utilize subdomains instead of subfolders as a site structure. Also suitable for international projects with multilingual website versions.
Extended Validation Certificates (EV)
EV SSL certificates are the most advanced methods of data protection for any online business. Obtaining such a certificate requires the company to pass a 16-point verification through a globally recognized process by the Certification Authority / Browser. While Domain Validation (DV) and Organization Validation (OV) are still valid methods for encrypting user information, none are as detailed as an EV SSL.
Ideal for: Large enterprises and big online shops that cannot make any compromises with the security of their visitors. Fortune 500 companies, banks, financial institutions, and government organizations all host websites for which an EV SSL certificate is a must.
Free Domain Features Included
Instant Activation
We understand that you may want your newly purchased SSL certificate to start working right away, and that is why we offer your instant activation. Once your SSL registration is complete and your certificate is installed, your browser-server communication will become encrypted instantly.
Free Installation
Sometimes, configuring your SSL protocol might be troublesome and time-consuming, especially if you have to do it yourself. This is not the case with ScalaHosting, as our skilled SSL experts will install your digital certificate for you at no added cost. Whether you get a free Let's Encrypt SSL or buy an external solution - the installation is on us!
7-day Moneyback Guarantee
Don't worry if unexpected circumstances lead to your SSL certificate becoming unneeded or obsolete. If you cancel your premium SSL certificate purchase within the first seven days - we will return your money, no questions asked. A risk-free investment to protect your online premises.
Get Unlimited Free SSL Certificate for Multiple Domains on our Managed Cloud VPS
Every managed VPS client with ScalaHosting can enjoy a feature-packed account with plenty of dedicated system resources. Among the free extras, you will find free security certificates from Let's Encrypt. You will get an SSL certificate issued for each of your domain names, not just the primary one.
Naturally, the SSL solutions are just the tip of the iceberg. Contact the Scala Team to see what else we can do to secure your online project.
SSL Certificate FAQ
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Do I need an SSL certificate?
While you are not obliged to install a security certificate on your website, it is highly advisable to have one regardless of your project. An SSL will guarantee an encrypted link between user browsers and your server, as well as an added SEO benefit for your pages. Every reliable web host offers some kind of free option, so it doesn't make any sense to skip that security measure.
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What are the requirements for an SSL certificate?
When getting an SSL certificate, the only thing you really need to do is make sure it is issued by a Certificate Authority (CA). This is a third-party organization authorized to issue such solutions. The CA controls the private key used to verify that the SSL is legitimate and devices can recognize it.
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What types of SSL certificates are there?
There are three main types of SSL certificates, depending on their validation level.
The Domain Validated certificate (DV SSL) can be issued to any organization that can prove ownership of its domain name.
The next-level option is an Organization Validated certificate (OV SSL). If you want to obtain such certification, your business must undergo a manual vetting procedure, which verifies its name, address, and other contact info.
The Extended Validation SSL (EV SSL) is the most detailed and trustworthy certificate type. The verification procedure includes information about the business registration, place of operation, and many more. Once passed, your URL will appear in a green bar.
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How long is an SSL certificate valid for?
The expiration date for each Let's Encrypt SSL certificate, regardless of the type, is set to three months. This means that you will have to renew your SSL every three months to avoid losing its protection and getting error messages from user browsers. If you have opted for the free certificate option from ScalaHosting, we will renew your SSL automatically.
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How to check if an SSL is valid?
The easiest way to check if a website you are visiting has a valid certificate and the SSL works correctly is to put an "s" after the HTTP part of its URL address. For example, if the site URL is http://sitename.com, you can change it to https://sitename.com and see if it loads correctly or displays an error message.