SSL Certificate FAQ

These FAQs address questions about VeriSign’s SSL services and SSL technology in general. For help with enrollment, installation, renewal, or revocation, go to Support for SSL .

SSL Basics >>

• What is Secure Sockets Layer (SSL)?
• What is Public Key Infrastructure (PKI)?
• What is Extended Validation (EV) SSL?
• What is Server-Gated Cryptography (SGC)?
• What is a Certification Authority (CA)?
• What is a Certificate Signing Request (CSR)?
• Can I secure multiple servers with a single certificate?
• How do I download the VeriSign Secured Seal for my Web site?
• Can I try an SSL Certificate before purchasing?
• What is the VeriSign Certificate Center?
• What is the VeriSign Secured Partner Program?

SSL Encryption >>

• Is 128-bit SSL encryption really stronger than 40-bit SSL encryption?
• What level of encryption do I need for my Web site?
• A lot of companies advertise 128-bit certificates, but they don’t have SGC. What is the difference between VeriSign’s SSL Certificates and those of other SSL providers?
• What do I need to know about Windows 2000 and 128-bit encryption?
• Do VeriSign’s SSL Certificates work with all browsers?

Extended Validation SSL >>

• What is Extended Validation SSL?
• What is the Extended Validation Standard?
• How will Extended Validation SSL increase consumer confidence?
• What are the benefits of Extended Validation SSL to Web site owners?
• Who is eligible to receive an EV SSL Certificate?
• Where can I buy an Extended ValidationSSL Certificate?
• What type of additional documentation does VeriSign require?
• Can I renew SSL Certificates and add the Extended Validation Standard?
• What is EV Upgrader™ and how does it work?

VeriSign Secured™ Seal >>

• What is the VeriSign Secured Seal?
• Why is it important to display the VeriSign Secured Seal on my Web site?
• How much does the VeriSign Secured Seal cost?
• How do I install the VeriSign Secured Seal on my Web site?
• How soon will the VeriSign Secured Seal display on my site?
• Do I need to reinstall the seal after renewing my SSL Certificate?
• Why should I install the animated version of the seal?
• Where should I display the VeriSign Secured Seal on my Web site?
• Why isn’t there a time and date stamp or organization name on the VeriSign Secured Seal?
• Can I customize the VeriSign Secured Seal?
• What should I do if I discover a seal that is being misused?
• What is the difference between the VeriSign Secured Seal and the VeriSign Secured Partner Program?

Business Identity Authentication >>

• Why is it important for VeriSign to verify my business identity?
• How did VeriSign set their validation process?
• What will I need to provide in order for VeriSign to verify my business identity?
• What type of documentation does VeriSign require for Extended Validation SSL Certificates?
• How long does verification take?
• Which VeriSign SSL products and services require business identity verification?
• What measures does VeriSign take to make sure its business identity verification is accurate?

SSL Renewal >>

• Can I renew my SSL Certificate without a challenge phrase?
• How do I know if instant issuance applies to my renewal?
• When should I start the renewal process?
• How often will I need to renew my SSL Certificates?
• What is the status of my renewal order?
• How do I renew a certificate if my information has changed?
• Can I renew my SSL Certificate by email?
• Can I renew SSL Certificates and add the Extended Validation Standard?

SSL Services >>

• Which VeriSign SSL Certificates are capable of 128-bit encryption?
• Which VeriSign SSL Certificates are capable of 256-bit encryption?
• Which VeriSign SSL Certificates trigger the green address bar in high security browsers?
• Which VeriSign services are available to companies located outside the U.S.?
• Can I share SSL Certificates on multiple servers with the same domain name?
• What is Managed PKI for SSL?
• Can I purchase multiple certificates without buying Managed PKI for SSL?
• What are the responsibilities of the administrator for Managed PKI for SSL?
• What if someone from my organization orders a certificate directly from VeriSign rather than from our Managed PKI for SSL administrator?
• Do I need software or hardware to manage SSL Certificates with Managed PKI for SSL?

Trial SSL Certificate >>

• I was not able to install my Free 14 Day Trial SSL Certificate. Can I get another Trial SSL Certificate valid for an additional 14 days? 
• Why do I receive a dialog box stating that the browser does not recognize the Certificate Authority that issued my VeriSign Trial SSL Certificate?
• What is the CA Root and why do I have to install it on all client browsers?