Dedicated vs shared SSL

SSL (Secure Socket Layer) is a protocol for encrypting data that is transmitted over the Internet. It is commonly used on websites where users are required to provide sensitive information such as passwords or credit card details. When a browser is pointed to a website that has an SSL certificate installed on it, the browser performs an SSL handshake with the server to verify that the website is legitimate. Once verified, a secure session begins and the data transmitted between the browser and server is encrypted and secure.

What is a shared SSL certificate?

A shared SSL certificate is shared among many users rather than specifically used for one domain name. For example, customers who have websites running on our Cloud Hosting Litespeed server are able to access their websites via a shared SSL connection by visiting: https://securesite-1.ssllock.net/your-domain-name.tld/

This essentially provides the same level of security and encryption as purchasing a dedicated SSL certificate however because it's shared by many users, the URL does not look as professional or unique.

What is a dedicated SSL certificate?

A dedicated SSL certificate is purchased for a specific domain name and will only work with that one specific domain name. It is installed onto the server where the domains website resides and allows visitors to access the website securely via: https://your-domain-name.tld.

Most businesses prefer using a dedicated SSL certificate as it appears more professional to visitors.