Secure Certificate Support

If you have any questions not answered below, please call +44 (0)870 609 4127 or e-mail auto-support@firstserv.com.

What is a Secure Certificate?

A digital certificate is a file which contains information on the company to which it refers. The certificate also holds a "public key" for the company, and a "digital signature" of a trusted organisation.

Each machine communicating using digital certificates has their own "public key". When two machines communicate they exchange public keys; each uses the others public keys to encrypt the information. When the other machine receives their data, encrypted using their "public key", they use a protected internal "private key" to decode the information. It is this "private key" which prevents anyone from decoding their information.

The trusted organisation only issues certificates for companies or individuals after performing careful checks. The trusted organisation is usually referred to as a "certification authority" and is an organisation which is trusted by major software companies including those which produce browsers. One such organisation is thawte.com - there are a number of examples on their website regarding authentication and verification procedures.

Why do I need one?

A digital certificate is used to encrypt sensitive information, such as passwords and credit card details. Without a certificate, data would be sent across the Internet using plain text, this could be intercepted and read. When a page shows https:// in the URL and a padlock at the bottom

then encryption is in force.

Certificates Available

• SSL123 Certificates - up to 256-bit

  SSL123 is thawte's entry level certificate which provides validation that your domain is registered and that you have authorized the purchase of the certificate. Through SSL encryption, the certificate assures that information is kept private between your web server and your client's web browsers.

  SSL123 Certificates can be issued faster than other certificates.

• SSL Standard Web Server Certificates - 128bit

  The standard web server certificate offers 128, 56 or 40-bit encryption, depending on the client's browser capability. If the client's browser only operates at 40-bit encryption then all communication will be at that lower encryption level. This is the most popular certificate.

• SGC SuperCerts

  The Thawte SGC SuperCert offers automatic step-up technology that connects at a minimum of 128-bit, no matter which browser your client is using. A Thawte SGC SuperCert is recommended for communication with international browsers, as some of these still use 40-bit or 56-bit encryption

• Wildcard Certificates

  A wildcard certificate allows different subdomains to use one certificate. For instance, only one wildcard certificate would be needed to cover www.domain.com, www2.domain.com and www3.domain.com, instead of 3 certificates.

• Licences

  If multiple servers in a cluster are being protected, it is not necessary to pay twice for the same URL. A 'licence' is issued for the secondary server(s), and this is cheaper than purchasing another certificate.

• Trusted Thawte site seal

  The thawte Trusted Site Seal is a dynamic image appearing on your website that allows visitors to tell at a glance that they can trust you, that your online site is validated and that they can transact safely and securely with you. This is issued Free with the above certificates.

  To order a thawte site seal, please contact thawte directly. You will need your Order Number of the Certificate and your password.

  Instructions: click here

Other Considerations

Each secure certificate requires a unique IP address. This means that when ordering web space, please inform us if you intend to use a secure certificate on your site. A personal IP address will be allocated.

What information do i need to provide to get one?

The following information will be required.

• Name of the Company - The Name of the person or Organisation who require the certificate.
• Department - or the Organisational Unit, e.g. Internet Sales. This can also be the Trading Name
• Country for where organisation is based. (This is GB if based in the UK)
• County, State or Province.
• City
• Name of the Domain or the Common name - exact FQDN (fully qualified domain name) to be secured e.g. www.mydomain.com
• Length of Certificate Required (e.g. 1 or 2 years)
• Corporate Contact - the person who can confirm by telephone that the domain belongs to the company or will need to prove via a signed letter.
• Email address for contact.

The following documentation may also needed to obtain a SSL certificate:

• A VAT Registration document. - The company will be checked through Companies House, if this proves impossible (i.e. the company is not a plc) then a company registration document (e.g. a VAT registration document) can be used - it is best if this is sent at the time of registration if it is thought a Companies House check will fail. If the Companies House check and the registration document prove impossible then a bank must provide details of an account for the company - and this may involve a bank stamped letter.

• If you believe that Thawte will be unable to obtain a telephone number for your organization through a trusted third party source then a phone bill for the company will be required. This allows Thawte to confirm that the corporate contact is valid when contacting. If no phone bill exists then this is done via letter.

• The company owns the domain or can prove it is registered to them. Normally a Whois search is performed on the domain and no more action is required - if it is not registered to the requesting company then a domain release letter will be required - this is sent via email to the Corporate contact.

If you need to send any documents regarding the secure certificate please fax them to Firstserv: 020 7536 7940

Set up and Charges for a SSL123 Thawte Certificate

• Year 1: GBP 50 Annual cost, + plus certificate $149.00
• For each subsequent year: GBP 50, + plus certificate $149.00

Set up and Charges for a SSL Standard Thawte Certificate

• Year 1:GBP 50 Annual cost, + plus certificate $199.00
• For each subsequent year: GBP 50, + plus certificate $159.00

Set up and Charges for a SGC SuperCert Thawte Certificate

• Year 1: GBP 50 Annual cost, + plus certificate $449.00
• For each subsequent year: GBP 50, + plus certificate $339.00

Set up and Charges for a Wildcard Thawte Certificate

• Year 1: GBP 50 Annual cost, + plus certificate $799.00
• For each subsequent year: GBP 50, + plus certificate $799.00

Set up and Charges for a 128bit Verisign Certificate

• Year 1:GBP 50 Annual cost, + plus certificate $349.00
• for each subsequent year: GBP 50, + plus certificate $349.00

	We recommend Thawte, and are authorised resellers.
	Also available, Verisign

To obtain a certificate will usually take a maximum of five working days, although this may be quicker.

Customer Support Home  |  Top of Page