SSL FAQ Overview
This FAQ answers common questions related to SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) in Evolution Hosting. Please feel free to contact support with any questions or suggestions.

1. SSL FAQ Overview
2. SSL FAQ Contents
3. How Does Evolution Hosting support SSL encryption?
4. What is the typical process to set up SSL?

How Does Evolution Hosting support SSL encryption?
Users who wish to use SSL encryption for their site may purchase an encryption key from any of the industry recognized vendors. Once purchased, the user's site is updated with the key and SSL-enabled.

What is the typical process to set up SSL?

Evolution Hosting strongly recommends that customers first obtain a Dunn & Bradstreet number (D&B D-U-N-S Number) in order to obtain a signed SSL certificate. The D-U-N-S Number is a unique nine-digit identification sequence, which provides unique identifiers of single business entities, while linking corporate family structures together. The SSL Certificate Authorities (E.g., Thawte or Verisign ), who authorize SSL Certificates, use D-U-N-S numbers to make certain that certificate requests are valid and not fraudulent.

Note that the D-U-N-S number should correspond to the owner of the URL that the certificate will serve. For example, if a certificate is being requested for www.CustomYachts.com, attempting to use a D-U-N-S number for Great Java Programmers, Inc. may be rejected by the Certificate Authority. Rather a D-U-N-S number for Custom Yachts, Inc. would be preferable.

The process works like this:

1. Customer sends Evolution Hosting the D-U-N-S number and the requested SSL URL.
2. Evolution Hosting generates an initial certificate and requests a signed certificate from the Certificate Authority using the provided D-U-N-S number.
3. Customer works with the Certificate Authority to verify their identity.
4. Certificate Authority generates final certificate and Evolution Hosting installs it on the production server.

Note that step three is the step that is impacted by the use of a D-U-N-S number. With a D-U-N-S number, step three is relatively fast and painless. Without a D-U-N-S number, step three is long and requires furnishing documents such as articles of incorporation and Financial statements. Perhaps most importantly, without a D-U-N-S number the long and tedius process must be repeated every twelve months.