Difference between revisions of "SSL FAQs"

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==Where do I get an SSL Certificate?==
 
==Where do I get an SSL Certificate?==
 
Note: Regardless of which option you select below, please contact support@micronetonline.com as your first step so that we can provide helpful direction in this process.
 
Note: Regardless of which option you select below, please contact support@micronetonline.com as your first step so that we can provide helpful direction in this process.
 
  
 
Micronet has selected Cloudflare as the provider of choice for our customers’ SSL certificates. Two options exist for how you can go about getting setup.
 
Micronet has selected Cloudflare as the provider of choice for our customers’ SSL certificates. Two options exist for how you can go about getting setup.
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'''Option 2:''' Use your own IT Services provider to setup the certificate from Cloudflare and verify your website is SSL-ready. This option is helpful in situations where your IT Services provider would like to be directly involved in all configurations of your domain.
 
'''Option 2:''' Use your own IT Services provider to setup the certificate from Cloudflare and verify your website is SSL-ready. This option is helpful in situations where your IT Services provider would like to be directly involved in all configurations of your domain.
 
  
 
Note: If you are a customer using our eCommerce module, the certificate that will be provided by us (Option 1) provides PCI-compliance until June 30, 2018 at which time PCI compliance requirements may dictate that a different certificate be obtained. If you wish to get the June 2018 PCI compliant SSL certificate already now, please let us know. The cost is presently $200/month and would be easily setup instead of the version we will setup now.  However, when viable options are re-evaluated in 2018, we expect there will be more plentiful, affordable options at that time. Your use of ecommerce may also change by then as well. Our Option 1 provides what you need for now at an affordable price.
 
Note: If you are a customer using our eCommerce module, the certificate that will be provided by us (Option 1) provides PCI-compliance until June 30, 2018 at which time PCI compliance requirements may dictate that a different certificate be obtained. If you wish to get the June 2018 PCI compliant SSL certificate already now, please let us know. The cost is presently $200/month and would be easily setup instead of the version we will setup now.  However, when viable options are re-evaluated in 2018, we expect there will be more plentiful, affordable options at that time. Your use of ecommerce may also change by then as well. Our Option 1 provides what you need for now at an affordable price.
 
  
 
==What benefits are providing by going through Cloudflare?==
 
==What benefits are providing by going through Cloudflare?==
  
 
Cloudflare provides additional key benefits including faster performance on website pages due to key features such as their global Content Delivery Network (CDN) and automatic static content caching.  Protection from Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attack is another benefit when implemented through this service.
 
Cloudflare provides additional key benefits including faster performance on website pages due to key features such as their global Content Delivery Network (CDN) and automatic static content caching.  Protection from Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attack is another benefit when implemented through this service.
 +
 +
==How do I decide between your setup option 1 and option 2?==
 +
 +
As noted above already, Micronet has two options for how you go about getting setup with an SSL certificate(s).
 +
 +
'''Option 1:''' (Recommended) Allow Micronet Customer Support to setup, install and manage your SSL certificate(s)
 +
 +
The benefits of having us take care of this for you is the simplicity.  No need to determine what domains need validation, whether you need a single certificate or a wildcard certificate or what validation level you should go with.  Our implementation will provide the requirements necessary for your site without all the questions and without the back and forth between your IT person, your Web Support, and our Customer Support.
 +
 +
'''Option 2:''' Use your own IT Services provider to setup the certificate from Cloudflare and verify your website is SSL-ready.
 +
 +
The reasons for having your IT Services provider take care of this would be if they are a key player in your infrastructure that is regularly involved in your website configuration.  This keeps them in the loop and able to play a continued everyday role in maintaining your site. 
 +
 +
Some customers prefer to have a discussion with their IT Services provider as to what type of validation they should have.  The solution we provide will implement Domain Validation which displays a lock in the URL.  Organization and Extended validation provides the same level of security as the other validation levels, but also displays the organization name in the URL. See info on validation levels here - http://supportwiki.micronetonline.com/SSL_FAQs#What_certificate_options_are_available.3F
 +
  
 
==What certificate options are available?==
 
==What certificate options are available?==

Revision as of 14:02, 3 April 2017


What is SSL?

SSL (Secure Socket Layer), commonly known as HTTPS, is a communication method for the internet which protects website visitors’ information from being stolen or modified while it is being sent from their computer to a website. This is done by verifying the server identity and encrypting the data.

Who can get SSL?

This is available for all customer websites - both SmartCMS sites and non-SCMS sites.

Why would I want SSL?

SSL gives consumers confidence that sensitive information like their credit card numbers will not be intercepted. Having an SSL certificate for your domain also has benefits in relation to search engine optimization and general consumer trust. In addition, in January 2017 Google released Chrome version 56 which alerts users when they are on webpages that collect either credit card numbers or passwords that are not served over SSL. Eventually, Google will have a strong warning for all webpages not using the HTTPS protocol.

Where do I get an SSL Certificate?

Note: Regardless of which option you select below, please contact support@micronetonline.com as your first step so that we can provide helpful direction in this process.

Micronet has selected Cloudflare as the provider of choice for our customers’ SSL certificates. Two options exist for how you can go about getting setup.

Option 1: (Recommended) Allow Micronet Customer Support to setup, install and manage your SSL certificate(s). Once we have access to your domain configuration, we will take care of this for you. One time cost of $150. If your website is managed by another party, you will also need to ask them to verify that the website is SSL-ready.

Option 2: Use your own IT Services provider to setup the certificate from Cloudflare and verify your website is SSL-ready. This option is helpful in situations where your IT Services provider would like to be directly involved in all configurations of your domain.

Note: If you are a customer using our eCommerce module, the certificate that will be provided by us (Option 1) provides PCI-compliance until June 30, 2018 at which time PCI compliance requirements may dictate that a different certificate be obtained. If you wish to get the June 2018 PCI compliant SSL certificate already now, please let us know. The cost is presently $200/month and would be easily setup instead of the version we will setup now. However, when viable options are re-evaluated in 2018, we expect there will be more plentiful, affordable options at that time. Your use of ecommerce may also change by then as well. Our Option 1 provides what you need for now at an affordable price.

What benefits are providing by going through Cloudflare?

Cloudflare provides additional key benefits including faster performance on website pages due to key features such as their global Content Delivery Network (CDN) and automatic static content caching. Protection from Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attack is another benefit when implemented through this service.

How do I decide between your setup option 1 and option 2?

As noted above already, Micronet has two options for how you go about getting setup with an SSL certificate(s).

Option 1: (Recommended) Allow Micronet Customer Support to setup, install and manage your SSL certificate(s)

The benefits of having us take care of this for you is the simplicity. No need to determine what domains need validation, whether you need a single certificate or a wildcard certificate or what validation level you should go with. Our implementation will provide the requirements necessary for your site without all the questions and without the back and forth between your IT person, your Web Support, and our Customer Support.

Option 2: Use your own IT Services provider to setup the certificate from Cloudflare and verify your website is SSL-ready.

The reasons for having your IT Services provider take care of this would be if they are a key player in your infrastructure that is regularly involved in your website configuration. This keeps them in the loop and able to play a continued everyday role in maintaining your site.

Some customers prefer to have a discussion with their IT Services provider as to what type of validation they should have. The solution we provide will implement Domain Validation which displays a lock in the URL. Organization and Extended validation provides the same level of security as the other validation levels, but also displays the organization name in the URL. See info on validation levels here - http://supportwiki.micronetonline.com/SSL_FAQs#What_certificate_options_are_available.3F


What certificate options are available?

If allowing Micronet Customer Service to install, setup and maintain your SSL certificate, an understanding of the following information is not required but could helpful overall. If you are obtaining the certificate on your own from Cloudflare, this information will need to be understood in order to make appropriate decisions.

Certificates needed: Most SmartCMS customers will need an SSL certificate for a single domain (i.e. your main domain). Customers not using SmartCMS will need either a wildcard certificate (see below) or two single domain certificates, one for your module sub-domain and one for your main domain.

  • Wildcard Certificate - Wildcard SSL certificates secures your domain name and an unlimited number of its subdomains. For example, a single Wildcard certificate can secure www.coolexample.com, member.coolexample.com, and store.coolexample.com.

Note:

  • If purchasing a single domain SSL certificate on your own, you will want to verify with the Certificate Authority (CA) that both the www domain and the non-www domain (e.g. www.myorganization.com and organization.com) will be covered by a single domain SSL certificate. A single domain certificate may be able to handle both domains, but it depends on which CA is issuing the certificate.
  • If asked what type of server we are running - IIS is the correct answer.



Validation levels: The level of validation offered with SSL certificates (Domain, Organization and Extended validation) is not critical to our configuration. The Cloudflare solution provided by Micronet will provide Domain Validation. If you choose to provide your own Cloudflare solution, you and your web master may determine what validation level you wish to provide your website visitors.

  • DV (Domain Validated) where the Certificate Authority (CA) checks the right of the applicant to use a specific domain name. No company identity information is vetted and no information is displayed other than encryption information within the Secure Site Seal.
  • OV (Organization Validation) where the CA checks the right of the applicant to use a specific domain name PLUS it conducts some vetting of the organization. Additional vetted company information is displayed to customers when clicking on the Secure Site Seal, giving enhanced visibility in who is behind the site and associated enhanced trust.
  • EV (Extended Validation) where the Certificate Authority (CA) checks the right of the applicant to use a specific domain name PLUS it conducts a THOROUGH vetting of the organization. The issuance process of EV SSL Certificates is strictly defined in the EV Guidelines, as formally ratified by the CA/Browser forum in 2007, that specify all the steps required for a CA before issuing a certificate.

Contact support@micronetonline.com if unsure of your configuration or the minimum requirements for your site.

What is the cost of obtaining and installing the SSL Certificate?

If you are having us do the setup, installation and management of your SSL certificate(s), there is a one time fee of $150. Once you’ve obtained the certificate, installing the SSL Certificate on our server is free. If your website is managed by another party, you will also need to ask them to verify that the website is SSL-ready which may be a charge from them as well.

If you are obtaining the certificate on your own from Cloudflare, the cost will vary dependent on which certificate is chosen. Note that a free certificate is available that meets the minimum requirements for our installation and is the certificate that we will install if you choose to go with our setup. Your IT services provider may determine they want a different certificate or wish to be involved in the process. If so, be sure to calculate the cost of charges they may have to you. Your website will also need be made SSL-ready, for which your webmaster may charge.


What does it mean when you say I need to "verify that my website is SSL-ready?"

Before enabling SSL access to your site, URLs and all references on the website will need mapped from HTTP to HTTPS, which includes all internal website links, images, JavaScript, CSS and other elements. Readiness varies on each site but is likely understood by your webmaster.

Also note, if your website has any widgets that were generated using the Internet Settings Control Panel (ISCP), they will need to be re-generated and updated on your website prior to enabling SSL.

How do I get the SSL Certificate installed on my website?

If you are having us do the setup, installation and management of your SSL certificate(s), you do not need to do anything. We will take care of this for you.

If you are obtaining the certificate on your own using Cloudflare, this will be taken care of by your IT Services provider.

If you are not obtaining the certificate from Cloudflare, you can email your SSL Certificate file to support@micronetonline.com Your MicroNet contact will work with you on getting SSL in place for your website.

In all cases, once the SSL Certificate is installed and the site is SSL-ready, a security ‘lock’ icon is visible on popular website browsers, indicating the SSL Certificate is in place and the website is secure.

Noteworthy Information

  • The implementation of SSL on our servers uses a technology called Server Name Identification (SNI) which is not supported by older web browsers such as Internet Explorer version 7 and older, or for any users of IE that have the Windows XP operating system.
  • SSL is designed to protect only info in transit, not to be confused with protection for the server where the website is hosted.
  • Particularly sensitive information such as credit card information being sent from your website to our server is already secured on the ChamberMaster / MemberZone servers. Having an SSL certificate for your domain will secure ALL information (not just the sensitive information) while it is being sent to our server.
  • If you purchase the eCommerce module, we strongly recommend purchasing an SSL Certificate, which will secure all information (not just sensitive information). The security 'lock' will appear in main browsers for all pages, indicating a secure site to the consumer.