Knowledgebase

A common question asked by website owners is whether they need to buy a separate SSL (Secure Socket Layer) certificate for every single page they want to secure on their website. The short answer is no, you do not need to purchase individual SSL certificates for each webpage.

SSL certificates don't work on a per-page basis. Instead, an SSL certificate is issued to secure a domain name (and potentially associated subdomains). Once installed on your web server and correctly configured for your domain, it encrypts the connection for all pages served under that domain or covered subdomain.

Here's a quick breakdown of how different types of SSL certificates typically cover your site:

• Single Domain SSL Certificate: This is the most common type. It secures one specific domain name. Usually, this certificate will automatically cover both the non-www version and the www version of your domain (e.g., yourwebsite.com and www.yourwebsite.com). Any page you create under this domain (like yourwebsite.com/about, yourwebsite.com/products/page1, etc.) will be secured by this single certificate.
• Wildcard SSL Certificate: If you have multiple subdomains (like blog.yourwebsite.com, shop.yourwebsite.com, members.yourwebsite.com), purchasing a Wildcard SSL certificate allows you to secure your main domain and an unlimited number of its subdomains with a single certificate. Again, once installed, all pages under the main domain and all covered subdomains are secured.
• Multi-Domain (SAN/UCC) SSL Certificate: This type of certificate is designed to secure multiple different domain names and/or subdomains that you own, using just one certificate. This is useful if you manage several distinct websites. Each listed domain/subdomain under this certificate will have all its pages secured.

In essence, securing your website with SSL is about securing the connection for the domain(s) visitors are accessing, not encrypting individual files or pages independently.

Ensuring your entire site is secured with SSL (indicated by "https://" in the address bar and a padlock icon) is vital for several reasons:

• Data Security: It encrypts data exchanged between the user's browser and your server, protecting sensitive information.
• Trust: It builds confidence with your visitors, showing that their connection is secure.
• SEO: Search engines like Google use HTTPS as a ranking signal, so securing your site can improve visibility.

Therefore, when you purchase and install the appropriate type of SSL certificate for your domain(s), your entire website, regardless of how many pages it has, will benefit from the security it provides. You do not need to buy a new certificate for every page you add or update