{"id":21283,"date":"2019-02-13T08:10:27","date_gmt":"2019-02-13T13:10:27","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.hostgator.com\/blog\/?p=21283"},"modified":"2019-02-05T15:14:58","modified_gmt":"2019-02-05T20:14:58","slug":"need-dedicated-ip-ssl","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.hostgator.com\/blog\/need-dedicated-ip-ssl\/","title":{"rendered":"Do You Need a Dedicated IP for SSL?"},"content":{"rendered":"

Maybe you\u2019ve heard the news about the importance of installing an SSL certificate on your site? Or, maybe your site sells goods or processes sensitive visitor information and you want to secure your site with SSL?<\/span><\/p>\n

Whatever your reason, adding an SSL certificate to your site is close to becoming a necessity. But, how do you actually install an SSL certificate? For beginners, it might seem a little technical in nature, but overall the process can be quite simple.<\/span><\/p>\n

Still, one age-old question remains:<\/span> Do you need a dedicated IP for SSL?<\/span><\/p>\n

The short answer is no. The long answer is below. Although it\u2019s no longer a requirement across the board, some hosts still prefer that you have a dedicated IP address before they\u2019ll allow you to install an SSL certificate. <\/span><\/p>\n

Below we examine this in-depth and take a look a the history between dedicated IPs and <\/span>SSL certificates<\/span><\/a>, along with the different types of certificates available, and the reasons you still might want to use the two together.<\/span><\/p>\n

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What is a Dedicated IP Address?<\/span><\/h2>\n

To understand <\/span>what a dedicated IP address<\/span><\/a> is, let\u2019s first look at what a standard IP address is.<\/span><\/p>\n

An IP address acts as a locator for any computer that\u2019s connected to the internet. So, in the case of your website it most likely refers to your server where your website is hosted. IP addresses are then mapped to specific domain names, so in some cases, you can actually enter an IP address into your address bar and visit a website (no domain necessary).<\/span><\/p>\n

Most people will be using shared IP addresses, which are IP addresses shared between multiple users who are using the same server. But, with a dedicated IP address you\u2019ll have an IP address that\u2019s dedicated to your website and only your website. In some cases, you can have a <\/span>dedicated IP address and shared hosting<\/span><\/a>, but typically it will be linked to a single website. <\/span><\/p>\n

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What is an SSL Certificate?<\/span><\/h2>\n

An <\/span>SSL certificate<\/span><\/a> encrypts any data that\u2019s shared between a person using your website and your server. It\u2019s a small data file that binds a cryptographic key to your organization.<\/span><\/p>\n

This cryptographic key will bind together both your domain name (or server name, or hostname), along with the name of your company and its location. Think of it as a way to verify that you are who you say you are.<\/span><\/p>\n

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This certificate will also enable a secure connection between your server and a user\u2019s web browser. This connection will help to prevent data theft, and ensure your visitor\u2019s that any information they input into your website is kept safe. <\/span><\/p>\n

There are a few different types of SSL certificates available:<\/span><\/p>\n

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1. Domain Validated Certificates<\/span><\/h3>\n

This is the lowest level of validation available. It\u2019s used to verify that an organization does indeed have control over a given domain. These are generally the lowest cost type of SSL certificates available, and can be installed very quickly. <\/span><\/p>\n

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2. Organization Validated Certificates<\/span><\/h3>\n

This certificate is one step up from a Domain Validated Certificate. You\u2019ll have to verify <\/span>ownership of a domain<\/span><\/a>, plus there will be additional steps to verify that you are indeed who you say you are. This will show visitors who is behind the organization that owns the domain.<\/span><\/p>\n

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3. Extended Validation Certificates<\/span><\/h3>\n

This level of SSL certificate requires the most extensive form of validation. For this level of certificate, you\u2019ll have to verify ownership of a given domain, plus go through a thorough vetting process. <\/span><\/p>\n

You\u2019ll have to provide proper documentation to verify things like:<\/span><\/p>\n