Is Shared SSL safe to use ?

[rubychile]

Well, I have doubts about whether it is sufficient to use a shared SSL certificate offered or is it really advisable to purchase multiple licenses for various projects hosted SSL on the same server. Please elaborate a little as I am not much familiar with these things.

[Ryan]

Shared SSL certificate is installed globally on the server and configured to be used by all users on the server. It is generated for the hostname of the server and will cause a certificate warning message pop up on your site when used as it won't matching the domain name(s).

On the other hand a Private SSL will use individual domain name and will not cause any warnings messages. From an ecommerce website's business point of view and to assert trustworthiness in the minds of your clients, a private SSL is recommended.

[MattBarthorp]

Both offer advantages and disadvantages in their own ways. A Shared SSL would prove cheaper would you'll have to compromise on the aspect of credibility and trust, while Private or Dedicated SSL for each domain might be expensive but would offer a better user experience.

You may refer the below links to get a detailed information about Shared vs Dedicated/Private SSL :

• Shared SSL or Dedicated SSL? Confusion.
• Shared SSL or Dedicated SSL for Whoiscart

[Irene9001]

Apart from the topic; if you set up a payment processor, then you don't need SSL certificate. I know this comment looks like a rant, but it's not- in addition, SSL certificate alone is not a guarantee that your site is total secure. You should also focus on your website script code security, because mostly attackers like to find back-doors in bad website script.

[MattBarthorp]

Well said Irene9001, having an SSL or any of the best security tools would be of no use if there exists a backdoor in a website's coding. If your codes aren't written properly and there are security loop holes in it, there are wide possibilities of the site being compromised by hackers and attackers. Having an SSL installed would secure your online money transaction or customer credentials, it isn't mean't for offering security to your server by the way :wink:

[AustinK47]

In my opinion, both types of ssl certificates are safe. To be very honest, e-commerce website, with shared ssl or with private ssl certificate is nothing but a business decision. That's it...
If you are not so concern about your customers point of view then go for shared ssl and save some bucks, but if you give value to your customers and their businesses, then private ssl is the best choice for you.

[Macdale]

For any online customer security is the most important thing when doing any online transactions using their credit cards. If your website is not able to secure the sensitive information they share, no one will ever visit your website and purchase anything from you. Due to many such instances, customers take more care while using their credit cards online. Hence, IMO one should opt for a Private SSL to secure the transactions and their sensitive information.

[SeanyG]

Shared SSL Vs. Dedicated SSL

The following post will give you better idea about the advantages of having a Dedicated SSL.

Shared SSL Vs. Dedicated SSL

[Caboodle]

I think you just have to be careful about who you allow access to the server, and change the credentials as needed. Just like changing locks at the store when someone leaves.