What is Let's Encrypt?
Let's Encrypt is a non-profit organization whose aim is to ensure the web is secured, they are a free and automated open certificate authority that makes it possible to obtain browser-trusted certificates at no cost. The certificates provided through Let's Encrypt renew automatically unless otherwise canceled. Because it is automated, there are no complicated setups or validation emails to approve and you can have multiple certificates installed on your hosting account, for each domain and sub-domain you choose. The certificate is Domain-Validated (DV) and doesn't require a dedicated IP. The certificates are supported by all major current browsers that support SNI.
What are the differences between Let's Encrypt and other SSLs?
Let's Encrypt offers the same encryption as other Domain-Validated (DV) certificates. Let's Encrypt Certificates are all trusted by major current browsers that support SNI. It also displays a green padlock in the address bar.
The differences between Let's Encrypt:
- No dynamic site seal.
- No SSL warranty.
- No wildcard support. You will need to install separate Let's Encrypt certificates for each sub-domain.
- No Extended-Validation Certificate (EV) option. EV certificates provide extra assurances to site visitors in the form of including your company name in the address bar, a green address bar, and dynamic site seals to name a few.
Lets Encrypt is therefore perfect for providing a basic level of SSL encryption, however, due to there being no monetary warranty for your end-users, no trust seal, or higher-level validation, we would recommend that you only use Let's Encrypt certificates for authenticating forms, passwords or for encrypting general-purpose web sites. We would continue to recommend that you use a regular SSL certificate to secure e-commerce stores and facilitate online payment processing.
Does Let's Encrypt support multiple domains?
While each Let's Encrypt certificate covers a single domain, you can easily set up multiple certificates per cPanel account. This way you can have certificates for your Parked Domains, Addon Domains, and Sub-Domains all managed within cPanel.
Does Let's Encrypt require a Dedicated IP?
No, it does not. Let's Encrypt can be set up without the need of a Dedicated IP. However, please note that it only works with browsers that have SNI support. Viewing the site through a non-supported browser will show errors/warnings. For a list of supported browsers, please see this link.
My domain is not pointed to the hosting service, can I set up Let's Encrypt?
Unfortunately not. The domain name must be registered, active, and pointed to the server. Please make sure your domain is properly resolving to the server first before setting up a Let's Encrypt certificate.
Is Let's Encrypt supported on every server?
LetsEncrypt is currently supported on the majority of our hosting servers, however, there are a few servers that do not currently support it. If your server supports Let's Encrypt, you will find the Let's Encrypt icon in cPanel. If you don't see the icon, unfortunately at this time your server is not supported. Early in Summer 2016, we will be upgrading our server fleet with shiny new servers which will all support Lets Encrypt - so you should expect to be able to start using Lets Encrypt by June or July.
How do I get started?
It's easy, just follow this link for detailed instructions.
