How to Get Started with an SSL Certificate

After you have purchased an SSL certificate, follow the steps below:

1. Log in to your Account Manager via https://www.networksolutions.com/my-account/login.
2. Enter your User ID and Password.
3. Click Security on the left navigation menu.

4. If you have more than one SSL certificate in your account, choose a package name and click the vertical ellipsis under Actions to Manage or see the Details of the product.

5. Select the SSL you want to manage.

6. Assign a domain name for your SSL Certificate.

7. Once you have entered the domain name, re-enter the domain name one last time.

8. Click Continue.

The system will perform a verification check to see if the domain entered is assigned as a domain pointer to a hosting package managed by Network Solutions. If Network Solutions does not host your website, you will be prompted to choose a server type and input a CSR (Certificate Signing Request).

If the domain is pointed to our hosting, the server type is determined by the package it is assigned to (Windows- IIS or UNIX- Apache). Additionally, the CSR for your shared hosting package is generated automatically on the back end and attached to the validation request so the certificate files can be created post-validation.

CSR is the key to the SSL certificate. It houses everything about the server, organization, domain, private key, and encryption strength related to the SSL. It is the basis for how the SSL installation files are created and what dictates the handshake to make the secure connection through the browser session.

If a 3rd party hosting provider hosts your website, you are responsible for providing the CSR for validation. If Network Solutions hosts your website, this step is already taken care of on the back end during the configuration process.

Follow the steps below if your website is not hosted by Network Solutions but you have purchased our SSL product:

1. Select the server software type provided by your current hosting provider.
2. Enter the CSR your current hosting provider provided into the Enter CSR From Web Host field.
3. Click the Continue button.

Now that you have assigned your domain and provided your CSR, select a validation email address to receive the validation code and confirmation URL.

Other Validation Methods

HTTP/.txt file: When Network Solutions manages all certificate components (Domain, Hosting, and SSL), we will automatically create a .txt file based on the MD5hash and SHA3 components of the CSR and upload it to the webspace via FTP. This method allows this file to be verified and expedites SSL issuance (You can also create this manually and upload it).

CNAME - This method is becoming the preferred method due to the challenges with email. We will provide you with a CNAME to be added to your DNS Zone provider. Our support agent can assist you in updating your DNS records if Network Solutions hosts your website. You or our support agent can add the CNAME via the Account Manager for verification and SSL issuance. Please see How to Update CNAME Records for Validation.

Completing Validation Next Steps for Domain Validation Certificates

Validating Email

After completing the steps, you will receive an email containing a secure link to activate validation to generate the SSL and issue the files. Clicking the link will notify the Validation team within an hour that the confirmation is complete.

Validating via CNAME

A special unique CNAME is generated for each SSL validation request. Our support agent will provide you with the CNAME and inform you of the next steps. No email confirmation is needed to validate via CNAME. It may take 1-2 hours for the Validation team to confirm this. Please see How to Update CNAME Records for Validation.

Validating via HTTP TXT File

A special unique MD5 Hash Code is generated for each SSL validation request. Our support agent will take this information and create a .txt file to upload into your FTP site files. No email confirmation is needed to validate via HTTP. It may take 1-2 hours for the Validation team to confirm this.

Additional Steps for Organization, Extended Validation, and Wildcard SSL

In addition to the steps listed for Domain Validation certificates, additional information will be required for OV and EV certificates. OV and EV will require an additional form to be filled out, including details associated with the business or organization, which will be included in the files issued for the SSL. All fields are required unless specifically noted.

Completing Validation Next Steps OV, EV, or Wildcard Certificates

Validating Via Email

After completing the steps, you will receive an email containing a secure link to activate validation to generate the SSL and issue the files. Clicking the link will notify the Validation team within an hour that the confirmation is complete.

Validating via CNAME

A special unique CNAME is generated for each SSL validation request. Our support agent will provide you with the CNAME and inform you of the next steps. No email confirmation is needed to validate via CNAME. It may take 1-2 hours for the Validation team to confirm this. Please see How to Update CNAME Records for Validation.

Validating via HTTP TXT File

A special unique MD5 Hash Code is generated for each SSL validation request. Our support agent will take this information and create a .txt file to upload into your FTP site files. No email confirmation is needed to validate via HTTP. It may take 1-2 hours for the Validation team to confirm this.

Validating via Phone Call

In addition to validation steps via email, CNAME, or .txt file, you will need to respond to an email that will trigger a verification phone call back. This automated call is activated by clicking on a link in the phone verification email. Once you click the link, an autodialer will make a call and provide you with a PIN.

Timeframes

After completing the configuration and validation steps, the files will be issued and uploaded to your Account Manager. You will also be notified via email. The timeframe for SSL validation and issuance depends on the SSL type and how quickly you complete the validation steps.