Choosing the right SSL certificate is about matching your website’s purpose with the right level of protection and trust, and we’re here to help you do exactly that.
Whether you’re securing a personal website, an online store, or a growing business, our goal is to help you make a confident, informed decision that protects your visitors, builds trust, and keeps your site running smoothly.
This guide will help you clearly understand which SSL certificate is right for your website, what level of protection you actually need, and how 1-grid supports you every step of the way.
Why SSL Matters
An SSL/TLS certificate encrypts the connection between your website and its visitors. This protects sensitive information (such as login details or contact forms) and reassures visitors that your site is safe.
BENEFIT: If your site has SSL, visitors see a secure padlock in their browser, your data is protected, and modern browsers trust your website.
IMPORTANT: If your site does not have SSL, visitors may see security warnings, which can reduce trust and cause them to leave.
Benefits of an SSL Certificate
An SSL certificate does more than remove browser warnings; it actively protects your website and your visitors.
Key Benefits
- Visible security padlock
Instantly reassures visitors that your site is safe to use. - Strong data encryption
Protects logins, forms, customer data, and transactions. - Trust and credibility
Visitors are more likely to engage with secure, verified websites. - Improved SEO and visibility
Search engines favour HTTPS websites over unsecured ones. - Compliance support
Helps meet security expectations for modern websites and online businesses.
REMEMBER: SSL isn’t just about technology; it’s about protecting people, building trust, and creating a safer experience for everyone who visits your site.
Types of SSL/TLS Certificates We Offer at 1-grid
At 1-grid, we offer professionally issued, paid SSL/TLS certificates designed to meet real-world website needs, from simple sites to high-trust business environments.
We focus on certificates that provide strong encryption, global browser recognition, warranties, and long-term reliability. This ensures your website remains trusted, secure, and compliant as industry standards evolve.
Domain Validation (DV) SSL
This type of SSL is great for blogs, personal websites, portfolios, and small business sites.
Benefits
- Confirms ownership of your domain name
- Fastest and simplest SSL to issue
- Activates the browser security padlock
- Encrypts all data sent to and from your website
TIP: If your goal is to remove browser warnings and protect visitor data quickly, DV SSL is a reliable and effective choice.
Wildcard Domain Validation (Wildcard DV) SSL
This type of SSL is great for websites using multiple subdomains.
Benefits
- Secures your main domain and all subdomains under one certificate
- Eliminates the need to buy separate SSLs for each subdomain
- Scales with your website as it grows
Example:
yourdomain.co.za, shop.yourdomain.co.za, login.yourdomain.co.za
TIP: Wildcard SSL is ideal if your website is expanding or already relies on subdomains, as it simplifies management and reduces future costs.
Extended Validation (EV) SSL
This type of SSL is great for registered businesses, e-commerce stores, and customer-facing platforms.
Benefits
- Requires full business verification
- Displays verified organisation details in supported browsers
- Provides the highest level of identity assurance
- Builds immediate trust with visitors
IMPORTANT
Your business information must match official third-party directories (such as Infobel or Dun & Bradstreet). This is a global requirement set by Certificate Authorities (CA).
TIP
EV SSL is the strongest trust signal you can offer your visitors, especially when handling payments or sensitive information.
SSL Providers We Use
We do not offer Let’s Encrypt. While free certificates can work for limited use cases, paid SSL certificates provide higher trust signals, warranties, and structured support, especially important for businesses and growing websites.
We partner with two globally trusted Certificate Authorities to ensure your website remains secure, recognised, and supported worldwide.
Sectigo (formerly Comodo)
Sectigo is one of the world’s largest and most widely recognised SSL providers, trusted by millions of websites globally.
What All Sectigo SSL Certificate Plans Include
- Browser safety padlock
Visitors see a secure padlock, removing “Not Secure” warnings and increasing confidence. - Industry-standard encryption
256-bit encryption protects sensitive data such as logins, forms, and transactions. - Secure site seal
A visible trust indicator that reassures visitors your site is verified and protected. - Improved SEO performance
HTTPS is a ranking signal where secure sites are favoured by search engines. - Compliance support
Helps meet security expectations for e-commerce and data protection standards.
Thawte
Thawte is a long-standing, globally trusted SSL authority known for reliability and strong business validation.
What All Thawte SSL Certificate Plans Include
- Browser-trusted security padlock
Confirms your site is safe to use across major browsers. - Strong encryption standards
Ensures secure communication between your site and visitors. - Certificate warranties
Added peace of mind and protection. - Trust and credibility signals
Particularly valuable for professional and business websites. - Search engine optimisation benefits
HTTPS improves user trust and search visibility. - Regulatory and compliance alignment
Supports modern security and data protection expectations.
A Quick Guide on How to Get an SSL Certificate
Getting an SSL certificate doesn’t need to be complicated. Here’s how the process works with 1-grid:
1. Register / Log In and Find the Right SSL Certificate for You
Choose the SSL certificate that matches your website’s needs and provide the domain (and IP address if required).
2. Provide Your Information
Submit the required domain or business details to the Certificate Authority.
3. Verification
Your information is verified.
- DV SSL: usually quick
- OV / EV SSL: may take 1 to 10 days, depending on validation level
4. Certificate Issued
Once approved, your SSL certificate is issued and ready to be installed on your website.
TIP: If you get stuck, we can guide you through the step that is challenging you.
Important Industry Change: SSL/TLS Lifecycle Updates
The SSL industry is moving toward shorter certificate lifespans to improve security across the internet.
What This Means for You
- As of 12 March 2026, new SSL certificates are issued for shorter validity periods (approximately 6 months / 199 days)
- You can still purchase 1 to 5-year SSL subscriptions, but certificates will be reissued during that term
- Domain Validation (DCV) must be completed more frequently
IMPORTANT: Your website remains protected as this change does not reduce security. It strengthens it.
We’ve created a dedicated guide explaining these lifecycle changes in more detail, which we recommend reviewing to stay informed.
FAQs
Q. Why is my SSL no longer valid for a full year?
This is an industry-wide security change, not a 1-grid policy. Shorter lifespans reduce risk and improve online trust.
Q. Will my website go down because of this?
No, as long as your SSL is renewed and installed correctly, your site remains secure.
Q. How do I renew my SSL certificate?
Once you have made payment for the renewal, you can contact our Support Team for assistance, if needed, to get your new certificate installed and activated on your plan.
Q. Why do I need to verify my domain again?
Domain Control Validation must be repeated more often due to the new security standards.
Additional Resources
Explore 1-grid’s SSL Product Page
All You Need to Know About SSLs at 1-grid
SSL/TLS Certificates and Why These Matter
Why Doesn’t the Green Lock Show in the URL Bar?
SSL Certificates and Browser Recognition
The Importance of SSL
Untrusted SSL Certificates
Important SSL/TLS Lifecycle Changes and Why This Matters
Need Additional Support?
We’re Here to Help:
Finding the right SSL Certificate for you doesn’t have to feel like a challenge with this easy-to-reference guide. Stuck? Check out our Scope of Support, and then contact our Support Team for further clarity and guidance (https://1grid.co.za/contact-us/). We’re ready to see how we can help!