SSL Certification Service

What is SSL?

SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) is a security technology that is commonly used for encrypting communications between users and e-commerce websites, thereby securing server to browser transactions. The SSL protocol utilizes encryption to prevent eavesdropping and tampering of the transmitted data, and is used to secure information passed by a browser (such as a customer's credit card number or password) to a webserver (such as the HotSpot server).

Why does HotSpot require SSL?

SSL technology is essential in protecting sensitive information (such as credit card numbers) especially in a WIFI hotspot environment where information is passed over unencrypted airways. Antamedia HotSpot ships with a self-signed certificate that provides this protection out of the box. However, this self-signed certificate is not recognized as being issued from a trusted source by web browsers and results in browsers displaying, often alarming, security messages which may drive away customers.

What is required?

There are a number of steps involved in obtaining a valid certificate for use with HotSpot including the registration of a domain name, generation of a private RSA key, CSR request with authentication, and configuring the resulting key files for use with HotSpot. Our service has been established to deal with the certificate creation process on your behalf so you can avoid the complexity and get down to the business of running your hotspot.

Why is it necessary to use a domain name?

When a browser connects to a secure site it will retrieve the site's SSL Certificate and check that it has not expired, that it has been issued by a Certification Authority the browser trusts and that it is being used by the website for which it has been issued. If it fails on any one of these checks the browser will display a security warning to the end user. The domain name forms an integral part of the SSL negotiation and provides a means to insure visitors are communicating with an authentic website (not an imposter).

Recognizing the overkill registering a name may represent for the typical hotspot operator, this service provides a complimentary, third-level domain name at no additional cost under the 'hotspotssl.net' domain (ie. 'yourname.hotspotssl.net') for the purpose of certificate registration. Hotspot operators may also use an existing, dedicated domain name or register a new domain using the host of their choice.

How much does it cost?

We currently offer two levels of service depending on the domain name requirements. Each service offers the same, industry recognized certificate issued from Sectigo.

$69/year - HotSpot SSL Certificate with a complimentary third-level domain name under our own (ie. 'yourname.hotspotssl.net'). This is our most popular service and is perfect for those wishing to avoid the complexities of DNS setup.

$79/year - HotSpot SSL Certificate using an existing domain name that you supply (you must be in control and able to configure your own domain name) - perfect for those wishing to utilize an existing name or register a dedicated one.

How do I proceed?

Simply choose your domain name requirement from above. Only the essential information to register a certificate is required. Upon completion of your order/payment, we will immediately begin to process your certificate order and will handle all registration and authentication procedures on your behalf. Your DNS (domain name) details will be configured and you will be emailed within 24 hours* a ZIP file containing your valid SSL files. Simply swap out the old files that came with HotSpot with the new ones and enter your hotspot's domain name to begin offering your customers a fully validated SSL enabled hotspot.

*We aim for a 24 hour turn around (typically much less), however, many factors outside our control may effect the time it takes to process your order. Providing your own domain name or responding to confirmation messages, for example, may increase processing time.