IONOS FAQ - Change of SSL partner from Digicert to Sectigo

This article details the answers to the most frequently asked questions about the announced change of our SSL partner.

Who or what is Sectigo?

Sectigo, formerly known as Comodo CA (Certification Authority), is a leading provider of digital certificates and web security solutions. The company offers a wide range of security services, including SSL/TLS certificates, which ensure the security of websites by encrypting data transmissions. 

Why did IONOS decide to switch from Digicert to Sectigo?

We are constantly working to improve our products and services. Like DigiCert, Sectigo meets the highest security standards, but offers a broader range of security products as well as products specially tailored for European requirements. With this expanded product range, we can offer security solutions at the usual high level and tailor them even better to the needs of our customers.

For example, the partnership with Sectigo enables us to introduce new security technologies such as S/MIME, eIDAS etc. In addition, Sectigo guarantees us even faster processes for issuing certificates, which benefits our corporate customers in particular.

What exactly does this change mean for me? Do I have to do anything on my part?

• SSL starter (wildcard): You do not need to do anything, as your SSL certificate will automatically be replaced by a corresponding certificate from Sectigo the next time it is renewed. You can recognize replaced certificates by the name change in your IONOS account.
• SSL Business (Wildcard): The only change for you is that you will be contacted by Sectigo instead of Digicert by e-mail or telephone when renewing the certificate in order to carry out a check. Otherwise, nothing changes.
• SSL Premium: The only change for you is that you will be contacted by Sectigo instead of Digicert by e-mail or telephone when renewing the certificate in order to carry out a check. Otherwise, nothing changes.
• Website seal/trust logo: If you have integrated the Digicert seal/logo on your website, you must replace it with the Sectigo seal/logo after the next renewal of the certificate. For this purpose, you will find a new link in your SSL certificate management wwhere you can download the new seal/logo to replace it on your website.

Will the price of my SSL certificate change?

No, there will be no price changes with the switch to Sectigo as the certificate provider.

Will there be a period when SSL is not available for my website?

No, there will be no downtime. As usual, we will automatically replace the old certificate with the new certificate when certificates are renewed. Only the certification authority and the certificate type will change (the previous Digicert certificate will be replaced by an identical new Sectigo certificate).

I have integrated a Digicert SSL seal on my website. Do I have to do anything?

If you have a DigiCert seal on your website, you should replace it with a Sectigo seal as soon as your certificate is replaced by a Sectigo certificate at the next renewal. Otherwise, the old Digicert seal will no longer be displayed. 

As soon as your certificate has been renewed, you will find a link to download the Sectigo seal in your SSL certificate management.

How can I check whether I am already using a Sectigo certificate or another Digicert certificate?

In your SSL certificate management, you will also find the name of the SSL certificate provider in the certificate details for each active certificate. This allows you to quickly check who a certificate comes from.