The various types of SSL Certificates (Secure Socket Layer), which are digital protocols that authenticate a website’s identity and enable an encrypted connection between web browsers and servers. These certificates are important for enhancing website security and visitor trust by securing data transfers to protect sensitive information. In this guide, we will explore the various types of SSL certificates available, each offering different levels of certification and validation.
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Types of SSL Certificates
Below are the main types of SSL Certificates issued by Certificate Authorities (CA), their descriptions, and the types of websites they are best suited for:
Domain Validated (DV) SSL Certificate
A DV SSL Certificate is the most common type of SSL for securing websites and is usually the least expensive. It verifies the authenticity of the domain name and confirms the domain’s ownership while providing encryption.
The simple validation process allows them to be issued quickly, making them ideal for most sites.
Organisation Validated (OV) SSL Certificate
An OV SSL Certificate is recommended for ecommerce stores and sites that handle sensitive information like login credentials, personal data, and financial transactions. It not only encrypts data but also validates the business behind the website.
The company’s details are displayed on the certificate, which helps enhance visitor trust. The process of issuing these certificates takes longer due to the CA verifying company documentation.
Extended Validated (EV) SSL Certificate
The EV SSL Certificate provides the highest security level by verifying the domain name, the organization applying for the certificate’s legal existence and identity, and its active operation. Websites secured with EV SSL Certificates display a green URL address bar in the browser.
Acquiring an EV SSL requires comprehensive validation of both company and domain ownership. This rigorous verification process guarantees maximum authenticity and reliability. Large corporations, banking institutions, and government sites mainly use EV SSL certificates.
Wildcard Certificate
Wildcard SSL Certificates are used for websites with multiple sub-domains, offering a cost-effective way to manage site security. Subdomains are prefixes to your main domain name, like “store.example.com”.
Instead of getting individual certificates for each subdomain, a single Wildcard SSL can be used for all of them, making it a practical choice for companies with subdomains covering various aspects or departments of their online business. Wildcard SSLs can be issued for both DV and OV SSLs.
Other Types of SSL Certificates
In addition to the main types of SSL Certificates mentioned above, there are also specialized versions available:
- CS (Code Signing): Ensures the authenticity of software code by verifying the publisher’s identity.
- SAN (Subject Alternative Name): Allows securing multiple domain names with a single certificate.
- SGC (Server-Gated Cryptography): Upgrades encryption on older browsers to maintain security.
- SS (Self-Signed): Used for internal purposes but lacks third-party validation.
If you are unsure which type of SSL Certificate your business needs, please contact our Support Team and they will help you find the right one.
How to Install a Free SSL Certificate
VIDEO:How to Install a Free SSL Certificate
Additional Information
Identifying an SSL-Secured Website
You can easily identify if a website has an active SSL certificate by checking your browser’s search bar for the padlock icon on the left side and the “https://” prefix in the site’s URL to ensure that your connection and interaction with the website are encrypted.
If the padlock icon doesn’t appear or is open, or if the URL reads “http://,” it means the site is not secure, and you should proceed with caution.
You can view a site’s SSL Certificate by clicking on the padlock icon. The SSL Certificate details help you verify the website’s identity and, depending on the type of SSL Certificate, may show the owner’s contact details. Also,
