If you are a website owner, in present times, there is no way you can escape from changing the unsecured HTTP protocol to secure HTTPS. With users getting more familiar with new technologies in day-to-day life, there is so much awareness concerning data security. Besides, they have full support from web browsers giving better ranking to secured online platforms e.g.in Google Search Engine Results Page, also giving a warning to those not secured by SSL Certificates, resulting in users leaving immediately. You certainly would not appreciate losing on prospect conversions. Hence, securing your website with SSL Certificate is indispensable if you want to run a successful online business.
But securing a website with SSL Certificate for many of you could be quite daunting to see such an array of choices provided by several reputed SSL Certificate providers. One might feel lost and confused, then how does one select that particular SSL Certificate that suffices your security needs and financial constraints. Before we dig into various key factors for quickening your decision-making on the right choice of SSL Certificate, let us first put all the basics of SSL Certificate right.
- What is a Secure Socket Layer (SSL) Certificate, And Why Is It Essential?
SSL Certificate is a digital certificate issued by Certificate Authority(CA)to the websites that change the HTTP website protocol to secure HTTPS. Once SSL Certificate is installed on the webserver, all the communications between the user web browser and the web server are encrypted. They are thus secured against any data theft carried out by cybercriminals.
The SSL Certificate introduces a visual trust symbol, a padlock, before the URL of the website. This visual symbol of security and trust gives confidence to the visitors that they can share their data on the website without fear. SSL Certificate also authenticates the webserver and helps achieve a higher rank in the Google Search Engine Result Page and hence, increases the prospects of conversions.
Now, with a better understanding of SSL certificates, let us look into the various choices available in the wide spectrum of SSL Certificates across the various technical requirements and budgets and few simple tips to narrow down your search in achieving your targeted SSL Certificate for making your website security foolproof.
- SSL Certificates can be understood mainly based on firstly,
The type of validation Certificate Authority(CA) performs while issuing SSL Certificate to the certificate owner.
And Secondly,
Based on the number of domains and subdomains that the website needs to secure and the type of domain name supported by the certificate issued to the website.
- Understanding the Validation Level Requirement For Your Website
CAs do identity verification of prospective clients before issuing an SSL Certificate to them. The level of verification depends on the type of SSL Certificate. The level of verification performed by the CAs may range from simple automated tests as in the case of Domain Validation Certificate, to a detailed manual check from databases to have confirmed proofs to ensure the authentication of the owner of the Certificate, like in Extended Validation Certificate. So, as the Certificate Validity level becomes higher, more vigorous procedures are followed for verification, and hence more trust is associated with these certificates.
Based on the validation level, there are three types of SSL certificates.
- Domain Validation (DV) SSL Certificate:
DV is the entry-level, most basic SSL Certificate, as it involves a simple verification process carried out by the CA. The verification process for the DV SSL Certificate involves presenting just the proof of ownership of the domain to the CA, which then issues the DV SSL Certificate to the owner. Because of the simple verification process, DV SSL Certificate is the quickest to be issued among all other choices available in the market.
These are the cheapest SSL Certificate and are usually the first choice of small websites that do not handle any sensitive user data and also very popular for securing blogs. The DV SSL Certificate does not include any company identification information to which it is issued, which turns out to be a major drawback. There is no way for the users to figure out the authenticity of your website, and hence there is always a risk of falling prey to phishing attempts.
- Organization Validation (OV) SSL Certificate:
THE CA, the OV SSL Certificate, after domain validation like DV SSL and after carrying out an authentication verification process of the certificate owner company. Unlike the DV SSL Certificate, the company’s identity information is included in the Certificate but is not displayed upfront and can be viewed only by accessing the Certificate details. OV SSL Certificate is more prevalent among medium-sized establishments. It takes longer than a DV SSL Certificate to be issued. Because of the time spent on verification of the identity of the owner company, it is more expensive than a DV SSL Certificate.
- Extended Validation (EV) SSL Certificate:
The EV SSL Certificate is associated with the highest order of customer trust and reputation. After following a rigorous background check, this Certificate is issued to a company, its legal status, address, whether it is currently operational, etc. Hence, it takes time to get this SSL Certificate and is more expensive than DV and OV SSL Certificates. EV SSL Certificate adds special trust symbols to the website in the form of a green address bar, green padlock, and verified company’s name displayed clearly in the address bar. Site seals displayed raises your website credibility to a new high. EV SSL Certificates find extensive use for securing e-commerce websites, banks, etc.
- Know the number of Domains and Subdomains You Wish To Secure.
After choosing the validation type DV, OV, or EV SSL Certificate, it is time to choose between a Standard SSL Certificate, a Wildcard SSL Certificate, or a Multiple –Domain SSL Certificate according to your specific requirement of securing single or multiple domains.
- Single-Domain Certificates:
If you need to secure a single domain, you can select a standard SSL Certificate for securing your website. A single domain certificate protects only the root domain for which it provides authentication. But to secure multiple domains or subdomains, purchasing a Wildcard SSL Certificate or Multiple-Domain Certificate becomes more cost-effective and leads to better time management than purchasing an individual single-domain certificate for each of the multiple domains and subdomains.
- Ø Wildcard Certificates:
A Wildcard SSL Certificate not only provides security to the main root domain but at the same time, provides security to the subdomains, one level below the root domain. A website secured by a wildcard SSL Certificate displays a special character( *) prefixed in the address bar, reflecting that all the subdomains at one level below the root domain are also fully protected along with the main root domain.
- Multi-domain/SAN SSL Certificate:
A Multi-domain or SAN(Subject Alternative Name) SSL Certificate offers ease to secure multiple domains with a single certificate. This SSL Certificate allows for securing multiple domains and subdomains. e.g., with just a single Multiple-domain(SAN) SSL Certificate, you can secure all of the following domains:
In conclusion: To write a success story of your online business, it is imperative to give due importance to securing your customers’ sensitive data by securing a website with an SSL Certificate that suits your individual security needs and financial investment plans. Equipped with the knowledge of the wide array of SSL Certificates available for each one of you, it is about
