6 Types of SSL Certificates You Need To Know About

Share This Post

When you run a website, the security of your website should be the utmost priority. To ensure the highest level of security, you must familiarize yourself with the various types of SSL certificates available for websites. SSL certificates provide a layer of protection to your website by encrypting data sent between the users’ browsers and the server. They not only protect data but also help boost your website’s ranking on search engines and increase your website’s trustworthiness in the customers’ eyes. In this article, we will explore the main types of SSL certificates and the advantages each one brings.

 

What is an SSL Certificate?

 

SSL stands for “Secure Sockets Layer.” It is a technology that lets you encrypt the data that is being sent to and from your website. This technology is essential for online businesses, as it helps to secure user data that is being transferred between customers and your website. SSL is a standard security technology for internet-based data communication. It uses a cryptographic method to protect the data that is being transferred. SSL certificates may also be referred to as TLS certificates. SSL certificates are used to verify the identity of a website. Whenever a person is trying to visit a website, their browser will check to see if that website has SSL and if the SSL certificate is valid. If it is, then the browser will display a padlock icon, along with a “green address bar” on the browser. This indicates to the user that the website is encrypted and verified. This lets customers know that the data they are entering on your website is secure, helping to build trust.

 

What is TLS?

 

Transport Layer Security (TLS) is a widely used security protocol that provides encrypted communication between two computers over the internet. It is the successor to the Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) protocol, which was the standard protocol for web encryption until TLS in the 1990s. TLS is used to secure communications between web browsers and web servers and other forms of communication such as email and instant messaging.

TLS ensures the privacy and integrity of data sent over the internet. It uses encryption, authentication, and digital certificates to establish secure connections. When two computers communicate over TLS, the computers first exchange digital certificates of public keys that each computer has. It allows the computers to authenticate each other, ensuring that the computers are who they claim to be. Once the computers verify each other, they use the public keys to establish an encrypted tunnel for data transfer.

 

Advantages of SSL Certificates:

 

 

– Trustworthiness and security: An SSL certificate will boost the trust of your customers by letting them know that their data is encrypted and the website is verified. It will encourage customers to shop on your website and complete their transactions without hesitation. 

– SEO: Search engines like Google are constantly changing their algorithms to determine which websites rank higher than others. One of the main ways websites can rank higher is if they have a high level of trustworthiness. Having an SSL certificate on your website will show that you are prioritizing your customers’ security and trust, which will help to boost your rankings. 

– Conversion rates: Customers will be more inclined to buy from your website if they feel comfortable and trust that their data is secure. The more customers you can get on your website, the more likely you might make sales.

 

Types of SSL Certificates:

 

There are 6 main types of SSL certificates. Let’s take a look at each one.

1. Domain Validated SSL:

 

When you use a Domain Validated SSL, the SSL provider verifies that you own the domain name that you are using. This type of SSL doesn’t take into account that the website behind the domain is a legitimate business. If your website is not secure, it will be insecure when you install a Domain Validated SSL certificate. A Domain Validated SSL is the cheapest SSL certificate you can buy. That doesn’t mean that it is not efficient. It is quite the opposite. A Domain Validated SSL will protect your website from hackers while they are in the “buy” phase. Once you are ready to purchase your product or service, they will send you a warning with a prompt that your website is not secure. It tells potential customers that your website is insecure and may be a scam. They will likely click away from your website because they don’t want to risk their personal information.

 

2. Organization Validated SSL:

 

An Organization Validated SSL certificate verifies that you, the owner of the website, are an actual business. This type of certificate verifies not only that you own the website but that you are an actual business. The business owner’s name, address, and phone number will be displayed on the browser. An Organization Validated SSL certificate is more expensive than the Domain Validated SSL but is a great choice for businesses and eCommerce websites.

 

3. Standard SSL certificate:

 

The standard SSL certificate is for secure communication. It is the most basic type of SSL certificate and does not provide any other offer or added security features beyond the basics. Though it’s an economical choice, it doesn’t allow you to carry out any online transactions. It is for websites with low traffic or information-only websites, such as internal company websites. Key points: Standard SSL certificates are best for low-traffic websites. They are the least expensive option for securing your website. They are perfect for information-only websites.

 

4. Extended Validation SSL:

 

This type of SSL certificate verifies that you are a real business and that you are using your actual address. In addition, your business name will be displayed on the browser so that customers can see that they are dealing with a real business. It is the most expensive type of certificate but definitely worth the investment. Extended Validation SSL certificates boost your website’s conversion rate by 30%. If you are planning on accepting payments on your website or have a large following, an Extended Validation SSL certificate is a must.

 

5. Wildcard SSL:

 

A Wildcard SSL certificate is for companies that run multiple websites. If you are a big eCommerce business and have several subdomains, then Wildcard SSL certificates are a good option. It will cover and protect all your subdomains, for example, blog.yourwebsite.com, shop.yourwebsite.com, etc. It is not as effective as an Extended Validation SSL, but it does help to boost the trustworthiness and security of your websites. A Wildcard SSL certificate costs the same as an Organization Validated SSL certificate.

 

6. Multi-domain SSL Certificate:

 

A multi-domain SSL certificate is an extended version of the standard SSL certificate. It includes a wildcard, which means it secures unlimited subdomains. It makes to be the most flexible SSL certificate, perfect for websites with a large user base, such as e-commerce sites. However, as it secures multiple subdomains, it is also the most expensive option. This SSL certificate is also great for securing both HTTP and HTTPS traffic.

 

What Type of SSL Certificate Do You Need?

 

When choosing an SSL certificate, it makes sense to consider the type of website you are running and the level of trust you require. If you are running a website that doesn’t require a high level of trust, then a Domain Validated (DV) SSL certificate is sufficient. However, if you have a website and an unprotected website at that, then an Organization Validated (OV) or Extended Validation (EV) SSL certificate is recommended. No matter what type of SSL certificate you choose, it is essential to ensure that your website is secure and your data is protected.

But, if you are still unsure which SSL certificate you should use, try using an Extended Validation SSL, as this verifies that you are a real business using an actual address. It also helps to boost your website’s conversion rate.

 

Conclusion

 

Choosing the correct SSL certificate for your website is essential for protecting your customers’ data and increasing your website’s trustworthiness. You must know the differences between the four types of SSL certificates. Before purchasing an SSL certificate, you should know which hosting company you will use. Make sure you choose the best one for your website, and you will be well on your way to increasing your website’s security and boosting your rankings.

Check out dashboard.markitome.com today for your domain and SSL requirements.

 

 

 

 

 

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

We hope you’re enjoying reading our blogs… Don’t forget to secure your browsing experience with Nord VPN. Click the banner below to learn more

More To Explore

Want to market your products or services?

Get in touch with us today