SSL certificate is a digital certificate that establishes a secure and encrypted connection while authenticating the website’s identity. The SSL stands for Secure Sockets Layer. SSL technology helps create a secure connection between a web server and a web browser.
SSL certificate has become an important component for creating trust with potential customers and visitors of the site. It encrypts and secures customers’ sensitive information like login credentials, payment details, personal and confidential information, etc. To know whether your site is secured with SSL or not, you can check the site’s URL. If it has “https://” then it is secured as the “s” indicates an SSL certificate.
Different types of SSL Certificates
There are different types of SSL certificates based on their purpose and levels of validation.
1. Single Domain SSL Certificate
The Single domain SSL certificate secures and protects only a single domain and its sub-domain. In other words, it can secure both the WWW and non-WWW versions of the domain. The certificate is issued for a specific domain, hence, it protects and secures only the domain name that is listed during the certificate signing request (CSR).
The Single domain SSL certificates are quick to obtain and also cost-effective. It is also 99.9% compatible with all major browsers. Therefore, It is most suitable for personal blogs and websites under one domain name. Likewise, it is also an ideal choice for small and medium business websites that require limited security.
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2. Multi-Domain SSL Certificate
The multi-domain SSL certificate secures and protects and secures multiple domains with a single certificate. It is also known as a Subject Alternative Name (SAN) certificate because it secures the main external domain along with multiple extra DNS names. It uses a single unique IP address for multiple domains.
Multi-domain is a cost-effective solution for companies with multiple domains and websites. Similarly, you can add or remove the domains as you please with a multi-domain SSL certificate. These kinds of certificates are easy to manage and track the expiry and renewal dates. It is also an ideal choice if you are looking to secure more than one domain and sub-domain.
3. Wildcard SSL Certificate
The wildcard SSL certificate’s name comes from the wildcard character (*) used in the domain name field. It is a single certificate that, therefore, secures a single domain and its subdomain. This kind of certificate is especially beneficial for large websites with multiple subdomains. Rather than using multiple certificates for every single domain and sub-domain, a wildcard SSL certificate solves this problem.
The level of security in a wildcard SSL certificate is similar to the regular SSL certificate. However, it is more expensive as it secures the domain and all its multiple sub-domains. It usually comes with a validity period of one or two years.
4. Multi-Domain Wildcard SSL Certificate
The multi-domain wildcard SSL certificate has the combined features of both multi-domain and wildcard SSL certificates. Under a single multi-domain wildcard SSL certificate, one can secure multiple domains and their subdomains. For companies that have multiple domains and subdomains, a multi-domain wildcard SSL certificate will be the most suitable.
In comparison to the standard SSL certificates, a multi-domain wildcard SSL certificate is expensive. However, if the company with multiple domains and sub-domains, it is a cost-effective choice. It also provides strong security and encryption while providing the flexibility to add or remove the domains or subdomains as you, please.
5. Domain Validation SSL Certificate
The domain validation SSL certificate is the most basic and is easily obtained with a one-step domain verification process. As a result, it only provides a fundamental level of security at a low cost. For blogs, personal websites, and websites that do not need to perform any transitions, domain validation SSL certificates are ideal choices.
Usually, these certificates are automated, can be issued within minutes, and are easily set up. There is no need to display any specific organization details. However, it has low assurance, therefore, clients are unlikely to trust the site. It is not recommended for e-commerce sites as it requires security for sensitive customer information and trust from clients.
6. Organization Validation SSL Certificate
Organization validation SSL certificates provide a higher level of security and assurance than domain-validation SSL certificates. Similarly, its validation process is more rigorous as it requires business verification, administrative contact verification, and domain ownership. It instils trust and credibility since website visitors can verify the organization’s identity.
The organization validation SSL certificates are ideal for e-commerce and businesses given their enhanced security and trustworthiness. However, it is expensive compared to domain validation SSL certificates. Its validation period is usually from 1 to 2 years. For renewal, you will have to go through the validation process all over again.
7. Extended Validation SSL Certificate
The extended validation SSL certificate (EV) is the highest level of SSL certificate that website owners can get. The Certificate Authority (CA) verifies the website and its owner’s identity extensively for extended validation SSL certificate. As a result, banks, financial institutes, and high-end brands use these kinds of certificates.
This certificate takes a long time to get as well as is the most expensive among SSL certificates. Similarly, it is also one of the most trusted certificates. Once the extended validation SSL certificate is validated, the URL bar displays in green color. It indicates that the site is trustworthy and all the sensitive information is protected.
Conclusion
Different kinds of websites have different levels of security concerns. Based on the requirements, you can choose the kind of SSL certificate to secure your site. While it is always the best idea to get the highest level of validation, some sites may only require basic security. The validation process time and the cost of the certificate also play a role which making the decision.
Now you know these different types of SSL certificates, you can select the one that fits your requirements to keep your site secure!
