SSL stands for Secure Sockets Layer, and it’s a protocol used to secure and encrypt communication over a computer network. The most common use of SSL is to secure the data transmission between a web browser and a website, ensuring that the information exchanged remains private and integral.
The choice of SSL certificate depends on the nature of the website, the level of trust required. Several types of SSL are available, each serving different needs and levels of security.
They include:
Domain Validated (DV) SSL Certificates:
Purpose:
Basic encryption for personal websites, blogs, or informational sites.
Validation Process:
Only domain ownership is verified, and it’s the quickest type to obtain.
Indication:
Shows a padlock in the browser’s address bar but doesn’t display details about the organization.
Organization Validated (OV) SSL Certificates:
Purpose:
Provides a higher level of trust for business or organizational websites.
Validation Process:
Includes domain ownership verification and additional vetting of the organization.
Indication:
Displays the padlock and includes details about the organization in the certificate information.
Extended Validation (EV) SSL Certificates:
Purpose:
Highest level of validation, offering the most trust and security.
Validation Process:
Rigorous verification of domain ownership and extensive vetting of the requesting organization.
Indication:
Triggers the browser’s address bar to turn green, signaling the highest level of security. Displays the organization’s name.
Wildcard SSL Certificates:
Purpose:
Secures a domain and its subdomains with a single certificate.
Validation Process:
Typically DV or OV validation for the main domain.
Indication:
Allows secure communication for multiple subdomains under the main domain.
Multi-Domain (SAN) SSL Certificates:
Purpose:
Secures multiple domain names with a single certificate.
Validation Process:
DV, OV, or EV depending on the certificate type and the level of trust desired.
Indication:
Offers flexibility to secure multiple domains, making it cost-effective for businesses with multiple web properties.
Multi-Domain Wildcard SSL Certificates:
Purpose:
Combines the capabilities of both multi-domain and wildcard certificates, securing multiple domains and their subdomains.
Validation Process:
DV, OV, or EV depending on the chosen certificate type.
Indication:
Provides flexibility for securing various domains and subdomains.
SSL certificates are issued by Certificate Authorities (CAs) and are essential for websites, especially those handling sensitive information such as login credentials, personal details, or financial transactions. SSL has evolved into its successor, TLS (Transport Layer Security), but the terms SSL and SSL certificates are still commonly used to refer to the security protocol and certificates that secure internet communication.
