Business owners also have the same questions in mind:Which types of SSL certificate do I need? Know the difference and pick the right one!
SSL Certificate are not only providing strong security for your website visitors’ data. Besides, it also help to boostyour users’ trust and getting SEO benefits !
KEEP reading to get a clear understanding of the types of SSL certificates that are available and which type will help your business!
What is an SSL Certificate?
SSL stands for Secure Sockets Layer. It is a security technology that establishes an encrypted link between a server and a client to prevent criminals from getting and modifying any information transferred, including potential personal details or any other sensitive data. Other than that, SSL certificates help to protect sensitive data such as credit card numbers, username, passwords, IC numbers, social security numbers and more.
Types
3 types of SSL certificates categorized based on their SSL validation process.
- Domain Validation(DV)
- Organization Validation(OV)
- Extended validated (EV) categories
Level 1: Domain Validation (DV) SSL
DV SSLs are the basic SSL certificates which have a light verification process.This certificate is issued easily as no company information is checked or displayed on the certificate. Besides that, the Certificate Authority (CA) will issue this certificate to anyone who is listed in the domain name admin contact record.
- DV SSLs are the cheapest, easiest to get and can be process in minutes to a few hours
- For instance, Suitable for personal websites, blogs, and informational websites which don’t take clients’ personal or financial information via any forms or checkout process.
Level 2: Organization Validated (OV) SSL
Organization Validation has stricter vetting process than DV SSL. You have to prove your organizational details and local presence, then go through telephone verification, domain authentication, and a final verification call.
- It takes 1-3 days to complete the verification process.
- Suitable for – Any businesses or companies that involved less sensitive data transaction.
Level 3: Extended Validated (EV) SSL
EV certificate has the highest level of security than the previous two. Firstly, CA will confirming their documents with government records of organisation or individual that apply this certificate. A green padlock will be shown on your web browser bar along with the name of the legal website owner and the Certificate Authority issuing the certificate. Thus, it will help increase trust of customers and conversions.
- It takes A few days to a few weeks
- Highly recommended for All e-commerce sites or websites that are dealing with customers’ financial information (credit card numbers, bank account details, SSN, tax-related details) like websites offering eCommerce facilities, paid subscriptions, fundraisers for charity, paid memberships, etc.
Lastly, many hosting providers and registrars provide SSL certificates as a bundled package or an add-on product. It is a very convenient and easy way. There are different brands of certificate authorities, such as GeoTrust, RapidSSL, and Symantec.