1. Overview
Providing the high security standard on websites has become the primary goal of all eCommerce owners, especially those who share privileged or private information with their users through their website. Information like bank account details, credit card detail, social security numbers or Home addresses are usually shared on eCommerce websites that need to be secure from going into wrong hands like hackers. Thus, an SSL Certificate is widely installed on the eCommerce web portal to protect sensitive data or information that is transmitted between a web user and web server.
2. How SSL Certificate works?
SSL means Secure Sockets Layer and it is an encryption technology that is installed on web servers to guard the exchange of private data that takes place between a web server and a web user by two cryptographic keys: public key and private key. A public key encrypts the information that is exchanged between a web user and a web server and a private key decrypts it. In this way, the users’ information is kept secreted from hackers.
3. Types of SSL Certificate
Choosing the right SSL certificate is must for the website in order to provide adequate security standards, build customer trust, improve conversion rate and cost effectiveness. A few types of SSL certificate are rationalized under:
3.1 Domain Validation (DV) SSL Certificate
A DV SSL certificate is the most economical and easiest certificate among all categories. No need to fill administrator procedure, usually the requesting person’s identity is attached to the domain is verified by the certificate authority to approve the DV SSL certificate, and this can be done through a number of authentication alternatives like DNS record, email, a website’s text file. After approval, “https” address and a padlock icon will be shown in the address bar. It is suitable for:
- Freelancer portfolios
- Small industry websites
- Websites that need to ask only the basic contact information
If you want to build trust, then it will not suit your website it does not provide any validation proof of an organization behind a website.
3.2 Organization Validation (OV) SSL Certificate
The OV SSL Certificate is one level upgraded from DV SSL certificate in term of security and cost. Proof of owning the domain and owning the business behind an eCommerce are asked by the certificate authority. Official public records are verified and usually one day is taken for approving the OV SSL Certificate to a website. It needs a little more official procedure and cost. Beside the “https” address and a padlock icon, it provides more details about the business’s location and name. It works well with:
- New businesses that need extra validation
- Recognized businesses that need to ask some private details from users
It will not work well with those websites which ask sensitive information like credit card information or social security numbers.
3.3 Extended Validation (EV) SSL Certificate
EV SSL Certificate is considered the most costly certificate with the uppermost intensity of security. A number of administrative records with the claims, the validity of the website domain and business, officially registered business are reviewed by a top-tier CA before approving an EV SSL Certificate to a website. It is perfect for:
- Banks and Financial Institutions
- E-commerce Companies
- Companies that deal with highly sensitive customer information
3.4 Single Domain SSL Certificate
All the above mentioned DV, OV and EV certificates come under this certificate because the single domain name is secured under these categories. The Single Domain SSL certificate lets website owners to secure only one domain like www.example.com.
3.5 Wildcard SSL Certificate
The Wildcard SSL certificate also protects only one domain name like Single Domain SSL certificate, but it also secures all sub domains under that one domain or a website. For example: www.example.com is one domain that is secured with payment.example.com and login.example.com as well. It is the relatively cheaper certificate as it provides security to all sub domains with a single certificate. Moreover, it is easy to manage from a technical and administrative standpoint. Wildcard SSL certificate is ideal for:
- Websites which have multiple sub domains under 1 domain.
If you add another sub-domain to your website during the life span of your wildcard certificate, it will automatically cover it.
3.6 Multi-Domain SSL Certificate
The multi-domain SSL certificate allows consumers to protect domain names from different businesses or hosting plans with the same certificate. Companies that handle web hosting clients, shared hosting accounts or various web properties use this multi-domain SSL certificate.
3.7 Unified Communications Certificate (UCC)
The Unified Communications Certificate is usually installed to secure Office Communications’ atmospheres and Microsoft® Exchange. The online business owners can protect up to 100 domains using this single UCC. A Unified Communications Certificate is also identified as a Subject Alternative Name (SAN) Certificate.
4. Conclusion
The SSL certificate is must for every website as it helps to enhance business credibility, improve conversion rate and secures business from prying eyes. You must choose the right SSL certificate for your business as the right type can provide adequate security and even can reduce the installation cost.
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