Almost every established business has an online presence in today’s modern business world. This is due to the numerous benefits they will receive as a result.
However, being connected to the internet has drawbacks. It exposes your company to cyber criminals and puts your most sensitive data at constant risk of cyber attacks. An estimated 30,000 websites are hacked daily, with cyber attacks occurring every 39 seconds.
The impact of cybercrime can be severe, causing financial loss, loss of trust, and reputational damage. As a result, it is critical to ensure security measures are in place to protect online transactions and the information of clients and the company.
When it comes to online security, installing an SSL certificate is the most popular and rapidly expanding option for website owners.
Visitors are more likely to trust a website that has an SSL certificate. Furthermore, search engines approve and confirm that websites with an SSL certificate are safe to visit. Therefore, if you want your website to appear credible and secure, you must use an SSL certificate.
What is an SSL certificate?
SSL, a secure socket layer, is a digital certificate that establishes an encrypted connection between a web server and a web browser.
It ensures that all data is kept private between the web server and the browser.
How does SSL work?
Assume you visit a website that requires you to enter sensitive information such as your credit card numbers, phone numbers, and address to complete a transaction.
Occasionally, during this process hackers intercept and steal vital information that they can use to do whatever they want. This is something no one wants to happen.
Companies want to protect their customer’s information and the customers want to be assured of the safety of their personal information. The SSL certificate comes in handy here.
SSL establishes an encrypted link between you and the website you’re visiting. It prevents hackers from intercepting any shared data. With this, no one else will be able to access or see the information shared. This is how SSL certificates safeguard online users.
Do I need an SSL certificate for my website?
You must have an encrypted website to survive and thrive in today’s digital market. This is one method of proving your identity and legitimacy to website visitors.
The requirement for an SSL certificate is no longer an option, particularly if:
- You’re selling something online and need a customer’s personal information during the transaction.
- Your website provides login and registration options
- You permit users to create accounts with your company.
Any secure interaction between a user and a website should be carried out so that third parties cannot intercept it. SSL operates by utilizing the web host’s and browser’s encryption capabilities and programs. This essentially informs you that the website requires an SSL certificate.
Here are a few more reasons why you need an SSL certificate.
Read also: What is an SSL Certificate? Everything You Need to Know.
Benefits of SSL certificate
1). SSL protects sensitive information
This is one of the most crucial reasons why website owners obtain an SSL certificate. It is critical to secure communication or information between your website and your customers’ internet browsers.
Normally, information sent over the internet is passed from computer to computer before arriving at the destination server. Hackers can intercept it and potentially read or steal valuable information if the information is not encrypted during this process.
An SSL certificate is used to encrypt data so that no third party can intercept and read it as it travels from your computer to web servers thereby, protecting sensitive information.
2). Better search engine ranking
Google’s search engine ranking algorithm now includes SSL.
Websites that don’t have an SSL certificate may struggle to rank higher in search engine results pages consistently. This is due to a poor user experience and a high exit rate caused by visitors’ lack of trust.
3). SSL helps you satisfy PCI requirements
Any website that conducts online transactions must be PCI compliant to accept online payments. Installing an SSL certificate on your website is one of the payments card industry’s 12 primary requirements for PCI compliance.
4). SSL validates your business’s identity and increases customer trust.
It is critical to encrypt information so that it remains secure while traveling to the server. Assume a user searches for a specific keyword and comes across your website.
When he or she clicks on it, Google indicates that the website is not secure. He immediately leaves to look for another website.
Users who visit your website with an SSL certificate can browse freely without being greeted with indicators that the website is not secure.
This indicates that the site is secure, which increases customer trust. Furthermore, they confirm the legitimacy of the business identity and may proceed to purchase some interaction with your website further.
5). Asses dangers
When hackers attempt to access your website, you can receive immediate notification. After reviewing the website’s data to ensure its security, you can change any passwords or login information.
Types of SSL certificates
It can be intimidating to dive into something with so many options without a firm grasp on them.
There are 6 major types of SSL certificates, which are divided into two categories: levels of validation and secured domains.
01). SSL certificates based on validation level
The level of validation refers to how the certificate authority confirms the identity of the company and persona applying for the certificate.
There are three validation levels offered for SSL certificates.
#1. Extended Validation (EV) SSL certificate
When the highest level of security is required, these certificates are frequently used. Certificate authorities (CA) perform extensive background checks on the organization that owns the domain when providing extended validation SSL certificates, confirming ownership, legal status, geographic location, and other information.
It turns the address bar of the major browsers green, assuring website visitors that their online transactions are secure.
Extended validation is government bodies, huge corporations, and eCommerce sites.
Pros
- They boost web traffic and SEO rankings
- They have a higher level of validation as well as a longer warranty
- Displaying an extended validation green address bar with an HTTPS padlock increases client trust.
- For hackers, obtaining an EV certificate is difficult.
- Protect your clients from phishing and cyber terrorists.
Cons
- This is by far the most expensive option
- The validation procedure is fraught with difficulty. It is available in 3 to 5 days.
- The procedure may also be postponed if any discrepancies in the documentation are discovered, necessitating additional information and proof from the company.
#2. Domain validation (DV) SSL certificate
Domain validation refers to SSL certificates that are issued after the applicant demonstrates some level of domain control.
Browsers display trust indicators like the padlock icon and HTTPS prefix before the website domain when DV certificates are installed.
The DV certificates are intended for websites that do not handle sensitive data. Small websites and blogs normally choose DV SSL.
Pros
- It is the most affordable option, and some CAs even provide them for free
- There is no need to submit any documentation and they are granted quickly.
Cons
- Website visitors have little knowledge about the true identity of a domain owner due to the low level of validation. Fraudsters can easily dupe users by employing techniques such as phishing.
#3. Organization Validation (OV) SSL certificates
The organization validation verifies that you own a domain and an organization in a specific country, state, or city.
OV as opposed to DV can increase the legitimacy of your website. It enables HTTPS and demonstrates to your customers that you value security.
These SSL certificates are better suited for websites with a public audience as they can only be issued to registered organizations, not to individuals.
Pros
- They are more reliable than DV SSL
- They are easy to install
Cons
- OV certificates take longer to produce than DV certificates
02). Types of SSL certificates based on secured domains
An SSL certificate can be issued to one or more hostnames. When installing the SSL certificates, you must provide a list of secure subdomains. This is because SSL certificates do not automatically secure domains and subdomains.
#4. A single-domain SSL certificate
A single-domain SSL certificate protects one domain per name on a single certificate.
These certificates can secure one domain (www and non-www variations), an individual subdomain, a hostname, an IP address, and a mail server.
Pros
- It’s the cheapest type of SSL certificates
Cons
- You can not secure multiple domains or subdomains
#5. Wildcard SSL certificate
A wildcard SSL certificate enables businesses to secure a single domain and all its subdomains.
Pros
- It reduces the need to purchase additional certificates
- It protects the main domain as well as an unlimited number of subdomains.
Cons
- It only secures the first level of the subdomain
#5. Multi-domain SSL certificate
A multi-domain SSL certificate enables business website owners to secure multiple domains with a single certificate and to add or remove domains at any time.
If you want to protect more than one primary domain simultaneously, this is the best option.
Pros
With one certificate, all domains can be easily managed and protected.
Guide to choosing the right SSL certificate for your website
As we’ve seen, there are a plethora of SSL certs to choose from. But one question arises each time: which SSL cert type is appropriate for our website?
Every business is unique, and so is its website. SSL cert of various types is designed and developed to aid in encrypting transactions conducted on a specific business website.so here is a guide to help you choose the best SSL cert for our website.
1). Validation level.
The validation level is the process of approaching something. Every SSL certificate does the same thing. It encrypts the data sent between the browser and the servers.
However, they differ regarding the validation procedures used before issuing the certificate.
Some will have a short validation level, while others will take longer.
2). Domains.
Another factor to consider when choosing an SSL certificate is the number of domains you want to secure. Every website is built uniquely. Some websites keep all their important pages on a single domain or its subdomains, whereas others keep their important pages spread across multiple domains.
The type of SSL certificate you require will be determined by the number of domains and subdomains you wish to secure.
3). Warranty level.
The level of warranty provided by an SSL certificate varies. The warranty amount grows in proportion to the level of validation. You should choose SSL service providers who provide warranties.
Keep in mind that free SSL providers provide no warranties.
4). Insurance time
The verification process differs at each level. If you need a certificate quickly, opt for the SSL certificate, which does not require extra scrutiny and tends to increase the insurance period.
5). Budget.
Budget is an important factor to consider when selecting the right SSL certificate. Numerous factors influence the cost of SSL certificates, such as the brand, SSL type, verification period, etc.
The SSL certificate you install or buy will determine how much money you have to invest in your SSL.
6). Customer support
When selecting an SSL certificate, you should settle for an SSL certificate so that you’re assured of their customer support 24 hours a. When you encounter a problem, it is best to seek the advice of an expert. Customer service can help you avoid problems.
Conclusion
Every online website requires SSL certificates which is popular. Requirement for any online platform seeking protection.
However, given the abundance of SSL certificates available, selecting one may be difficult. Choose the certificate that best meets the requirements of your website.