Which is the Best SSL Certificate for Your Website?

What are SSL Certificates?

You own a store where customers come to buy your products. Naturally, you would want to ensure that their transactions are secure, especially when they're handing over sensitive information like credit card details. An SSL certificate acts like a digital security guard for your website, creating a protected connection between your customers’ web browsers and your server.

Why are SSL Certificates Crucial?

In today's digital age, information security is more important than ever. Hackers and cyber criminals are constantly developing new ways to steal personal information. An SSL certificate is your first line of defense against such attacks. It helps protect your customers’ sensitive information such as:

• Credit card numbers and payment details
• Personal information like names, addresses, and phone numbers
• Login credentials like usernames and passwords

But why stop there? Beyond just locking down your data, let's explore how SSL certificates can transform the way customers view and interact with your website:

Protection: They keep customer information secure, which is important if you accept payments or store personal information on your website.

Trust: When customers see the padlock icon in their browser bar or a web address starting with "HTTPS" rather than just "HTTP", they feel more confident in doing business with you.

Better Google Ranking: Google favors secure websites. Having an SSL certificate might boost your site’s position in search results, making it easier for new customers to find you.

What are the different SSL certificates available? Which one is the best for you?

Understanding the different types of SSL certificates can help you choose the right one for your business. Let’s take a look at them.

1. Domain Validated (DV) certificates: These certificates verify that you have control over the domain, making them quick and easy to issue.

- Ideal for personal websites or blogs that require basic security but do not involve processing sensitive data.

2. Organization validated (OV) certificates: OV certificates include validation of the organization behind the domain, adding an extra layer of trust.

- Ideal for business websites where users need assurance that the site is backed by a credible entity.

3. Extended Validated Certificates: These provide the highest level of security and user trust, as they involve a thorough validation process, including the legal, physical, and operational existence of the entity.

- Ideal for sites that handle sensitive transactions, showing users they are dealing with a highly secure, verified business.

4. Wildcard SSL certificates: The wildcard applies to the DV, and OV SSL certificates. The certificates are issued for the domain name specified in the initial application. If you buy a wildcard with one of the above-mentioned certificates, it means that the common name specified is “yourdomainname.com”. You can then use the certificate on an unlimited number of subdomains and servers.

For example - For a wildcard SSL certificate, a common name of *.yourdomainname.com would secure www.yourdomainname.com, mail.yourdomainname.com, secure.yourdomainname.com, etc...

Note: To make your initial journey into website security as smooth as possible, it's worth noting that some domain providers offer a free Instant DV SSL certificate with every domain purchase.

How to determine which SSL certificate is best for you?

When deciding on the right SSL certificate, ask yourself -

• What type of information do I handle on my website?
• What level of trust do I need to establish with my visitors?
• Is my industry or the nature of my business subject to specific regulatory requirements regarding data security?

Take a look at our comparison chart to ease your selection process.

How Do SSL Certificates Work?

When a customer enters your website, the SSL certificate creates a secure link between their browser and your site. Any data passed between them is encrypted and secure. This is done automatically once you have an SSL certificate installed.

How to install an SSL Certificate?

Follow these 3 simple steps and you are done.

1. Purchase: Choose and buy an SSL certificate from a reliable provider.

2. Activate and Install: You'll need to "activate" your SSL by verifying your website’s ownership and then "install" it on your website’s hosting environment. Sometimes your hosting provider will help you with this process.

3. Verify: Once installed, check that your website starts with "HTTPS" – this means your SSL is working!

Choose wisely; the right SSL certificate safeguards your website and nurtures trust with your visitors.

Conclusion

Selecting the right SSL certificate involves understanding both your business needs and the different levels of security each type of certificate offers. By aligning the type of SSL certificate with the specific requirements and trust level needed for your website, you can ensure optimal security and user confidence. Whether you run a simple blog or a complex e-commerce platform, there is an SSL certificate that fits your needs.

Here are some simple answers to some questions you might have about SSL certificates.

FAQs

1. What is an SSL certificate and why does my website need one?

An SSL certificate acts as a digital security guard for your website, ensuring any data transferred remains private and secure.

2. How do SSL certificates protect my customers' information?

SSL certificates encrypt sensitive information, like credit card numbers and login credentials, making it unreadable to anyone but the intended recipient.

3. What are the different types of SSL certificates available?

There are mainly three types: Domain Validated (DV) for basic security, Organization Validated (OV) for added trust, and Extended Validation (EV) for the highest security level.

4. How do I choose the right SSL certificate for my small business?

Consider the nature of your website, the level of trust you want to establish, and any specific data security regulations in your industry.

5. What is the simplest type of SSL certificate for a basic blog or personal website?

A Domain Validated (DV) SSL certificate is ideal for sites that do not handle sensitive data and need basic encryption.

6. How does an SSL certificate improve my Google ranking?

Google favours secure websites with SSL certificates, potentially ranking them higher, making your site easier to find for new customers.

7. What does the padlock icon in the browser bar signify?

The padlock icon shows your visitors that their connection to your website is secure, boosting their confidence in your site.

8. Can SSL certificates secure a website with multiple subdomains?

Yes, Wildcard SSL certificates are designed to secure a primary domain and an unlimited number of subdomains.

9. How can I verify that my SSL certificate is installed correctly?

After installation, your website URL will start with "HTTPS" instead of just "HTTP," indicating that the SSL is active and working.

10. What are the steps to install an SSL certificate on my website?

Purchase the certificate, activate it by verifying ownership of your website, and install it on your server, often with the assistance of your hosting provider.