Nowadays, the web has been swept up by SSL certificates. To protect sensitive data and maintain its relevance in search engine results, websites of all sizes today require an SSL certificate. Without HTTPS, there is no security or visibility. SSL certificates are crucial to creating a successful website, whether a simple blog or a sophisticated e-commerce platform. Few non-tech experts could explain what a secure socket layer, a type of encryption frequently connected with eCommerce, is and what it performs, even though most people are aware of it. For helping you determine the level of authentication that is best for your website and traffic, this complete guide is here to help you sort through the confusion.

What does the different SSL certificate mean?

Visitors to your website may leave and never return if they don’t notice any indications of a secured, authenticated web presence. Your web browser may occasionally display a warning and forbid users from visiting your website altogether. Each letter in the first section of the validation type indicates a different level of verification of the organization behind the website’s identity. There are major categories of SSL certificates, each of which provides a distinct group of data transfer security in conjunction with reliable encryption techniques.

Organization Validated Certificates (OV)

This kind of validation compromises between the types desired by big businesses who want to conduct online commerce most securely and the sort of simple authentication. This is an excellent alternative if you operate a small business and sell goods or offer paid services online.

It searches through official websites and other online resources to verify that your domain is legitimate and that you are a registered corporate entity. This is the highest verification level available to individuals, and many businesses may also attest to it.

Compared to the straightforward online form used for DV certificates, this route employs a little longer and more thorough validation process, and it will cost you a little extra each year to maintain it. However, building trust and transparency will pay off well for you.

Domain Validates Certificates (DV)

The most fundamental type of website validation is this one. Websites that aim to inform or entertain the public can use for very little money or for free. When your domain name has reached this degree of validation, you can be sure that a certification authority (CA) has looked into it and can vouch that it belongs to the organization stated on Whois. Website owners can acquire a domain-validated certificate for a minimal annual fee in minutes. A DV promotes trust that you are who you say you are and offers openness. By informing Google that your domain name has been examined and checked for legitimacy by a reliable source, it will assist with your technical SEO.

Extended Validation Certificates (EV)

The top-of-the-line SSL certificate is an Extended Validation SSL Certificate. While this certificate may appear identical to an Organization Validation SSL certificate, the fundamental distinction is the degree of scrutiny and verification given to the domain owner and the business requesting the certificate. A corporation must undergo a rigorous screening process to obtain one, and before the certificate is awarded, all of the company’s information must be confirmed as being real and valid. The Extended Validation SSL certificate can only be used by businesses that complete a thorough inquiry. Modern browsers can identify this type of certificate, denoted by a colored bar in the URL field.

SSL certificates underlying technology:

• Let’s look at the underlying technology for SSL certificates now that you are familiar with them. The communication between browsers and web servers is encrypted using an SSL certificate adheres to a cryptographic protocol.
• The SSL certificates were known as Secure Sockets Layer, hence the name. SSL had too many flaws because it was a young technology for the rapidly changing web to provide secure encryption. The SSL protocol was replaced by Transport Layer Security, a more reliable and secure technology after cyber attackers persistently exploited it.
• Unfortunately, attackers might still find a way to intercept user’s sensitive data even with impenetrable encryption. Technically speaking, SSL certificates provide flawless encryption, but that is insufficient to protect against all attacks.
• The same SSL security level may be provided via SSL certificates for all users, but the proper installation and setup are crucial for secure encryption. You provide openings for hackers to exploit if you don’t correctly install and configure your certificate. For avoiding SSL connection problems and website downtime, it is crucial to adhere to the finest SSL administration standards.

Related Blog: Is my website always safe by using an SSL certificate? Why it really matters

Can you decline a certificate?

Yes. You will be rejected if your domain registration and corporate status cannot be confirmed. You can correct your certificate by completing a form requesting revalidation and ensuring that any errors have been updated. The CA can revoke certificates and add them to a list when it decides that they were granted inadvertently, the domain is linked to malicious conduct or both.

Bottom Line:

Not all encryption serves the same goal, from sophisticated password protection to SSL. A good SSL certificate will help you know how the various types improve security so you can pick the best one for your online environment. However, simply having that certificate placed on your website increases visitor confidence and provides them with a piece of mind.