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An SSL certificate is a crucial element for any website that wants to ensure the privacy and security of its users by encrypting the data transmitted between the server and the browser. When selecting an SSL certificate, it’s important to understand the different types of SSL certificates available, as they serve different purposes and levels of validation.
In this guide, we’ll explore the main types of SSL certificates, how they work, and which one is right for your website.
Best for: Personal blogs, small websites, or non-commercial websites.
Validation Process: The certificate authority (CA) only verifies the ownership of the domain name. No organization information is verified.
Security Level: Provides encryption but doesn't verify the identity of the organization. Suitable for securing basic websites and personal projects.
Time to Issue: Typically issued within minutes.
Visual Indicators: Display a padlock in the browser but do not show the organization name.
Quick and easy to obtain.
Cost-effective.
Best suited for non-sensitive transactions.
Does not verify the identity of the website owner, making it less trustworthy for eCommerce or financial transactions.
Best for: Small to medium-sized businesses, or websites handling sensitive user information.
Validation Process: The CA verifies both the domain ownership and the organization's identity (business registration and other information).
Security Level: Offers higher security than DV certificates as it also verifies the organization’s identity.
Time to Issue: Takes a few hours to a few days.
Visual Indicators: Shows a padlock in the browser, along with the organization’s name in the certificate details.
Verifies the legitimacy of the organization behind the website, providing more trust to users.
Ideal for websites that handle sensitive data but don’t necessarily need extended validation.
Slightly more expensive than DV certificates.
Takes longer to issue.
Best for: Large corporations, eCommerce websites, or websites handling highly sensitive data.
Validation Process: The CA performs rigorous validation to verify both the domain ownership and the legal, physical, and operational existence of the organization. This process can take several days.
Security Level: EV certificates offer the highest level of validation and security. They also trigger a more prominent visual indicator in the browser (the organization name appears in green in the address bar).
Time to Issue: Typically takes 3-5 business days.
Visual Indicators: The browser displays a green address bar with the name of the organization, providing the most visible proof of authenticity.
Offers the highest level of trust and security.
Builds trust with users, as it’s the most visible certificate in the browser.
Essential for websites dealing with financial transactions, eCommerce, and highly sensitive personal data.
Most expensive certificate option.
Takes longer to obtain due to rigorous validation.
Best for: Businesses or websites with multiple subdomains.
Validation Process: The same validation process as DV, OV, or EV depending on the type of wildcard SSL.
Security Level: Encrypts multiple subdomains of a single domain.
Time to Issue: Similar to standard DV, OV, or EV SSL certificates.
Visual Indicators: Shows a padlock in the browser just like any other SSL certificate.
Secures unlimited subdomains under a single certificate (e.g., www.yourdomain.com, mail.yourdomain.com).
Cost-effective for businesses with multiple subdomains, as it eliminates the need to purchase individual certificates for each subdomain.
Only works for one level of subdomains (e.g., *.yourdomain.com but not sub1.sub2.yourdomain.com).
If the wildcard certificate is compromised, all subdomains are at risk.
Best for: Businesses or websites that want to secure multiple domains with a single certificate.
Validation Process: The validation process is the same as DV, OV, or EV depending on the type of multi-domain SSL.
Security Level: Provides encryption for multiple domain names (e.g., example.com, example.net, example.org).
Time to Issue: Depends on the type of validation (DV, OV, or EV).
Visual Indicators: Displays the same padlock as a regular SSL certificate.
Allows you to secure multiple domains with one certificate.
Reduces costs compared to purchasing individual certificates for each domain.
Ideal for businesses with several websites.
It’s important to ensure that the certificate is used on related domains (e.g., same organization).
More expensive than a single-domain certificate, especially if EV validation is required.
When choosing an SSL certificate for your website, consider the following factors:
Type of Website: Is your website a personal blog, an eCommerce store, or a financial platform?
Security Needs: Does your website handle sensitive user data that needs extra protection?
Budget: How much are you willing to spend on an SSL certificate?
Validation Level: How much verification do you need to ensure user trust?
If you're unsure which SSL certificate is best for your website or need help with installation, please contact Softsys Hosting Support for further assistance. Our experts are available to guide you through the process and help you select the right certificate for your needs.
Softsys Hosting offers a range of SSL certificates at discounted prices. Whether you need a Domain Validated (DV), Organization Validated (OV), Extended Validation (EV), Wildcard, or Multi-Domain SSL, we have the right solution for your website at an affordable price. Secure your website today with Softsys Hosting and enjoy peace of mind with top-tier SSL certificates.
