The Internet can be dangerous to browse if you do not have security measures. Especially malicious websites and man-in-the-middle attacks are causing massive security issues for users. You can follow our Prima Secure website to know more about SSL Certificate.
For example, a report suggests that more than 10,000 organizations have been affected due to MITM attacks. Fortunately, an SSL certificate can help you secure websites from MITM, data spying activities.
An SSL certificate is a digital certificate that indicates to browsers and other clients (like email servers) that the website or server it is attached to is safe to connect with. When you visit a secure site, there happens a process of SSL handshake.
To get SSL certificate, once the site holder or developer asks for an SSL certificate, the CA then verifies the site's identity and necessary business related documents and issues a certificate.
SSL helps to secure
the communication between the server and website client so that hackers cannot
access the data in transition. First, let us understand what SSL is and its
types.
What is an SSL certificate?
What is an SSL certificate? This question pops up in layman’s mind. The answer is an SSL Certificate is a unique security protocol that confirms a website or server's identity. When a user opens a website, the browser encrypts their connection to the site using secure cryptography technologies.
This prevents anyone from eavesdropping on the communication and stealing personal information exchanged between the visitor's browser and the website.
SSL Certificate helps
protect your online information from being stolen by hackers. By encrypting the
connection between your computer and the website, you create a shield against
malicious individuals trying to steal your data or passwords.
SSL Certificates are
issued and managed by Certificate Authorities. A certificate can be used to
confirm the identity of a website or server. For a certificate to work correctly on the website you
are visiting and your server must have installed an SSL certification
configuration properly. Now that we know what an SSL certificate is, let us
understand the different types.
What are the different types of SSL certificates?
There are different types of SSL certificates
that you can choose from as per your requirement. For example, you can select
certificates based on number of domains or subdomains associated with the
website.
Single Domain SSL Certificate
A single-domain SSL
certificate is the most basic type of SSL certificate, and it guarantees that
all traffic between your browser and one website is encrypted. This type is
used for websites with only one domain name (for example, mywebsite.com). If you
are using a single domain certificate, your website will be automatically assigned
the www.mywebsite.com or mywebsite.com, and all traffic will be encrypted.
Wildcard SSL Certificate
A wildcard
SSL certificate allows you to secure
unlimited subdomains of a main domain. For example, *.mydomain.com will secure
blog.mydomain.com, payment.mydomain.com. All subdomains will fall under a main
domain so; there is no need to verify each subdomain. It simply allows you to
secure multiple sub-domains with a single certificate. Wildcard SSL cert can be
either domain validation or organization validation certificate. Wildcard does
not fit with extended validation level certificate.
Multi-Domain SSL Certificate
A multi-domain
SSL certificate provides additional
protection for websites on different domains and subdomains. For example, if
you have a web page hosted on www.example.com and want to protect content on
devtest1.example.com, you would need a multi-domain certificate that can secure
up to 100 domains/subdomains in a single certificate. Such type of SSL certs
are compatible with domain validation, organization validation and extended
validation certificate.
Validation levels of SSL certificate
You can also buy SSL certificate based on the type of validation. For example, if you own a domain, CA will validate it as per selected validation method and issue the certificate.
Domain Validation Certificate
These certificates verify that the organization or an individual is registered with the relevant domain name. The domain validation certificate process usually involves submitting details of the organization's registration with ICANN (the body responsible for overseeing domain name registrations) and proof of ownership over any desired domains ( e.g., a copy of the organization's deed or business license).
In short, the certificate authority will not check business identity
or any business’ physical and legal status in case of domain validation
certificate. The certificate authority will check only domain ownership for
domain validation certificate.
Organization Validation Certificate
An Organization Validation Certificate (OV) is an SSL certificate issued to an organization by a certificate authority. Organizations that need an OV SSL certificate are the ones that want to secure web traffic for their customers and employees, such as banks, e-commerce sites, and government agencies.
Here, the validation
involves more information than the domain validation type. Businesses must
provide details like business registration data, location, proof of existence, legal
status, and more.
Extended Validation Certificate
An Extended Validation Certificate (EV) is a type of SSL certificate that denotes that the CA has approved the certificate holder to access a higher level of security.
EV SSL certificates
are typically issued to high-value websites or servers, such as those belonging
to banks and ecommerce sites, payment processors, financial institutions. EV
SSL requires thorough verification of business registration, its legal status,
phone number and other business details before the issuance of a certificate.
Conclusion
As internet usage increases, you need to improve security measures and ensure that your website visitors do not become a target of MITM attacks. However, you will find several cheap SSL certificate providers options for your website.
We suggest to go with
low priced provider resellers like CheapSSLShop,
which can bring huge discount to your desk for your selected SSL cert.
Therefore, choosing the right CA and certificate type becomes crucial. So,
analyze your requirements and options to select the suitable certificate
option.
