SSL Certificate refers to Secure Sockets Layers. It means the connection between the user computer and the server is private. So, the data sent between them are encrypted. SSL certificates have a key pair: a public and a private key. These keys work together to establish an encrypted connection.
SSL certificates are small data files that encrypt data packets as they are sent through the Internet. SSL is often used to transfer data logins and credit card information online.
A website that has an SSL certificate ensures all website traffic between your web server and user’s browser is secure and cannot be read. When your website has an active SSL certificate the application protocol changes from HTTP to HTTPS.
Many web hosting providers offer cPanel as a website management tool. This is the place where you can edit, manage, and install an SSL Certificate. Here we are going to learn which SSL Certificate you should install on your website.
Different Types Of SSL Certificate
There are three types of SSL Certificates available today: Extended Validation (EV SSL), Organization Validated (OV SSL), and Domain Validated (DV SSL).
Extended Validation (EV) SSL Certificates: where the Certificate Authority (CA) checks the right of the applicant to use a specific domain name PLUS it conducts a THOROUGH vetting of the organization. The issuance process of EV SSL Certificates is strictly defined in the EV Guidelines, as formally ratified by the CA/Browser forum in 2007, that specify all the steps required for a CA before issuing a certificate, and includes:
- Verifying the legal, physical and operational existence of the entity
- Verifying that the identity of the entity matches official records
- Verifying that the entity has exclusive right to use the domain specified in the EV SSL Certificate
- Verifying that the entity has properly authorized the issuance of the EV SSL Certificate
EV SSL Certificates are available for all types of businesses, including government entities and both incorporated and unincorporated businesses. A second set of guidelines, the EV Audit Guidelines, specify the criteria under which a CA needs to be successfully audited before issuing EV SSL Certificates. The audits are repeated yearly to ensure the integrity of the issuance process.
Organization Validation (OV) SSL Certificates: where the CA checks the right of the applicant to use a specific domain name PLUS it conducts some vetting of the organization. Additional vetted company information is displayed to customers when clicking on the Secure Site Seal, giving enhanced visibility in who is behind the site and associated enhanced trust.
Domain Validation (DV) SSL Certificates: where the CA checks the right of the applicant to use a specific domain name. No company identity information is vetted and no information is displayed other than encryption information within the Secure Site Seal.
Which SSL Certificate You Should Install On Your Website ?
If you are running a blog or a news portal then you don’t have to spend money on SSL Certificates. You can install a free SSL Certificates from Let’s Encrypt. It will provide you free SSL Certificates for 3 months.
If you are selling goods and services from your website via PayPal, PayPal processes the payments. PayPal has its own SSL certificate so it can safely contact the bank and finishes the transaction on your behalf. For this kind of e-commerce, because your website is not capturing sensitive data, you do not need an SSL certificate.
You should installed high-assurance SSL Certificate in the following cases:
- If your site has a login, you need SSL to secure usernames and passwords.
- If you are using forms that ask for sensitive customer information, you need SSL to stop your customer data from being appropriated by hackers.
- If you’re an e-commerce site, you may need an SSL certificate.
Credit cards and social security numbers are two of the most notable types of sensitive data that need an SSL certificate. If you are or plan on accepting major credit cards online, you need a merchant account – most of them require you to use an SSL certificate. If the eCommerce website has no SSL, visitors may abandon the shopping cart and as a result, sales will suffer.
