It is great that you have decided to opt for an SSL certificate. Picking the best SSL for your site is paramount.
You do not want your customers to worry about identity theft and hacking. Choosing the wrong SSL for a business website can undermine customer trust, reduce completed transactions, and adversely affect your business online.
Whether you are a new business owner or leading an established company, we have a great guide to help you choose the best SSL for your website.
What is an SSL certificate?
An SSL (Secure Socket Layer) certificate is a digital certificate that provides authentication for a website and enables an encrypted connection between the web server and the user’s browser.
SSL certificates enable websites to use HTTPS, which is a more secure version of HTTP.
SSL certificates mark websites secure with visual cues like “https://” and a padlock, building user trust. When you see a green padlock, it means the website is using an SSL certificate.
Why Are SSL Certificates So Important?
An SSL for your business website is the most important validation of security. SSL Certificates are important for making secure online transactions. They build trust between websites and visitors by ensuring a secure connection.
They protect against cyber threats, boost SEO, and follow data protection rules. For e-commerce, SSL ensures safe transactions and avoids browser warnings, making it essential for a trustworthy online experience.
Types of SSL Certificates for a Business Website
Picking the best SSL for your site requires you to understand the types properly. Each type has its own features and levels of validation.
Let’s take a look at the options available so you can choose the right SSL for your business website.
1.Domain Validation (DV) SSL Certificates
DV certificates are ideal for small to medium-sized enterprises seeking cost-effective security without the necessity of establishing trust with site visitors.
Obtaining a DV certificate only requires verifying ownership of the relevant domain name through a straightforward email validation process. These certificates can be issued within minutes, facilitating the implementation of HTTPS and displaying a clear indicator like the padlock symbol in web browsers.
Nevertheless, it’s important to note that DV certificates don’t verify the legitimacy of the organization represented by the website. Therefore, they are not recommended for e-commerce sites or platforms handling sensitive information. Nonetheless, they are an excellent choice for internal sites, test servers, and test domains.
Pros:
- Cost-Effective Security
- Quick Issuance
- HTTPS Implementation
- User-Friendly
- Suitable for Internal Sites
Cons:
- Limited Trust Verification
- Not Suitable for Sensitive Transactions
- Not Recommended for High-Profile Sites
- Limited Warranty
2.Organization Validation (OV) SSL Certificates
OV certificates offer a level of security that is equivalent to DV certificates but extends beyond verifying domain ownership. When you obtain an OV SSL certificate, the Certificate Authority (CA) validates domain ownership and ensures the associated business’s legitimacy.
This involves scrutinizing details such as the company’s name, location, address, and incorporation or registration information. Consequently, OV certificates are a preferable choice for websites that are publicly accessible and represent established companies or organizations.
Pros:
- Enhanced Trust
- Professionalism
- Security
- Customer Confidence
- Suitable for Business Websites
Cons:
- Validation Time
- Cost
- Not Suitable for Every Website
- Renewal Process
- Limited Visual Distinction
3.Extended Validation (EV) SSL Certificates
Extended Validation (EV) certificates instil the utmost confidence in users by ensuring that their transactions occur on a trusted website. As a result, these certificates have become the benchmark for e-commerce platforms. When an EV SSL certificate is in place, high-security web browsers showcase a distinctive green address bar, incorporating the organization’s name and details about the issuing Certificate Authority.
Verification of the website’s identity and the organization’s authentication are done under stringent industry guidelines established by the CA/Browser Forum. This involves a meticulous vetting process, proven effective over a decade of real-world application.
Big businesses and online stores need EV certificates because they boost trust. These certificates show customers that the website is legitimate and takes customer data protection seriously, that the site is serious about protecting its customers’ data.
Pros:
- Enhanced User Trust
- Boosts Credibility
- Rigorous CA/Browser Forum verification process
- Proven Effective Over a Decade
Cons:
- Higher Cost
- Time-consuming, Complex Verification Process
- Requires Ongoing Management and Compliance
- Effectiveness May Be Influenced by Browser Policy Changes
READ: What are the Different Types of SSL Certificates Explained
How To Choose the Best SSL For Your Website?
To choose the best SSL for your website you need to consider several factors to ensure it meets your specific needs. Here’s a guide to help you make an informed decision:
1.Type of SSL Certificate:
Here’s a snapshot of the types explained above in detail.
- DV (Domain Validated):Ideal for basic encryption needs. Suitable for personal websites, blogs, or small businesses where extended validation is not a priority.
- OV (Organization Validated):Offers a higher level of validation, verifying both domain ownership and basic business details. Suitable for business websites and e-commerce platforms.
- EV (Extended Validation):Provides the highest level of validation, with a rigorous verification process of both domain and business. Ideal for large e-commerce sites and those requiring the highest level of customer trust.
2.Level of Trust and Assurance:
Consider the level of trust you want to convey to your website visitors when picking the best SSL for your site. EV certificates provide the highest level of visual trust indicators in browsers.
3.Website Type and Purpose:
A DV certificate might be sufficient for personal websites, blogs, or small projects. For medium to large business websites, especially those handling sensitive information, consider OV or EV certificates for enhanced credibility.
4.Number of Domains and Subdomains:
If you have many domains or subdomains, choose an SSL certificate that includes all of them. It can help you save money and make management easier. This way, you ensure security for all your online assets without complicating things.
5.Warranty and Insurance:
Some SSL certificates come with a warranty that covers potential damages resulting from a certificate failure. Consider this aspect, especially for e-commerce sites.
6.Compatibility and Support:
Make sure the SSL certificate works well with your website’s server and hosting setup. Otherwise, it may lead to issues like security vulnerabilities or your website not loading properly. Also, check if the company that issued the certificate has good customer support in case you need help or have questions. This ensures a smooth and secure experience for your website visitors.
7.Validation Speed:
Consider how quickly you need the certificate. DV certificates are usually issued faster than OV and EV certificates.
However, if your website deals with sensitive information or requires a higher level of trust, choose the best SSL for your website in terms of security, even if validation takes more time.
8.SSL/TLS Protocol Version:
Ensure that the SSL certificate supports the latest TLS protocol versions for security reasons. If not, your website may be vulnerable to potential threats and attacks. Using outdated protocols could expose sensitive information, compromise user privacy, and undermine the overall security of your online platform. Always prioritize compatibility with up-to-date security protocols to safeguard your website and user data effectively.
Picking the right SSL certificate is vital for a business. It keeps customer data safe, builds trust, and safeguards against cyber threats and legal issues. We hope this guide on how to choose the best SSL for your website will help you make an informed decision.
