Types Of SSL Certificates Explained

Cyber Security is one of the biggest challenges to this overgrowing internet world. These days, more people use the internet, increasing the risk of getting victimized by cybercrimes.

SSL helps to mitigate cyber threats to some extent. So don’t you feel it’s worth being aware of what SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) is, how SSL works, and having a clear understanding of different types of SSL Certificates?

If yes, let’s get into this article.

No one loves websites that are not secure. Google too. As per a recent circular, Google no longer encourages websites that do not have an SSL certificate.

Earlier, it was damn expensive to buy an SSL certificate. But now, it has become very cheap, with many companies offering SSL certificates.

Few CDNs ( Content Delivery Networks) offer free SSL out of the box. So, there is no reason for any website not to have an SSL certificate.

SSL is a common term among website owners and developers. Though we know that we need SSL for our websites, many of us don’t clearly understand what an SSL certificate is and the different Types Of SSL Certificates available on the market.

What is SSL Certificate?

“SSL is the standard security technology for establishing an encrypted link between a web server and a browser. This link ensures that all data passed between the web server and browser remain private.“

Let’s understand SSL with some practical examples.

For example, if we visit any website and try to fill out any form to contact the webmaster, we submit some pieces of information.

Those pieces of information can be our name, phone number, or banking details. If the visited website does not have an SSL, the data we send using the contact form or any other mode is compromised.

A hacker can steal data in many ways, but the most common type is inserting code in the web server without even the website owner’s knowledge.

Those codes spy on users when they submit any information and send the data back to the hacker. All these things happen within a fraction of a second, and it’s almost impossible to detect that someone is stealing data.

Now, let’s consider visiting a website with an SSL certificate. As I said before, an SSL creates an encrypted connection between the browser and the web server, so when we submit any information, there is very little chance that a hacker will steal that information.

It is next to impossible to break the encryption. SSL cannot completely protect data, but it reduces the chances of data being compromised. The level of securities varies based on the encryption level we choose.

What Is The Purpose Of SSL Certificate?

• Secure financial transactions
• Encrypts data transfers over the internet.
• Prevent website crash
• Build trust among users

How To Know If A Website Has An SSL Certificate?

There are numerous ways we can verify whether a website has SSL. A few are listed below.

URL Starts With HTTPS

Websites with SSL certificates have URLs starting with HTTPS://. For example, this website has an SSL certificate, and it has the URL https://www.rianstech.com

A little padlock icon in the URL bar

A green padlock icon in the URL bar indicates that the website has an SSL certificate. Well, that icon has a different meaning based on the type of icon you see in the URL bar.

Using Online Tools

Several online tools can validate if a website has an SSL or not. Those tools even give insights into the type of SSL, certifying authority, and validity. Here are some of the online tools available in the market.

• Digicert
• GoDaddy

How To Check SSL Certificates

Even though a website has HTTPS:// before the URL and a Padlock icon, you can not be sure the SSL certificate is valid. We can follow the steps below to check if a website has a valid SSL certificate.

For Chrome Browser, Click on the padlock icon and see if it shows ” Connection is secure” or not.

Key abbreviations used in an SSL Certificate

• SSL – Secure Sockets Layer
• DV– Domain Validation
• OV– Organization Validation
• EV– Extended Validation
• CSR– Certificate Signing Request
• CA– Certificate Authority

Types Of SSL Certificates (https Certificate Types)

Types of SSL can be categorized broadly based on the following criteria.

• Encryption /Validation Level
• Number of domain / Sub Domain

Encryption / Validation level SSL certificate is further classified into three categories.

• Domain Validation
• Organization Validation
• Extended Validation

SSL types based on several domains are classified into the following categories.

• Single Domain
• Multi-Domain
• Wildcard Domain

Domain Validation DV Certificates

Domain Validation offers the lowest level of encryption. Usually, the CA verifies the domain ownership and issues a certificate.

Please note that the domain Validation certificate only secures the particular domain, not any subdomain. For example, if you buy a DV certificate for riansclub.com, then the same certificate can not be used to protect mail.riansclub.com.

• Encryption level-Low
• Mode of verification: adding a DNS entry or uploading a file to root supplied by a certifying authority.
• Browser Indication: A small green lock icon is shown next to the URL.
• Turn-Around Time- Usually a Day.

Organizational Validation

In the case of organizational validation, the certifying authority verifies the organization’s existence along with the domain validation.

• Encryption level-Medium
• Mode of verification- The CA first verifies the domain ownership and then verifies the company’s legal existence.
• Browser Indication- A small green lock icon along with the company name.
• Turn-Around time-Usually a week.

Extended Validation EV SSL Certificate

This is the highest level of SSL that anyone can buy. Along with domain validation and company legal existence, this type of validation also checks its physical address. The certifying authority issues an extended validation SSL certificate if everything is verified.

• Encryption level-High
• Mode of verification-The CA checks the company’s physical address along with domain validation and legal existence
• Browser Indication- A small green lock icon along with the company name and location.
• Turn-Around time-Few weeks

Single Domain SSL Certificate

As the name suggests, the single-domain SSL certificate will protect only one domain. That means that if I buy an SSL certificate for riansclub.com, I can not use it to protect forum.riansclub.com.

Wildcard SSL Certificate (Multi Domain SSL Certificate)

This SSL certificate will protect the purchased domain and all subdomains. For example, if I buy an SSL certificate for riansclub.com, I can use the same certificate to protect forum.riansclub.com, mail.riansclub.com, etc.

Multi-Domain /Unified / SAN SSL certificate

On top of a single domain and wildcard domain SSL certificate, this type of SSL certificate protects multiple domains.

For example, If I buy an SSL certificate for riansclub.com, then I can also use it for mail.riansclub.com, forum.riansclub.com, riansclub. in, riansclub.net. etc.

Free SSL Certificate Is Worth Trying?

Most of the free SSL certificates offered by many certifying authorities are of domain Validation type. It offers a basic level of security without any bells and whistles.

Free SSL is only suitable for personal blogs or static websites.

Let’s Encrypt is one of the leading free SSL certificate providers. Usually, nowadays, with all shared hosting, Lets Encrypt comes preinstalled in the webserver.

What is Self Signed SSL Certificate?

Instead of getting an SSL certificate from a trusted certifying authority, the webmaster can sign their SSL certificate. Since the certificate is self-signed, no cost is involved.

Although it provides the same security level as domain Validation, self-signed certificates are not good for public websites. Many browsers do not recognize this type of certificate and give an error or warning.

How Can I Get SSL For My Website?

Before buying an SSL certificate, you must decide which type of SSL you need. Below is the matrix that may help you to choose.

• WordPress Blogs: Domain Validation or Organization Validation SSL
• Static Websites: Domain Validation SSL
• Corporate Websites: Extended Validation
• E-commerce Websites: Extended Validation
• Finance Websites: Extended Validation
• Social Networking Sites: Extended Validation
• Forum Websites: Organisation Validation

Talking about whether we should choose a single Domain or multi-domain SSL depends on the size of your business. The cost varies based on that. Once you decide on the type of SSL, you can choose from the following vendors.

• Rapid SSL
• About SSL
• Comodo SSL
• Digicert
• Entrust
• GoDaddy
• GeoTrust
• GlobalSign

Factor To Consider Before Choosing SSL Certifying Authority

Although it largely depends on the business requirements, the following basic features should always be considered before buying an SSL certificate.

• Brand
• Number of years in business
• Site seal
• Trust level
• Turnaround time
• The number of domains
• Server licensing
• Browser support
• Mobile support
• Customer support

If you would like to know about the types of SSL certificates in video format, then this video on YouTube might be helpful for you.

Conclusion: Types Of SSL Certificates

SSL certificates are a must for websites. Without that, search engines won’t even index your site properly.

So you should have one. Otherwise, it will be a problem for your business.

I have given you a clear idea of the different types of SSL certificates. If you still have some questions, please write in the comment section, and I will happily answer.

FAQ | Types Of SSL Certificates