The different types of SSL/TLS certificates
SSL certificate is an important factor in securing websites, APIs and internet enabled applications be it in web, mobile or desktops.
There are three main types of SSL/TLS certificates:
- Domain Validation (DV) certificates are the most basic type of SSL/TLS certificate. They only verify the ownership of the domain name that the certificate is issued for. DV certificates are the cheapest type of SSL/TLS certificate, but they also provide the lowest level of authentication.
- Organization Validation (OV) certificates verify the ownership of the domain name and the identity of the organization that the certificate is issued for. OV certificates require the certificate authority to validate the organization's identity, which typically involves checking the organization's registration documents and contacting the organization by phone. OV certificates are more expensive than DV certificates, but they provide a higher level of authentication.
- Extended Validation (EV) certificates provide the highest level of authentication. EV certificates verify the ownership of the domain name, the identity of the organization that the certificate is issued for, and the organization's physical location. EV certificates require the certificate authority to conduct a thorough review of the organization's identity and physical location. EV certificates are the most expensive type of SSL/TLS certificate, but they provide the highest level of authentication.
In addition to the three main types of SSL/TLS certificates, there are also a number of other types of certificates available, such as:
- Wildcard certificates can be used to secure multiple subdomains of a single domain name.
- Multi-domain certificates can be used to secure multiple domain names with a single certificate.
- UCC certificates (Unified Communications Certificates) can be used to secure multiple domain names and services, such as email, web, and FTP, with a single certificate.
The type of SSL/TLS certificate that you need will depend on your specific needs. If you are only running a small website or blog, a DV certificate may be sufficient. However, if you are running a commercial website or an online store, you should consider using an OV or EV certificate to provide a higher level of authentication to your visitors.
Here are some recommendations for choosing the right type of SSL/TLS certificate:
- If you are running a small website or blog, a DV certificate may be sufficient. DV certificates are the cheapest type of SSL/TLS certificate, and they provide a basic level of authentication.
- If you are running a commercial website or an online store, you should consider using an OV or EV certificate. OV and EV certificates provide a higher level of authentication, which can help to improve customer trust and increase sales.
- If you need to secure multiple subdomains of a single domain name, you should use a wildcard certificate. Wildcard certificates are more expensive than single-domain certificates, but they can save you money if you need to secure multiple subdomains.
- If you need to secure multiple domain names, you should consider using a multi-domain certificate or a UCC certificate. Multi-domain certificates and UCC certificates can save you time and money by allowing you to secure multiple domain names with a single certificate.
Ultimately, the best way to choose the right type of SSL/TLS certificate by consulting your IT team, or by reaching out to an emSign expert!
Go to https://order.emsign.com to get an SSL Certificate, or create an account in https://hub.emsign.com to buy / manage all your SSL Certificate needs.