Despite becoming a popular practice, SSL certificates have not yet been adopted even by some of the popular websites. The business is constantly growing, though, with a few non-profits giving SSL certificates away completely for free. Nowadays, more than 46 million websites use SSL.
But why is having that padlock icon in the address bar so important for user trust? How does an SSL certificate work to provide more safety and control over user data? Read on to learn more.
What Is an SSL Certificates?
SSL (Secure Socket Layer) certificate is a digital document that protects the website through encryption and serves as an ID card of the website. It’s a security protocol that encapsulates a safe connection between the server and browser, commonly used to guard clients’ sensitive data and financial transactions online.
But why do you need to adopt an SSL certificate? You might already have a password manager that all your employees use for general safety or firewalls installed on all company computers. While having software to keep all your enterprise passwords protected is an excellent idea, SSL is another step toward complete peace of mind.
Moreover, your clients will see the iconic padlock next to your website URL, demonstrating that you care about them. They will trust you even more with their transactions and personal details.
In addition to the user trust, SSL protocols play a big role in SEO. As of late, Google and a few other browsers have set a bar for trustworthy websites. That means if your page is HTTPS, it will be higher in SEO ranking, and you will avoid possible decreases in the future. So, your potential clientele will see your website as trusty and safe during their search.
Additionally, the rising concern over data privacy has led to the emergence of data removal services. These services, like Incogni data removal, assist individuals and businesses in erasing personal and sensitive information from various online platforms, thereby reducing the risk of data breaches and identity theft. Coupling these services with SSL certificates can significantly enhance your overall security posture, ensuring comprehensive protection for your users’ data and further boosting their confidence in your website.
Types of SSL Certificates
SSL Certificates are perfect for safeguarding any potentially sensitive information coming to you from customers and shared online. Yet, they’re not one size fits all. In fact, there are quite a few different types of SSL out there, and one of them will surely provide you with what you need.
01. Extended Validation (EV SSL)
Big business and e-commerce website owners will find EV SSL certificates a perfect fit. These are an industry standard. That means that the supported domains will showcase a green address bar in web browsers. Additionally, the name of the issuing Certificate Authority will be shown. During transactions, all customers will see that they are sending money to a trusted and legitimate second party.
02. Domain Validated (DV SSL)
If your business is small or medium, you only need a DV SSL certificate. It’s cheaper than most SSLs and provides a padlock indicator in an address bar. They’re not suitable for e-commerce as these certificates are not proof of trust or information safety.
03. Organization Validated (OV SSL)
OV SSL and DV SSL certificates are similar, but the former does prove that the website is safe and can be trusted. When issuing the certificate, the authorities check the company’s legitimacy. If your website identifies your business then an OV SSL certificate will work great to showcase its legitimacy to consumers.
04. Wildcard SSL
Do you have quite a few subdomains under your main one? Don’t buy them separately. Instead, get the Wildcard SSL certificate that will incorporate a few subdomains – it’s less expensive.
05. Multi-Domain SSL (MDC)
MDC SSL certificates are made for owners of several domains at once. However, they will not support subdomains in the same way as Wildcard SSL certificates. You need to communicate with your provider to include subdomains under your multi-domain certificate.
00 Unified Communications (UCC)
Unified Communications certificates include a few combined features from different certificates. First created for Microsoft Exchange and Live Communications servers, UCCs are now used for any website and can host a few domain names. They can also be used as trusted and showcase a padlock or a green address bar like OV and EV SSL certificates.
Critical Role of SSL Certificates
As we’ve established, SSL certificates are not just a sign of website ownership. They can also put additional trust into your business-customer relationship. Thanks to a suitable certificate, your company will showcase its legitimacy and safeguard the clients’ sensitive data as they traverse through the web and make purchases. Moreover, your SEO ranking will be in check.
