{"id":5341,"date":"2019-02-11T21:42:40","date_gmt":"2019-02-12T05:42:40","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/cheapsslsecurity.com\/blog\/?p=5341"},"modified":"2021-02-24T23:03:24","modified_gmt":"2021-02-25T07:03:24","slug":"types-of-ssl-certificates-explained","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/cheapsslsecurity.com\/blog\/types-of-ssl-certificates-explained\/","title":{"rendered":"Types of SSL Certificates Explained by SSL Security Expert"},"content":{"rendered":"

There are a number of different types of SSL certificates on the market. If you go out looking for certificates, you might come across terms like Wildcard SSL, SAN SSL, Organization Validation, etc.<\/p>\n

If you\u2019re not very aware of SSL certificates, the terms might confuse you. Some of these terms are synonymous, some refer to different types of SSL certificates, and some are even based on different categorizations.<\/p>\n

SSL Certificates are primarily divided base on two factors \u2014 the validation level they provide and the number of domains or subdomains they can secure.<\/p>\n

In this article, we\u2019ll help you answer the question \u201cWhat type of SSL certificate do I need?<\/strong>\u201d However, in order to do so, we have to first explain the types of SSL certificate<\/strong> available.<\/p>\n

Types of SSL Certificates \u2014 Validation Level<\/h2>\n

There are three levels of validation provided by SSL certificates \u2014 Domain Validation, Organization Validation, and Extended Validation.<\/p>\n

Domain Validated (DV) Certificates<\/h2>\n

DV certificates are extremely basic and they can only secure server-browser communication. You can obtain them within a few minutes by simply verifying that you own the domain that you\u2019re purchasing the SSL certificate for.<\/p>\n

View All Domain Validated (DV) SSL Certificates <\/a><\/p>\n

DV Certificates are suitable for websites wherein users don\u2019t have to login or provide any personal information.<\/p>\n

Organization Validated (OV) Certificates<\/h2>\n

OV certificates are a step above domain validated certificates. They secure server-browser communication in addition to providing some organization\/business validation. In order to get these certificates, you also have to prove that your website\u2019s business is legitimate.<\/p>\n

In terms of appearance, OV certificates look just like DV certificates. Only users who specifically click on the padlock icon to check the validation type will realize that it\u2019s an OV certificate. As such, they are not extremely popular because they appear the same as DV certificates but are more expensive.<\/p>\n

Organization Validated Certificates are suitable for those who have a legitimate business, whose website collects sensitive information from their users, but those who don\u2019t want the additional expense of an EV certificate.<\/p>\n

View All Organization Validated (OV) SSL Certificates <\/a><\/p>\n

Extended Validation (EV) Certificates<\/h2>\n

EV certificates are the most trustworthy of all certificates. They are also extremely expensive and it takes several days or even weeks to get them issued. In order to receive them, the Certificate Authority (CA) conducts a thorough examination of the website\u2019s business to make sure it is legitimate and safe. They also verify that the identity of the organization matches the official records and that they have the right to use the specified domain.<\/p>\n

In terms of appearance, EV certificates provide the green address bar along with the padlock sign. Users who see it instantly know that the website can be trusted completely.<\/p>\n

EV certificates are most suitable for e-commerce websites. If you require users to enter their payment details and address, you should get an EV certificate.<\/p>\n

View All Extended Validation (EV) SSL Certificates <\/a><\/p>\n

Types of SSL Certificates \u2014 Number of Domains to Protect<\/h2>\n

SSL certificates can also be differentiated based on the number of domains or subdomains they protect. The different types of SSL certificate on this bases are \u2014 Standard, Wildcard, and Multi-Domain\/ SAN\/ UCC.<\/p>\n

Standard Certificates<\/a><\/h2>\n

This is the most basic package. It secures a single fully qualified domain name (FQDN) with no additional subdomains. For example, it can only secure .website.com, nothing else.<\/p>\n

It is most suitable for website owners with a single website and no subdomains within that website.<\/p>\n

Wildcard Certificates<\/h2>\n

Wildcard SSL Certificates can simultaneously secure multiple subdomains within a single FQDN. For example, if you have a domain called .website.com, it can also secure login.website.com and payment.website.com.<\/p>\n

In order to secure the various subdomains, you have to add an asterisk (*) before the primary domain name. For example, you have to enter *.website.com when purchasing the certificate.<\/p>\n

It is most suitable for website owners with a single primary domain but various subsets and subdomains within that.<\/p>\n

View All Wildcard SSL Certificates <\/a><\/p>\n

Multi-Domain\/ SAN\/ UCC Certificates<\/h2>\n

Multi Domain Certificates are also known as Subject Alternative Name Certificates and Unified Communication Certificate.<\/p>\n

They can simultaneously secure multiple up to 100 FQDNs along with all their subdomains. For example, it can secure .website.com, .website.org, .browser.com, .browser.org, and all of their subdomains.<\/p>\n

These are most suitable for large businesses and organizations with several websites, all with their own set of subdomains.<\/p>\n

View All Multi-Domain SSL Certificates <\/a><\/p>\n

View All SAN SSL Certificates <\/a><\/p>\n

View All UCC SSL Certificates <\/a><\/p>\n

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What Type of SSL Certificate do I Need?<\/h2>\n

Generally speaking, SSL certificates are made of a combination of a specific Validation Type with the Number of Domains\/Subdomains to protect.<\/p>\n

The type of SSL certificate you need depends completely on your specific needs. If you need to secure multiple subdomains and require users to provide sensitive information, you can get an EV Wildcard Certificate or OV Wildcard Certificate. If you have a single website and don\u2019t need users to provide any sensitive information, you can get a DV Standard Certificate.<\/p>\n

Go through the various types of SSL certificate, assess your needs, and then purchase a certificate accordingly.<\/p>\n

Buy Comodo SSL Certificates at $5.45<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

Other Important Resources on SSL Certificate Types<\/h2>\n