There are a lot of different types of SSL certificates. It’s not so easy to choose the right one. A lot of people start looking for the cheapest solution, but most of the times this is not the best choice you can make. Imagine that you need new shoes for the winter. You go to the store and see that there is a promotion. You can buy open-toe shoes for only $9.99! Do you think that this would be a good idea for the winter? It’s the same with SSL certificates. You can buy the cheapest cert for your online shop, but it would be the same as walking with open-toe shoes in the winter. Most think that the function of an SSL is only to give you encrypted connection. They say that different types of certificates are made only to cost more. The truth is different. There are three major types of SSL certificates:
1. Domain Validation – lowest assurance SSL. It gives only encryption of the connection without authentication of website owner. Made to secure mainly internal networks. High risk of phishing when used for public websites.
2. Organizational Validation – higher assurance SSL. Contains basic company information. Appropriate for public websites that exchange less sensitive information – for example login pages, web-mails, registration pages etc.
3. Extended Validation – highest assurance SSL. Full authentication of website owner. It colors the address bar of the browser in green and displays the full company name of the domain owner. Minimal phishing risk. Especially designed to protect highly sensitive information such as credit cards, login info for e-banking websites and payment websites such as paypal, moneybookers etc. This is the only appropriate SSL for online shops, payment gateways, bank, insurance and governmental websites.
Now you can see that SSL certificates are not only about encryption. They can also authenticate your business and provide more trust to your customers. SSLs also provide you with insurance. In cases where the SSL was broken and your website hacked, you can apply for the insurance money. Building trust online can be very difficult and choosing the right SSL certificate can help you a lot with that.