Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) certificates are the talk of the cyber security world these days. They have taken the internet by storm. From a small online retail store to massive financial institutions, from a website owner to a blog writer, everyone needs an Secure Sockets Layer certificate to ensure the security of data exchanged over their site.
SSL certificates were initially only a requirement of the website, but they have become a mandatory standard nowadays. Secure Sockets Layer certificate importance is not limited to data security. SSLs help build user trust, improve SEO rank, and much more. In this article, we will explain what SSL certificates are, their types, why they are important, and who needs to use an SSL certificate.
Types of SSL Certificates
Various types of Secure Sockets Layer certificates can be used as per need and budget. Here is a list of these types:
Single Domain Secure Sockets Layer Certificate: A single-domain Secure Sockets Layer certificate is applied to only a single domain/subdomain. No other domain or even the sub-domain of the applied domain can use it.
Wildcard Secure Sockets Layer Certificate: A wildcard SSL certificate covers a single domain and its sub-domains. It cannot be applied to any other domain. All the sub-domains will be listed in the certificate.
Unified Communications (UCC) Secure Sockets Layer Certificate: Multiple domains can be covered under a single SSL certificate. Nearly 250 domains (depending on the provider) and their sub-domains can be listed in a UCC SSL certificate.
- Domain Validation (DV) SSL Certificate: Probably the lowest validation certificate. In this certificate, you only need to prove that you control the domain. Bloggers, portfolio sites, etc., should purchase it.
- Organization Validated (OV) Secure Sockets Layer Certificate: OV certificates make the owner’s site much more trustworthy as they contain the organization’s name and address. In this case, the CA might look for an in-depth investigation of business-related documents.
- Extended Validation (EV) Secure Sockets Layer Certificate: The organization’s full, detailed background check occurs here. It is the most trustworthy certificate and is costly also.
Why is SSL essential for a website?
Apart from the primary facility of encrypting the website data, there is much more than you expect while using an SSL certificate. The importance of Secure Sockets Layer certificates can be ascertained from the list below.
1. SSL Protects user data
An SSL certificate protects the communication between a server and a browser. All the data that traverses between client and server is encrypted and cannot be read by a third party. The SSL certificates also have the facility to enlist who can access the secured data.
2. Gives you more protection against hackers
What one does look for is the security of their personal information, like credit card details, log-in credentials, etc. Secure Sockets Layer certificates make sure that no hacker gets access to this vital information. In addition, an Secure Sockets Layer certificate helps to encrypt the data and saves the user in case of a man-in-the-middle attack.
3. SSL Increases search engine rankings
Who doesn’t want to be at the top of the search engine’s ranking? However, many search engines, especially Google, provide an upper hand to websites with SSL certificates. For better search engine optimization and to attract more traffic to the website, Secure Sockets Layer certificates are essential.
4. Meets PCI Standards
If your website deals with online payments, you must comply with the PCI (Payment Card Industry) Data Security Standards. Among the 12 requirements stated by PCI, one is to have an Secure Sockets Layer certificate. If you don’t have an Secure Sockets Layer certificate, you might suffer hefty penalties from credit card companies.
5. Establishes trust with users
Apart from encrypting the data, an Secure Sockets Layer certificate helps build user trust in your website. When a website has an Secure Sockets Layer certificate, you are sure that your data is secure, and you can freely use the site and even revisit it. Also, by clicking on the Secure Sockets Layer certificate, you can get the organization’s information if there is OV or EV certificate.
6. Requires security identification
Cases of fraudulent purchases or stolen identities have been reduced with an Secure Sockets Layer certificate. Before inputting any information, it verifies the identity of the user. It further authenticates the third party before sending your personal information to it.
7. Identifies risks
What makes Secure Sockets Layer certificates important is the prior notification of a potential hack or threat to the website. You can immediately check the website data for errors or change important passwords or log-in credentials.
Who uses SSL?
Are you thinking about who all can use SSL certificates?Secure Sockets Layer certificates should be used by everyone who owns a website. Here is a list of professionals from varying industries that use SSL certificates:
- IT professionals
- Web developers
- Retail employees
- Marketing specialists
- Banking professionals
- Education professionals
- Financial managers
- Healthcare professionals
- Insurance specialists
All these professionals use SSL certificates to ensure that their clients’ information, be it personal, bank account-related, finance-related, medical condition-related, school grade-related, etc., is not stolen by an intruder. They validate their Secure Sockets Layer certificates depending on the organization’s needs and trust.
Final Words
The security of data is the need of the day. Secure Sockets Layer certificates strictly work to provide security of data. However big or small your organization is, it’s your responsibility to secure the visitor’s data. So, without underestimating the potential of traffic to your website, it is time to encrypt the data and help keep your website from being marked as “not secure.”
Learn More
Interested in saving time and having a secure website? Learn what Solter Vision can do for you. Email Us: Info@soltervision.com
