SSL Certificates
What is an SSL Certificate?
All about SSL/TLS in a nutshell- What is SSL, Types of SSL, benefits of SSL, and how to buy SSL certificates
SSL is an acronym for Secure Sockets Layer. It is a secure protocol that works on top of HTTP to provide security while entering a secure website on the Internet. This means that all the data shared on the network will be encrypted and routed using an HTTP connection using an SSL/TLS combination called HTTPS (which you would see when entering a website that has adopted an SSL/TLS). Customers have a tradition of trusting websites/online businesses only if they find visible security parameters in the real world. Similar traditional and trust factors apply to websites and online e-commerce platforms as well. It is a globally accepted standard to ensure encrypted communication networks.
SSL/TLS certificate thus helps businesses and individuals by providing a private “conversation” just between the two intended parties and decreases the risk of sensitive information being stolen by hackers and identity thieves.
The main function of SSL certificates is as below.
• It authenticates the identity of the web properties such as websites and Apps.
• It encrypts the data that’s being transmitted over network.
• Protect your brand from phishing schemes.
• Increase SEO by boosting Google search rankings.
- Activates HTTPS and the lock icon for your website.
Today, there are several SSL certificates available in the market and all you need to do is simply look for some important features before availing of one as mentioned below:
Symmetric 256-bit Encryption;
Compatibility with popular web browsers
Compatibility with mobile devices across all popular platforms
Types of SSL / TLS Certificates
1. Single Domain SSL/TLS Certificates
2. Multi-domain SSL/TLS Certificates
3. Wildcard SSL/TLS Certificates
1. Single Domain SSL/TLS Certificates:
Single Domain SSL Certificate protects one domain name only (both WWW and non-WWW variations). For example, if you have purchased with the hostname in the common name field as www.example.com site then it will not protect the mail.example.com or any other subdomains.
Single Domain SSL Certificates Secure:
• One Domain (www & non-www variations)
• Individual Sub-Domain
• Host Name
• IP Address
•Mail Server
2. Multi-domain SSL/TLS Certificates:
A Multi Domain SSL Certificate secures many domains and/or subdomain names as it is clear by its name itself. Multi-domain certificates can secure domains and subdomains with different TLDs. For example, with just one Multi Domain SSL Certificate you can secure the following:
• domain.org
• mail.differentdomain.net
• remote.someotherdomain.com.ca
3. Wildcard SSL/TLS Certificates:
Wildcard SSL/TLS Certificate protects one domain and all related sub-domains (first-level subdomains) with a single certificate and requests are processed using the same validation methods.
To sum up, the competitive advantages of adopting SSL are immense. Fortifying business websites with SSL without compromising traffic and trust is the only way to gain customer trust and stay ahead in the competition.
Show customers, you care about their security by securing your websites, Apps by SSL Certificates.
Thank you for reading this article.