When securing your website, choosing the right type of SSL certificate is crucial. Not only does it protect sensitive data, but it also helps build trust with your visitors. Whether you’re running a personal blog, an eCommerce site, or a large enterprise platform, having the appropriate SSL certificate ensures that your site is safe from cyber threats and complies with security regulations. In this article, we’ll break down the different types of SSL certificates and help you decide which one is best suited for your website.
Overview of SSL Certificate Types
There are three main types of SSL certificates: Domain Validated (DV), Organization Validated (OV), and Extended Validation (EV). Each one provides a different level of validation and trust, so it’s important to understand how they differ:
- Domain Validated (DV) SSL Certificates:
- DV SSL certificates are the most basic and affordable type. They verify the ownership of the domain, but do not provide additional information about the organization behind the site.
- These certificates are suitable for small blogs or personal websites where users don’t share sensitive information like payment details.
- Pros: Fast issuance and low cost. Perfect for sites needing basic encryption.
- Cons: Offers the least amount of trust and validation.
- Organization Validated (OV) SSL Certificates:
- OV SSL certificates provide more validation than DV certificates by verifying the organization’s details. This gives users more confidence that the site belongs to a legitimate business.
- They are ideal for business websites that collect user data, but don’t necessarily require the highest level of validation.
- Pros: Displays organization details, increasing trust.
- Cons: More expensive than DV certificates and requires more time for validation.
- Extended Validation (EV) SSL Certificates:
- EV SSL certificates offer the highest level of validation. To obtain one, your organization must undergo a rigorous verification process, including identity checks.
- When visitors land on a website with an EV SSL certificate, they see the business name in the browser’s address bar, creating the highest level of trust.
- These certificates are best suited for eCommerce websites, financial institutions, and businesses dealing with sensitive data.
- Pros: Highest level of trust and security. Displays the organization name in the address bar.
- Cons: Costlier and takes longer to obtain due to extensive validation processes.
When to Choose a DV, OV, or EV SSL Certificate
Choosing between a DV, OV, or EV SSL certificate depends on the type of website you operate and the level of trust you need to establish with your users.
- When to Choose a DV SSL Certificate:
- Ideal for personal blogs, small hobby websites, or informational sites that don’t handle sensitive data. If you need basic encryption to secure your site without high costs, DV SSL certificates are a perfect choice.
- Example: Learn more about affordable RapidSSL DV certificates.
- When to Choose an OV SSL Certificate:
- Choose an OV SSL certificate if you operate a business website and need to ensure that your customers trust your site. It’s a great fit for small to medium-sized businesses that collect user data but don’t require the highest level of validation.
- Example: Explore GeoTrust OV SSL certificates for business websites.
- When to Choose an EV SSL Certificate:
- EV SSL certificates are best for high-value websites like eCommerce stores, banks, and organizations dealing with sensitive customer data. EV certificates help businesses demonstrate their commitment to security by displaying the business name in the browser bar.
- Example: Get premium EV SSL certificates with DigiCert.
Wildcard SSL vs. Multi-Domain SSL: Which One Fits Your Needs?
In addition to the different validation levels, there are specialized SSL certificates for businesses with multiple subdomains or domains. Two of the most popular options are Wildcard SSL certificates and Multi-Domain SSL certificates.
- Wildcard SSL Certificates:
- A Wildcard SSL certificate allows you to secure a primary domain and an unlimited number of subdomains with one certificate. For example, if your primary domain is
example.com, you can secure subdomains likestore.example.com,blog.example.com, etc., without needing a separate certificate for each. - Best for: Businesses with multiple subdomains on a single domain.
- Pros: Cost-effective for securing multiple subdomains. Easy management with just one certificate.
- Cons: Only covers subdomains, not multiple domains.
- Example: Find out more about Wildcard SSL certificates from RapidSSL.
- A Wildcard SSL certificate allows you to secure a primary domain and an unlimited number of subdomains with one certificate. For example, if your primary domain is
- Multi-Domain SSL Certificates:
- A Multi-Domain SSL certificate (also known as SAN SSL) allows you to secure multiple domains with a single certificate. For example, you can secure
example.com,example.net, andexample.orgunder one certificate. - Best for: Companies managing multiple domains that need secure encryption.
- Pros: Simplifies management of multiple domains. Reduces costs compared to purchasing separate certificates for each domain.
- Cons: More expensive than a Wildcard SSL.
- Example: Explore GeoTrust’s Multi-Domain SSL solutions.
- A Multi-Domain SSL certificate (also known as SAN SSL) allows you to secure multiple domains with a single certificate. For example, you can secure
Recommendations for Small Businesses, eCommerce Sites, and Enterprises
- Small Businesses: For small businesses, a Domain Validated (DV) SSL certificate from RapidSSL provides essential encryption at a low cost. It’s fast to issue and provides the basic protection needed for informational or brochure websites.
- eCommerce Sites: For eCommerce websites or sites handling transactions, we recommend Extended Validation (EV) SSL certificates. Providers like DigiCert offer robust EV certificates that provide visible trust indicators in the browser, building customer confidence.
- Enterprises: Large businesses or enterprises that manage multiple domains or subdomains should consider using Multi-Domain or Wildcard SSL certificates from trusted providers like GeoTrust. These certificates simplify certificate management while securing a complex site infrastructure.
Final Thoughts
Selecting the right type of SSL certificate is an important step in securing your website and protecting your users’ data. Whether you need the fast issuance of a DV SSL, the higher validation of an OV SSL, or the maximum trust provided by an EV SSL certificate, understanding the differences is key. Additionally, if your website has multiple subdomains or domains, choosing between a Wildcard SSL or Multi-Domain SSL certificate can save time and money while providing the security your business needs.
Ready to secure your website? Explore SSL certificates from trusted providers like RapidSSL, GeoTrust, and DigiCert, and make the right choice for your business today.