The rising internet usage has led to the increasing concern of data security for both site owners and users. This became a more pertinent issue after Google mandated security certificates for all websites running on Chrome. Also called a Security Socket Layer (SSL) Certificate, this validates that a website is authentic and allows Google to rank it on its search results. It is approved by a Certificate Authority (CA), and you can obtain one from your web host.
There are different kinds of SSL certificates, depending on which aspect of a website is being validated.
Domain validation
As you might catch from the name, this certificate validates the domain of your website. This is one of the most straightforward validation processes and the most basic certification to acquire. All you need to get this is to show proof of ownership of your domain. It is the fastest and the cheapest certification to obtain. Once validated, your site URL will have a grey warning symbol, which means that the business domain is validated but does not ensure a high level of security. Your user’s information will be protected through encryption, but they will not be able to verify your site’s authenticity. This validation is apt for websites with no sensitive information like personal blogs, travelogues, creative portfolios, or public domain images.
Organization Validation
This certification validates the organization or the business represented on your website. This is a little more complicated and expensive process than domain validation. It also takes longer to get the certification. Once you submit necessary business documents, the CA will run a background check on your company and cross-reference all information. This is a more reliable certification than domain validation since it authenticates the business as well. The users can get more information about the business, business owners, and other official details about the company. This certification is best to use for businesses like e-commerce, loyalty programs, etc. where users want to know more about the business than just its domain.
Extended validation
This is the most stringent validation process and is more expensive than the previous one. The extended validation certificate undergoes a strict and detailed process and hence takes a long time. This requires you to submit all documents relevant to your business, ownership, legal status, identity, domain, and anything else that can be linked to your business and its website. After receiving all necessary information, the CA runs a thorough investigation and cross-checks all pieces of evidence. Once validated, this assures the users the highest level of security on your website. This kind of certification is a must for sites like banking, insurance, legal, social media, etc. which deal with sensitive personal information.
Summing up…
To proceed with the certification process, you need to find a Certificate Authority. Alternatively, your hosting provider can also help you with the process. Some Cloud Hosting providers include a free SSL certification within their plans, wherein you would only need to submit required documents, and the service provider takes care of all formalities. That is why always opt for a trusted and reliable hosting provider, who can ensure your site’s security, not only with the certificate but also with their secure network and resources.
