A Guide to Choosing the Right SSL/TLS Certificate for Your Website

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January 24, 2023 Business, Web development

Digital security is essential for a company’s website, especially if the site takes transaction data or transmits sensitive information. One of the most important steps a business can take to protect its website is to use an SSL/TLS certificate. Choosing the correct type of SSL/TLS certificate for your website can be daunting, but having the necessary information can make the process much easier. From a Wildcard SSL certificate to an Extended Validation (EV) certificate, various SSL/TLS certificates are available to meet different needs.

What An SSL/TLS Certificate Does

An SSL/TLS certificate is a form of digital security for websites, resulting in a secure connection between the web server and the user’s browser. This encryption helps to protect data sent over the internet from being read or intercepted by unauthorized individuals. In addition to protecting data, an SSL/TLS certificate also validates website identity, ensuring visitors communicate with the intended website.

Types of SSL/TLS Certificates

Different types of certificates have different levels of encryption and authentication, making it essential to choose the proper certification for your website. The most common SSL/TLS certificates include single-name, multi-domain, Wildcard SSLs, and Extended Validation (EV) certificates.

Single-name certificates are the most basic type of SSL/TLS certificate. These certificates are used to secure a single domain or subdomain, such as www.example.com, and are typically the cheapest option. Single-name is best suited for non-transactional sites, such as blogs or informational websites.

Multi-Domain certificates are slightly more expensive than single-name SSL/TLS certificates. As the name suggests, these certificates can secure multiple domains and subdomains on a single certificate. It is ideal for companies with multiple domains that need to be secured.

A Wildcard SSL certificate is another popular option. These certificates are similar to single-name certificates but can also secure unlimited subdomains of the primary domain. For instance, a Wildcard SSL certificate, for example.com, would cover not only www.example.com but also mail.example.com and blog.example.com, as well as any other subdomains. This type of certificate is best suited for larger websites with multiple subdomains to secure.

Finally, Extended Validation (EV) certificates are the most expensive and secure option. EV certificates require more stringent authentication, which makes them ideal for e-commerce and other sites that accept transaction data or transmission of sensitive information. EV certificates display the company name in the browser, providing a higher level of trust for website visitors.

Choosing the Right SSL/TLS Certificate

Given the variety of options available, choosing the proper certificate for your website can be difficult. To determine which SSL/TLS certificate is best for you, consider how many domains or subdomains you need to secure. The more intricate the website setup, the more likely you need a Wildcard or EV certificate.

Another thing to consider is how much trust you’re website visitors need. For example, if you run an e-commerce site, then an EV certificate is likely the best option to secure and validate customer trust. The more financial or sensitive information you transmit, the more encryption and validation necessary.

Choosing the right SSL/TLS certificate for your website depends on various factors, but having all the necessary information should make the process much easier. With an array of certifications available, you’re sure to find one that meets your needs.

Final Thoughts

SSL/TLS certificates provide an essential layer of security for websites, helping to protect data, validate website identity, and create a sense of trust between the customer and the business. With various types of certificates available to meet different needs, choosing the proper certification for your website is essential. Consider the number of domains or subdomains you need to secure, the level of encryption required, and the type of information that will be transmitted. With all this in mind, you can make an informed decision when selecting a certificate.