What SSL Certificate Is Right for My Business?

Key takeaways: 

• When choosing secure sockets layer (SSL) certificates, consider company reputation, available support, and encryption strength. 
• Without SSL, data travels openly for anyone to read, making it easy for cybercriminals to steal information for identity theft or credit card fraud.  
• Network Solutions provides various SSL certificate options to secure your website. Complete with packages backed by warranties. 

Website security is important in website management since cyber-attacks often lead to data breaches, reputation damage, and profit loss. Statista reports that data breaches compromised 422.61 million records in the third quarter of 2024, affecting people worldwide. 

The numbers emphasize why SSL certificates are important for website security. They encrypt sensitive data like usernames, passwords, and credit card numbers, ensuring only authorized people access it. Understanding the type of SSL certificate that you need is crucial for implementing the right level of protection for your website.  

What is an SSL certificate? 

An SSL certificate verifies a website and encrypts data between the website and its users. It’s like a digital stamp or envelope that keeps a site protected. This digital certificate secures the connection between the server and the browser. When this happens, third parties can’t intercept sensitive information like passwords and credit card details. A website has an SSL certificate if it has a padlock icon and uses “https” instead of “http” in the URL bar. 

Why do you need an SSL certificate? 

The internet provides convenience, connectivity, and access to information. But as our online activities grow, so do the security threats that lurk in the virtual world. From personal data breaches to sophisticated cyber-attacks, the risks individuals and businesses face are getting more complex. 

It’s more important than ever to take proactive measures to secure our online interactions and digital assets. 

SSL and website security 

SSL is the backbone of website security, which secures user data and privacy. It prevents hackers from intercepting data between users and websites. SSL protection is important because information constantly moves between users and websites. Without it, your data travels openly for anyone to read. This makes it easy for cybercriminals to steal and use your information for identity theft or credit card fraud. 

Protecting user data and privacy 

SSL creates a secure tunnel by making a “shared secret” between your computer and a website. When you enter information like passwords or credit card numbers, SSL scrambles this data into unreadable text. Only the website you’re connecting to can unscramble it back to normal. If hackers intercept your information while it travels online, chances are they only see meaningless text.  

Preventing data breaches and unauthorized access 

SSL certificates protect your website like security guards in three ways:  

• Encrypt data like login credentials, credit card details, and personal information.  
• Prove a website is legitimate, like digital business licenses that show you’re not on a fake site designed to steal your info.  
• Prevent unauthorized access and protect user privacy. 

Building trust and confidence with users 

Websites with SSL certificates show visitors they care about keeping information safe. This security feature helps people trust the site more and feel comfortable sharing their details or buying. 

Features to look for when purchasing your SSL certificate  

Purchasing an SSL doesn’t have to be hard, but it should be well-thought. Consider your security needs, compliance requirements, and budget. Evaluate these upfront and you’ll obtain a certificate that protects your site and complements your long-term business goals. 

• Certificate Authority (CA). The CA is the organization that provides the SSL certificate. It’s important to choose a reputable one that’s trusted by all major web browsers. As the world’s largest commercial CA, Sectigo is highly rated by independent organizations such as Gartner, Forrester, and Trustwave. It’s also a CA/Browser Forum member, which sets the standards for SSL certificates.   
• Encryption strength. The encryption strength of the SSL certificate determines how secure your website is. A higher bit-level makes the encryption more secure. Look for a certificate provider with 256-bit encryption on all their certificates.  
• Warranty. Some SSLs come with a warranty that provides financial protection if the SSL is compromised.  
• Compatibility. Ensure the SSL is compatible with all major browsers and operating systems.  
• Customer support. It’s necessary to access knowledgeable help, either by phone, email, or over chat, to connect, reissue, renew, or add domains to your SSL.  
• Length of validity. How long is the certificate valid? Some providers have short periods, others last longer. Also, you should understand the certification revocation process. Some providers make it easier with online tools, while others have more manual processes. You want a process that isn’t too complicated since you’ll need to revoke a certificate periodically in case a team member leaves or if an application changes.  
• Price. SSL certificates are available at various price points, so choose one that fits your budget while still offering the necessary features.  
• Reputation. When you purchase an SSL certificate, you trust the CA to verify your identity and encrypt the data sent between your website and your visitors’ browsers. A CA with a good reputation has a track record of issuing secure certificates and handling customer support issues promptly and effectively. One with a bad reputation may be more likely to issue fraudulent certificates or ignore customer support requests. 

SSL certificate validation types 

There are different SSL certificates available, each with its own set of features and benefits. The type of SSL certificate you need will depend on your business requirements: technical infrastructure, specific use, user perception. 

Therefore, choosing the appropriate level of validation is a must.  

Comparison table 

Disclaimer: Warranty rates are up-to-date at the time of writing but may change without prior notice, so please check for current information. 

Feature/SSL Type	Domain Validation DV	Organization Validation (OV)	Extended Validation (EV)
Validation level	Basic	Moderate	Strict
Validation requirements	Domain ownership	Business verification	Full legal business checks
Displayed in browser	Padlock icon only	Padlock icon + org information (some)	Padlock icon
Security level	Basic	Moderate	High
Issuance time	Minutes to hours	1 to 3 days	1 to 5 days
Warranty	Low (usually $10,000)	Medium (usually $100,000)	High (usually $1M or higher)
Trust indicator validity	Low	Medium	High
Cost	Low	Medium	High

Domain Validated (DV) SSL certificate 

This is a base-level SSL that proves you own or control a domain name. It’s cheap, easy to set up, and provides basic encryption that makes your site display “https://.” This tells visitors that connection to your site is secure.   

A Domain Validated (DV) SSL certificate is like a basic security lock to your website that scrambles the information between your site and visitors’ browsers. This prevents hackers from easily spying on passwords or personal details. 

Pros: 

• Fast validation process. Because validation is fully automated, the certificate can be issued within minutes. Once domain control is proven, certificate generation begins immediately; it typically completes within 5-15 minutes. 
• Simple requirements.  No extensive identity checks or business documentation is necessary; the sole requirement is verification of domain ownership. 
• Affordable. The least expensive SSL certificate, making it accessible for individuals and small businesses with budget constraints. 
• Positive SEO impact. Search engines like Google favor HTTPS-enabled websites, potentially leading to a slight ranking boost. 
• Easy to set up.  CAs and hosting providers typically provide clear instructions on how to complete the domain verification process, regardless of the method chosen. 

Cons:

• Basic verification only. CAs only confirm domain control, not the actual identity of the website owner or organization behind it. 
• Limited trust. Lower credibility than organization validated (OV) or extended validation (EV) certificates since visitor identity isn’t verified. This potentially reduces user confidence. 
• No organization display. DV SSLs don’t show verified organization details, which may confuse visitors if the site that they visit is legitimate.  
• Phishing risk. Easy acquisition makes DV certificates attractive to scammers who can quickly secure them for fraudulent sites. 
• Not ideal for high-risk sites. Inappropriate for eCommerce, financial platforms, or sites handling sensitive data due to limited validation.  

What it’s best for: 

• Personal blogs. Blogs don’t store personal information or require search engine rankings. DV certificates give bloggers an easy and affordable way to protect their websites without added expense or complexity. 
• Basic business sites. Businesses that aim to build strong trust, handle any form of data beyond basic inquiries, or plan to scale their online presence should consider DV SSLs. This enhances security and customer confidence. 
• Portfolio sites. With DV SSLs, portfolio sites can showcase work and contact information without the hassle or cost of complex certificates.   

Organization Validated (OV) SSL certificate  

The extra verification process makes OV certificates valuable for businesses that need to establish more trust with their customers. When visitors see an OV certificate, they know that their connection is encrypted and that they’re dealing with a verified business entity. 

This extra layer of trust is important for businesses that handle customer data, process online transactions, or operate in competitive markets where credibility matters. 

Pros:  

• Strong encryption. Utilizes robust encryption (typically 256-bit) to secure transmitted data from user browsers and web servers. This also offers better protection against phishing. 
• Organization name display. Details include the verified name of the organization, which users can view by inspecting the certificate. This provides transparency and builds trust. 
• Visual trust indicators. Shows the standard “https://” and padlock icon in the address bar. Many providers also offer a dynamic trust seal that can be displayed on the site to further highlight the verified business status. 
• Increased customer confidence. Gives visitors confidence they’re dealing with a real business. This is important for sites that collect customer info or process payments where users need to feel safe sharing their personal details. 

Cons: 

• More expensive. OV certificates are more expensive than DV certificates due to the extra validation. 
• Longer issuance time. Validation takes 1-3 business days longer than DV certificates. 
• More docs required. You’ll need to provide business documentation to prove your business exists. 

What it’s best for:  

• Accounting firms. OV SSLs back the legitimacy and reputability of accounting firms. This builds client trust for handling sensitive financial data and enhances your professional reputation. They also protect against phishing and other fraudulent activities. 
• Employee portals. OV SSLs offer internal security, protect sensitive data, and ensure employees access company resources, not public sites. 
• Software-as-a-service (SaaS). OV SSLs build trust for cloud services that handle sensitive data. They also protect against phishing and show commitment to security.  

Extended Validation (EV) SSL certificate 

This represents a comprehensive and rigorous form of digital security certification available. It’s particularly valuable for establishing the highest level of trust with website visitors.  

When you see that distinctive green address bar or prominent organization name displayed in your browser (though modern browsers show this differently now), you’re looking at the result of a comprehensive validation process. The CA has done detective work to confirm that the organization is real, legally registered, and authorized to operate under that name. 

Pros: 

• High level of trust. Requires the highest level of verification where CAs check the organization’s legal, physical and operational existence to give maximum visitor trust. 
• Visual indicators. Displays the verified company name in green in the browser’s address bar (varies by browser). The colored bar is a recognizable sign of a website being legitimate. 
• Enhanced user trust. The visual proof of the organization’s verified identity gives more user trust, resulting in more online transactions and engagement which can increase conversion rates for eCommerce and other businesses. 
• Stronger protection against phishing. The stringent verification process makes it more difficult for fraudulent websites to obtain EV certificates, providing a stronger defense against phishing attacks. 

Cons: 

• Mobile browser limitations. Many mobile browsers on iOS and Android don’t display the EV indicators, reducing their visual impact on a significant portion of internet users. 
• Potential user confusion. Confusion may arise when the verified company name shown in the EV certificate doesn’t match the website’s brand name. 
• Shorter validity periods. EV certificates typically expire every year. This means organizations need to renew and re-verify them more often to maintain trust. 
• Higher cost. EV certificates cost more than DV or OV certificates because they require a much more thorough and time-intensive verification process. 

What it’s best for: 

• Financial institutions. EV SSL certificates make it harder for cybercriminals to create fake websites that look real. Their strict verification process makes it nearly impossible for them to get the said certificates for a fraudulent site. 
• eCommerce sites. EV SSLs are a good choice for eCommerce sites since they give customers strong signs that a website is safe and trustworthy, which may lead to more sales. 
• Government agencies. EV certificates provide strong security and verification that ensures citizen information are transmitted safely. This builds trust knowing users are using the real government website. 

SSL certificates for multiple domains and subdomains 

SSL certificates for multiple domains and subdomains allow you to secure numerous web properties under a single certificate. Instead of managing separate certificates for your leading site, blog, store, and other domains, these certificates work like a master key, covering multiple addresses with one installation. Knowing more about SSL certificates for multiple domains and subdomains can simplify security management. Know more about them here.  

Comparison table  

Disclaimer: The number of subdomains on the primary purpose column is accurate at the time of writing but may change, so please check for current information. 

Feature / SSL Type	Wildcard SSL	Unified Communications Certificate	Multi-domain SSL
Primary purpose	Up to 250 subdomains	Up to 250 subdomains	Up to 100 subdomains
Subject Alternative Names	Yes	No	No
Browser compatibility	High	High	High
Ease of management	Easy	Flexible	Centralized
Cost	Moderate	Higher	Moderate to high

Wildcard SSL certificate  

Allows you to secure multiple subdomains and hostnames within a domain. It protects not just your main website, but also all of its first-level subdomains with one single certificate. If your main domain is “example.com,” a wildcard certificate lets you secure multiple variations like www.example.com, mail.example.com, shop.example.com, and blog.example.com. The “wildcard” part comes from the asterisk (*) symbol, which acts like a fill-in-the-blank space. So, when you get a certificate for “.example.com,” that asterisk can be replaced with any subdomain name. 

Pros: 

• Budget-friendly. Costs more upfront than a regular single-domain certificate, it saves money in the long run if you have multiple subdomains or plan to add more later. 
• Simple administration. Only requires tracking of one certificate’s expiration date and renewal, rather than juggling multiple certificates with different expiration dates. 
• Adaptable solution. Adds new subdomains without buying additional certificates. They’re automatically covered by your existing Wildcard certificate. No need for reissuance or additional purchases. 
• Uniform protection. Protects your main website and all its subdomains with one certificate, making security management simple and ensuring consistent protection for all visitors. 

Cons: 

• Security risk.  Puts your subdomains at risk. Attackers could decrypt traffic, perform man-in-the-middle attacks, and impersonate any of your subdomains. 
• Limited granularity. Forces all your subdomains to have the same security settings. This means you can’t customize different rules for different sections of your website. If you want more control over individual areas, you’ll need separate certificates for each subdomain. 
• Inadequate validation. Only involves validation of the main domain, not individual subdomains. This means less assurance about the identity of who operates each specific subdomain. 
• Internal security challenges. Gives security access to more individuals. This makes it harder to track who’s using it,; increasing the risk of it being accidentally leaked.  

What it’s best for:  

• Universities. Wildcard SSLs are ideal for universities that use subdomains since they secure important data without requiring separate SSL certificates. This scalability is ideal for growing universities.  
• Software companies. Wildcard SSLs are great for software companies since they secure product-related subdomains like app, API, docs with one certificate. This ensures users consistent secure connection across product areas.   
• eCommerce platforms. Wildcard SSLs are often used by eCommerce platforms since they use subdomains for functionalities like product pages, checkout processes, customer accounts, and blogs.  

Unified Communication Certificate (UCC) SSL 

Offers protection for multiple domains, anywhere from 2 to 250. UCC SSL is an ideal choice for larger companies with several domains and want to manage spending, without compromising security. It reduces the number of SSL expiration dates that need to be managed, making your life easier.  

This certificate is great for larger organizations looking to streamline their SSL management. Particularly Microsoft Exchange systems that need to secure various services with different names. UCCs come with different levels of security verification and offer a flexible way to protect all your different online properties with a single certificate. 

Pros:  

• Cost savings. Protects multiple domain names with one certificate. This also simplifies renewal dates or domain removals easier.  
• Highly versatile. Protects different website addresses and their sections, even if they’re entirely unrelated. Sections include email logins, ensuring secure data during transmission.  
• Simplified management. Handles one certificate renewal and administration instead of managing multiple separate certificates. 
• Streamlined installation. Easier to deploy and manage security across multiple platforms with one certificate. 

Cons: 

• Can Get Messy. When managing several sites under a UCC, the process can be complicated, especially when the list grows.  
• Price Can Go Up. While good for a few sites, adding extra website names to the UCC can make it more expensive. 
• Vulnerability. If the UCC needs to be cancelled for any reason, all the websites it protects simultaneously lose their security. 
• Same Info for everyone. Shows the same company details for every website on the certificate, even if they’re not exactly the same business. 

What it’s best for:  

• Companies with multiple brands. UCCs secure separate websites with one certificate, saving money and simplifying management compared to individual SSLs. They also ensure consistent security across all your brands. 
• Content delivery network (CDN). UCCs allow CDNs to secure different website names with a single certificate. This simplifies onboarding new customers and ensures secure content delivery for all their users. 
• Organizations with complex web infrastructures. UCC certificates provide an easier way to manage security for companies with complicated websites with multiple subdomains. This is simpler than handling individual SSL certificates for each domain and subdomain. 

Multi-Domain or SAN SSL  

A Multi-Domain SSL certificate (also called Subject Alternative Name or SAN) is a single certificate that secures multiple websites and subdomains at once, rather than managing separate certificates for each site. It uses a special field to list all protected domains, making installation, renewal, and management much simpler than handling individual certificates. While typically cheaper than buying separate SSLs, all covered domains are visible in the certificate details, and adding or removing domains requires reissuing the certificate. 

Pros: 

• Cost-effective. Uses one certificate for multiple websites is cheaper than purchasing individual certificates for each site. 
• Simple management. Requires tracking and renewing a single certificate instead of multiple ones. 
• Flexible Protection. Secures any combination of different domains and subdomains, regardless of type. 
• Universal Compatibility. Supported by all current web browsers and devices. 

Cons: 

• Gets more expensive. Costs add up quickly as you add more website names to the certificate. 
• Single point of failure. If hackers steal this certificate’s security key, they can attack all your websites at once instead of just one. 
• Impacts everything. Cancellation impacts every website and subdomain it protects. 

What it’s best for: 

• Blogs with multiple language versions. Multi-Domain/SAN SSLs protect all language versions with one certificate, making management easier, reducing costs, and providing consistent security benefits for all visitors.  
• Marketing agencies. Multi-Domain/SAN SSLs offer centralized, cost-effective security for multiple sites under one certificate. This simplifies management, speeds up client onboarding, ensures consistent security, and provides flexibility for diverse client portfolios. 
• Companies with different products/services. Multi-Domain/SAN SSLs ensures consistent brand trust, handles varied web addresses easily, simplifies setup, and makes it easier to add new product sites later. 

Other considerations for SSL certificates 

When purchasing an SSL certificate, it’s important to consider more than just the price and speed to market. If your business owns multiple domains, it could be a prime target for malicious attacks. Scammers often use SSL certificates to make their fraudulent websites look legitimate, so it’s important to choose a certificate that verifies the trustworthiness of the domain owner. 

While the SSL certificate industry continues to evolve and improve, it’s up to businesses to stay informed and choose the right certificate for their needs. By prioritizing security and trust, you can protect your brand and give customers peace of mind when interacting with your website. 

Neglecting website security just isn’t an option for any business that wants to be online. 

Examples of SSL certificate companies 

Choosing the right SSL certificate company can make a big difference in keeping your site safe and getting visitors to trust you. There are many out there, each with different types of certificates, prices, and support. Below are some top SSL certificate companies and what makes each special so that you can choose the best for your site and budget.  

Network Solutions 

Network Solutions provides various SSL certificate options to secure your website, backed by warranties ranging from $50,000 to $1 million. Our offerings include basic certificates that verify domain ownership, business-level certificates that authenticate your company’s legitimacy, and multi-domain certificates that protect several websites with one certificate.   

All certificates use 384-bit encryption to safeguard customer information and payment data. The key benefits include increased customer confidence by eliminating browser security warnings, improved search engine rankings, and access to expert technical support when needed. 

DigiCert 

DigiCert offers SSL certificates from basic options with standard verification and a $1.25 million guarantee to their premium Secure Site Pro EV certificates. It provides robust security, a $2 million guarantee, and extras like vulnerability scanning monitoring. Their “Basic” certificates provide standard protection, while their “Secure Site” packages include advanced features and higher guarantees. The EV certificates always offer a high level of trust and verification, making them ideal for sensitive websites like banks and online stores. 

Namecheap  

Namecheap provides different SSL certificates to keep websites secure using encryption technology. They offer basic domain verification, business verification, and premium verification certificates to meet various security requirements. These certificates work for single websites, multiple websites, or wildcard domains. Namecheap focuses on offering affordable prices and good customer support for their SSL certificates, emphasizing how they help build customer trust and boost your website’s search engine rankings. 

Entrust 

Entrust provides a complete range of SSL certificates, including business verification, premium verification, wildcard, and multi-domain options, to keep websites secure and protect user information. They focus on strong encryption technology and compatibility with all major web browsers.  

Entrust offers a centralized platform that makes managing certificates easier with automated tools, discovery features, and compliance tracking. They also have subscription plans for flexible certificate management and reuse. Entrust has recently partnered with Sectigo to expand its services. 

Stages to implement SSL certificates 

Implementing SSL certificates follows a simple approach that broadly consists of four stages: 

1. Choosing the right certificate 
2. Configuring the web server 
3. Updating internal links and resources 
4. Testing implementation 

We covered the process in detail on How SSL Certificates Protect Your Business and Customers. 

Getting started with your new Network Solutions SSL certificate

For steps to install your Sectigo SSL certificate from Network Solutions, you can visit our help center and check out the comprehensive guide on how to get started with an SSL certificate which will walk you through the process, ensuring a seamless and compliant integration of SSL on your website. 

By integrating SSL into your website’s architecture with industry-specific regulations in mind, you’re taking a proactive stance toward compliance, security, and trust-building. You’re not only protecting sensitive data but also demonstrating your commitment to maintaining the highest standards of data protection mandated by the regulations that govern your sector. 

Frequently asked questions