How to Choose the Right TLS/SSL Certificate
Transport Layer Security (TLS), or famously known as Secure Socket Layer (SSL), are cryptographic protocols that establish an encrypted connection between a browser and a web server. This connection protects data privacy and integrity as communication between both parties remains encrypted. In short, it keeps the internet connection secure and protects sensitive data such as personally identifiable information, credit card details, and passwords from attackers.
How Do TLS / SSL Certificates Work?
TLS/SSL certificates consist of a public and private key pair and verified identification information about the web server. When a web browser makes a connection with a web server, the server shares the public key with the client to establish an encrypted connection. This process is called a TLS Handshake. The encrypted data can only be decrypted by the webserver using the private key.What Are the Types of TLS / SSL Certificates?
There are many types of TLS/SSL certificates available, including Domain Validated (DV), Organization Validated (OV), and Extended Validated (EV). The question is which TLS/SSL certificate is right for your business? The different types of TLS/SSL certificates below will help you make an educated decision.- Domain Validated (DV) Certificate: This certificate is issued after verifying that the applicant has control over the submitted domain name. It provides the lowest level of assurance, is very easy to get, and doesn’t contain any organizational information.
- Organization Validated (OV) Certificate: This is the most popular type of business certificate. This certificate is issued after verifying the validity of the domain name (similar to DV), associated organization details, and registered address for authenticity. Since this type of certificate is hard to get, attackers running fake websites won’t be able to get one. It not only proves that your business website is safe but also confirms the identity of the organization so customers can securely transact.
- Extended Validated (EV) Certificate: This is the highest level of assurance. In addition to DV and OV validation requirements, an EV certificate verifies the address of the place of business, the jurisdiction of incorporation, registration, and other supplied information. In the past, web browsers would show a green bar or green paddle lock for an EV certificate, but that’s no longer the case. According to SSL Pulse, an organization that continuously tracks over 150K of the most popular sites in the world, the usage of EV certificates is decreasing.