What are SSL certificates?
Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) certificates use public key encryption to establish a secure connection between a web server and web browsers. They encrypt sensitive information like payment details and personal user data during transmission to protect against interception or tampering by hackers. SSL technology also verifies domain ownership. There are different types of SSL certificates available depending on usage and level of security required like domain validated (DV), organization validated (OV), and extended validation (EV) certificates.
Types of SSL certificates
Domain validated (DV) SSL certificates: These are the basic and most common type of SSL Certificates. They confirm that the domain owner controls the domain but do not verify the identity of the organization. DV certificates provide basic HTTPS encryption and the URL bar changes from HTTP to HTTPS but without any visual security cues.
Organization validated (OV) SSL certificates: OV certificates provide enhanced validation of the organization behind the domain through additional verification steps like confirmation of legal business existence and address. They clearly display the organization name in the browser address bar to establish identity and create more trust with users.
Extended validation (EV) SSL certificates: EV certificates offer the highest level of authentication by thoroughly vetting the legal entity behind the secured site. They display the organization name in green address bar along with a padlock symbol to assure users of validated identity. EV certificates are more expensive but considered best for companies handling sensitive transactions.
Wildcard SSL certificates: Wildcard certificates secure an entire domain like *.yourdomain.com instead of a single subdomain. They are useful when securing multiple subdomains under a single certificate for added convenience and lower administration overhead.
SSL certificates and HTTPS
SSL certificates enable HTTPS or secure HTTP protocol which enhances the basic HTTP by incorporating encryption capabilities. Websites with HTTPS in the URL are more trusted as the connection is encrypted end-to-end to prevent snooping. It also protects against man-in-the-middle attacks. Google and other search engines give HTTPS sites preference in search rankings. Many modern browsers also display visible warnings on HTTP sites for reduced confidence. Switching to HTTPS improves both security and search visibility for online businesses.
Importance of SSL certificates for e-commerce websites
SSL encryption and authentication are critical for e-commerce sites handling financial transactions and sensitive customer data. Customers are wary of entering payment details on plain HTTP websites for valid security concerns. SSL certificates create trust and assurance by demonstrating the website is genuine and transmission of private information remains encrypted. Failure to use SSL results in Loss of Sales as many customers will simply abandon the checkout process on unsecured sites. SSL is now an essential element for building consumer confidence in online shopping portals.
SSL requirements for other industry websites
Besides online stores, SSL is equally necessary for other industries and services dealing with confidential user data:
- Healthcare and insurance websites need SSL to protect personal medical records and policy information shared digitally.
- Banking and finance portals must have SSL in place when members access account information or conduct fund transfers over the internet.
- Government departments and educational institutions secure member portals or online services handling private identification details with SSL.
- HR, payroll and tax services use SSL certificates for sharing wage statements and tax filings securely between organizations and employees.
- Communication and file sharing software rely on encryption to maintain privacy of documents, calls or chat conversations on their hosted platforms.
Implementing SSL certificates correctly boosts trust and compliance for any business sector mandated to protect consumer privacy as per regulations like HIPAA, GDPR, etc. It assures clients their personal data remains encrypted in transit on the company website or applications.
SSL encryption and certificates are essential for all online businesses to build confidence with security-conscious users today. It helps demonstrate legitimacy, improve visibility, protect sensitive transactions and comply with data privacy directives. Proper implementation of SSL exponentially increases online trust, conversions and revenue in the long run.
Get More Insights on- SSL Certificates
For Deeper Insights, Find the Report in the Language that You want:
About Author:
Ravina Pandya, Content Writer, has a strong foothold in the market research industry. She specializes in writing well-researched articles from different industries, including food and beverages, information and technology, healthcare, chemical and materials, etc. (https://www.linkedin.com/in/ravina-pandya-1a3984191)
