1. Domain Validation (DV) SSL Certificate
Purpose: Basic encryption with validation that you own the domain.
Who Should Buy: Small websites, personal blogs, or businesses that don’t collect sensitive information (like payment details). For example, a blog at myblog.com would be perfect for a DV SSL certificate.
Example: If your site is www.myblog.com, you could use a DV SSL certificate to secure basic communication, ensuring your visitors see the padlock symbol in their browser.
2. Organization Validation (OV) SSL Certificate
Purpose: Validates domain ownership and the legitimacy of the organization behind the website.
Who Should Buy: Small to medium-sized businesses that handle sensitive data, such as user login information. A company like My Small Business should opt for an OV SSL certificate.
Example: A site like www.mysmallbiz.com that allows customers to log in and access sensitive information would benefit from an OV certificate.
3. Extended Validation (EV) SSL Certificate
Purpose: Offers the highest level of security and trust by thoroughly validating the organization.
Who Should Buy: Large eCommerce sites, financial institutions, and businesses handling high-value transactions. For example, MyStore, an eCommerce platform, would gain customer trust with an EV SSL certificate.
Example: A site like www.mystore.com will display its business name in the browser’s address bar, typically in green, giving visitors confidence in their security.
4. Wildcard SSL Certificate
Purpose: Secures a primary domain and all its subdomains with a single certificate.
Who Should Buy: Businesses that have multiple subdomains under a primary domain, such as shop.example.com, blog.example.com, etc.
Example: A site like example.com with subdomains such as mail.example.com and blog.example.com would be secured with one Wildcard SSL.
5. Multi-Domain SSL Certificate (SAN or UCC)
Purpose: Allows securing multiple domain names and subdomains under one certificate.
Who Should Buy: Organizations with multiple websites or services on different domains. For instance, mysite.com and myotherdomain.com could be covered under one multi-domain SSL certificate.
Example: Companies like myservice.com and myotherservice.com can use a multi-domain certificate to manage encryption across both domains.
6. Code Signing SSL Certificate
Purpose: Used to digitally sign software or applications to ensure the code has not been tampered with.
Who Should Buy: Software developers or organizations distributing applications. For example, a company distributing downloadable software would benefit from a code signing SSL certificate.
Example: If you distribute software from softwaredistributor.com, you can use a Code Signing SSL to assure users that your software is authentic and hasn't been altered.
7. Multi-Domain Wildcard SSL Certificate
Purpose: Combines the features of a Wildcard SSL and Multi-Domain SSL, securing multiple domains and their subdomains.
Who Should Buy: Large organizations with several domains and subdomains. For example, a business with mysite.com and subdomains such as store.mysite.com and blog.mysite.com would use this certificate.
Example: A complex organization with multiple domains and subdomains could use a Multi-Domain Wildcard SSL to manage security efficiently across all properties.
Who Should Buy Which Type?
- Small Personal Websites or Blogs: Domain Validation (DV).
- Small to Medium-Sized Businesses: Organization Validation (OV).
- Large Enterprises or eCommerce Sites: Extended Validation (EV) for trust and credibility.
- Sites with Subdomains: Wildcard SSL.
- Businesses Managing Multiple Domains: Multi-Domain SSL or Multi-Domain Wildcard SSL.
- Software Developers: Code Signing SSL.
Choosing the right SSL certificate depends on your website’s size, purpose, and the level of security required. Whether you’re running a small blog or managing multiple domains, there’s an SSL solution that fits your needs. Invest in the right SSL to build trust with your visitors and ensure their data remains safe.