Secure Your Website And Improve Your Website’s Search Engine Ranking With Digital SSL Certificates

Establish trust and online security for your website visitors and business. Google wants to make the web safer and a big part of that involves making sure that the sites people access via Google are secure. That’s why websites using SSL have been shown to benefit from higher ranking in search results.

Digital SSL Certificates

Types Of SSL Certificates

DV

Domain Validation (DV)

ov

Organization Validation (OV)

EV

Extended Validation (EV)

Wildcard SSL Certificate

Wildcard SSL Certificate

UCC/SAN SSL Certificate

UCC/SAN SSL Certificate

Code Signing SSL Certificate

Code Signing SSL Certificate

Domain Validation (DV) SSL Certificates – For Basic Security

  • Issued in minutes – Secure your website in just a few minutes!
  • Domain validation only – Verifies ownership and control of the domain name only
  • Ideal for blogs & personal websites and non-critical website pages
  • Think of DV SSL Certificate like getting a library card—no confirmation of who you really are, very minimal requirements to obtain and issued very quickly.

Organization Validation (OV) SSL Certificates – For Strong Business Level Security

  • Issued within 1-2 days – High assurance SSL shows website visitors your authenticated identity
  • Basic identity verification. Ideal for small business websites and pages accepting sensitive information.
  • Enhanced validation including authenticating the identity of the applicants
  • Ideal for more sensitive web pages such as login pages, Business Websites, Web-mail FTP etc.
  • Think of OV like getting a driver’s license—more hoops to jump through than a library card but more trusted as a form of identification.

Extended Validation (EV) SSL Certificates – For Maximum Protection & Trust

  • Issued within 2-3 days – Activate the green address bar for the highest trust and conversions
  • Full identity verification. Ideal for Business & Ecommerce sites looking to provide maximum visitor confidence.
  • Standards-based approach to authentication, representing the highest level of authentication for SSL Certificates
  • Maintains browser and other industry compliance – Ideal for sensitive web pages including ecommerce, websites, online banking, account sign-up pages
  • Think of EV like getting a passport—much more stringent processes, longer lead times and more verification of who you are than with a library card or driver’s license. Recognized internationally as the most trusted way to verify your identity.

Wildcard SSL Certificate – Secure Unlimited Sub-Domains With A Single SSL Certificate

  • Most affordable way to secure entire domain name and unlimited first-level of sub-domains with a single Wildcard SSL Certificate.
  • Domain validation & Organization Validation options – Verifies domain ownership and control of the domain name also identity of the company or organization in case of an OV Wildcard SSL.
  • Ideal for business websites, web-mail, FTP, blogs, non-critical website pages on same domain name.

UCC/SAN SSL Certificate – Secure Different Main Domains With A Single SSL Certificate

  • Multi-Domain subject alternative names (SANs) and Unified Communications Certificates (UCC) protects different fully qualified domain names (FQDNs) under single SSL Certificate.
  • UCC / SAN SSL is a cost-effective way to simplify the validation process required for multiple SSL certificates. It saves money and offers the encryption you require.
  • Ideal for business with different domain names for websites, web-mail, Blogs, non-critical website pages on different domain names.

Code Signing SSL Certificate Secure Your Software Code With Unique Digital SSL Signature

  • With Software Code Signing & Hardware Driver Signing Certificates Show customers that they can trust your code by securing it with a unique digital SSL signature
  • Digitally Sign your code for secure electronic distribution over the Internet. Authenticated digital signature effectively verifies the source of your software before it is downloaded.
  • These certificates work across virtually all platforms and applications and ensure that your valued content or code cannot be maliciously modified.
  • Widely supported – Compatible with Microsoft Authenticode (including kernel-mode signing), Adobe Air, Apple applications and plug-ins, Java, MS Office Macro and VBA, Mozilla object files and Microsoft

Upgrade To DigiCert SSL Certificates

DigiCert SSL Certificates 1

Switch To DigiCert SSL Certificates

Replace your current SSL Certificate without losing any time or money. Buy a new SSL Certificate from us and we’ll add any remaining time you have on your current SSL Certificate up to a maximum of an additional 12 months free of charge. This special upgrade offer is available for SSL Certificates issued by one of the supported competitor SSL providers*. Contact us to validate your eligibility and see how much you could save.

Extended Validation SSL Certificate

Upgrade To Extended Validation (EV) SSL Certificate

While all SSL certificates use similar methods to protect and validate your data, the level of trust and assertion they provide varies. Extended Validation (EV) SSL Certificates offer the highest level of validation and trust. They validate and display the name and location of companies and organizations to give customers added confidence when dealing with businesses online. Contact us to now available upgrade offers.

Note: * Offer valid for Comodo, GlobalSign, Entrust, and GoDaddy SSL Certificates.

There’s also a lot more reasons why you should consider adding SSL to your website:

Encrypt sensitive data

Encrypt sensitive data

Protect user privacy<br />

Protect user privacy

Secure online transactions

Secure online transactions

Activate HTTPS

Activate HTTPS and The security lock icon

Prove legitimacy

Prove legitimacy

SEO Rankings

Increase SEO rank

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Wildcard SSL Certificates

Wildcard SSL Certificates

Secure your website & its subdomains with Wildcard SSL Certificates. Simplify management, enhance trust, & protect domains with a SSL certificate.

Frequently Asked Questions About Digital SSL Certificates

SSL (Secure Socket Layer) certificates ensure secure communication between websites and visitors, protecting sensitive data like credit card information, personal details, and login credentials. These FAQs cover essential aspects of digital SSL certificates, including their benefits, installation process, and how they help enhance websites’ security, trust, and SEO performance. Whether you run an e-commerce store, a blog, or any other type of website, an SSL certificate is vital for protecting sensitive data and ensuring safe browsing for your users.

What is an SSL certificate, and why is it important?

An SSL certificate (Secure Socket Layer certificate) is a digital certificate that encrypts the data transmitted between a website and a user’s browser. This ensures that sensitive information, such as passwords, credit card numbers, and personal data, is protected from hackers or unauthorized access.

SSL certificates are essential because they

  • Encrypt data: Protect the integrity and confidentiality of data transmitted over the internet.
  • Authenticate the website: Ensure that visitors communicate with a legitimate website, not a fraudulent one (like a phishing one).
  • Improve SEO rankings: Google and other search engines prefer secure websites, boosting your site’s visibility.
  • Build trust: SSL certificates indicate to visitors that your website is safe and trustworthy, as shown by the HTTPS prefix in the URL and the padlock symbol in the browser’s address bar.

What is the difference between HTTP and HTTPS?

HTTP (HyperText Transfer Protocol) is the standard protocol for transferring data over the internet. However, it is not encrypted, meaning malicious parties can intercept the data transferred. HTTPS (HyperText Transfer Protocol Secure) is the secure version of HTTP, where the data is encrypted using SSL/TLS certificates. The critical difference is that HTTPS ensures data privacy and security, while HTTP does not.

When you see HTTPS in a website’s URL, it means that the site has an SSL certificate installed, providing a secure connection between the website and the user.

What are the different types of SSL certificates?

There are three main types of SSL certificates, each offering different levels of validation and security:

  • Domain Validated (DV) SSL is the most basic SSL certificate. It only verifies that the applicant owns the domain. It provides encryption but does not validate the organization’s or individual’s identity behind the website.
  • Organization-Validated (OV) SSL: This type of SSL certificate verifies the organization’s identity and domain ownership. It provides stronger assurance to users and is often used by businesses and organizations.
  • Extended Validation (EV) SSL: This is the highest level of SSL certificate validation. It involves a rigorous verification process that includes checking the organization’s legal status, physical address, and identity. Websites with EV SSL certificates display a green address bar in browsers, making them highly trusted.

How do I know if a website has an SSL certificate?

To check if a website has an SSL certificate, look for the following indicators:

  • HTTPS in the URL: The website address should begin with https:// instead of just http://.
  • Padlock icon: A small padlock icon will appear next to the URL in the browser’s address bar.
  • Green address bar (for EV SSL): Websites with Extended Validation (EV) SSL certificates often display a green address bar with the organization’s name.

If a website lacks these indicators, it does not have an SSL certificate, and the data transmitted to and from the site is not encrypted.

How does an SSL certificate work?

An SSL certificate uses encryption to secure data between a user’s browser and a web server. Here’s a simplified process of how it works:

  1. Connection request: When a user visits a website, the browser sends a request to the server.
  2. The server sends an SSL certificate: The server responds by sending its SSL certificate to the browser, which contains the public key for encryption.
  3. The browser verifies the certificate. It checks if the certificate is valid, trusted, and matches the domain.
  4. Encryption: If everything is valid, the browser and server establish a secure connection using encryption (SSL/TLS) to transmit data safely.

This process ensures that the data transmitted between the website and the user is secure and cannot be intercepted or altered by hackers.

Do I need an SSL certificate for my website?

Yes, you need an SSL certificate for your website, especially if you:

  • Handle sensitive user data, such as credit card information, login credentials, or personal information.
  • Want to improve your website’s SEO ranking, as search engines like Google prioritize HTTPS sites?
  • Want to build trust with your visitors by showing them that your website is secure?

Even if your website doesn’t involve transactions or sensitive data, Google now flags websites without SSL certificates as “Not Secure,” which can affect your site’s credibility and user experience.

How much does an SSL certificate cost?

The cost of an SSL certificate varies based on the type of certificate and the provider. Generally, SSL certificates fall into these pricing categories:

  • Free SSL Certificates: These are available through providers like Let’s Encrypt, but they require basic validation (DV SSL).
  • Basic SSL certificates typically cost between $5 and $50 per year, offering domain validation.
  • Premium SSL Certificates (OV & EV): The cost can range from $100 to $500+ per year, depending on the validation level and the provider.

While free SSL certificates may be suitable for personal or small websites, businesses with e-commerce or sensitive data should invest in higher-level certificates for more robust security and trust.

How long is an SSL certificate valid for?

An SSL certificate is typically valid for 1 to 2 years. After this period, it needs to be renewed. Some certificates also allow automatic renewal to avoid any disruption in security coverage. To maintain a secure connection, it is essential to keep track of the expiration date and renew the SSL certificate before it expires.

Can SSL certificates improve my website's SEO?

Yes, SSL certificates can positively impact your website’s SEO. Google has confirmed that HTTPS websites are given a ranking boost in its search results. While SSL certificates are just one of many factors in SEO, they help:

  • Improve user trust: Secure websites are more likely to be trusted by visitors, leading to better engagement and lower bounce rates.
  • Google’s preference: Since Google prioritizes HTTPS sites, having an SSL certificate can improve your chances of ranking higher in search results.

What is an EV SSL certificate, and why should I use it?

An EV SSL certificate (Extended Validation SSL) is the highest level of validation for SSL certificates. It requires thorough verification of the business or organization behind the website, including checking legal documents, physical addresses, and domain ownership. Websites using an EV SSL certificate display a green address bar and the organization’s name in the browser.

EV SSL certificates are ideal for:

  • E-commerce websites that handle sensitive financial transactions.
  • Financial institutions or other organizations need to establish trust with their users.
  • Websites aim to boost user confidence by showing that they are fully verified.

Can I use a single SSL certificate for multiple subdomains?

Yes, you can use a Wildcard SSL certificate to secure all subdomains of a single domain with one certificate. For example, a wildcard certificate for *.example.com will secure www.example.com, store.example.com, blog.example.com, and any other subdomains of example.com. This option is cost-effective for websites with many subdomains.

Can I transfer my SSL certificate to another hosting provider?

Yes, you can transfer your SSL certificate to another hosting provider. The process involves exporting the certificate from your current hosting provider and importing it into your new provider’s server. You will need the private key and certificate files to complete the transfer.

Some hosting providers may handle the transfer for you, while others may require manual intervention. It’s essential to ensure that your certificate is still valid and that the associated domain name has not changed.

What happens if my SSL certificate expires?

If your SSL certificate expires, browsers will no longer consider your website secure, and users will receive a warning when trying to visit your site. This can cause:

  • Loss of user trust: Visitors may be discouraged from accessing your site if they see security warnings.
  • SEO penalty: Google may de-prioritize your site in search rankings, affecting its visibility.
  • Insecure connections: Data transmitted between your website and users will no longer be encrypted, making it vulnerable to hackers.

To avoid these issues, you must renew your SSL certificate before it expires.

Can an SSL certificate protect my website from hackers?

While an SSL certificate provides encryption to protect data during transmission, it does not protect against hacking attempts like malware, phishing, or brute-force attacks. To fully protect your website, you should also implement other security measures, such as:

  • Regular software updates
  • Firewalls
  • Malware scanning
  • Two-factor authentication (2FA)

SSL certificates ensure that any sensitive data exchanged between the website and the visitor remains private and secure.

Can I use an SSL certificate with my e-commerce website?

An SSL certificate is crucial for e-commerce websites because it secures payment transactions and protects sensitive customer information like credit card numbers and addresses. Without SSL, your customers’ payment details could be intercepted during transmission, leading to financial fraud and loss of customer trust.

For added protection, many e-commerce websites use EV SSL certificates to provide the highest level of validation and security.

How do I install an SSL certificate on my website?

The installation process varies depending on your hosting provider and the type of server you’re using (e.g., Apache, Nginx). However, the general steps are:

  1. Purchase or obtain an SSL certificate from a trusted certificate authority.
  2. You can install the certificate through your web hosting control panel (e.g., cPanel, Plesk) or manually configure it on your server.
  3. Update your website’s links to use HTTPS instead of HTTP.
  4. Test the installation using an SSL checker tool to ensure the certificate is correctly installed and active.

Most hosting providers offer a one-click installation process for SSL certificates, especially for shared hosting plans.

Does an SSL certificate affect website performance?

While the encryption process adds a small amount of overhead, the impact on performance is typically minimal. Modern browsers and servers are optimized to handle SSL encryption efficiently. The benefits of having an SSL certificate far outweigh the slight decrease in speed, especially when considering improved user trust, SEO ranking, and data protection.

Can I get a free SSL certificate for my website?

Let’s Encrypt offers free SSL certificates that provide basic domain validation (DV). Most browsers trust these certificates, which provide encryption for data transmitted to and from your website. However, they have a short validity period (90 days) and do not offer higher levels of validation like EV or OV certificates.

A free SSL certificate can be a suitable option if you run a personal website or a small blog. However, for e-commerce or business sites, investing in a paid SSL certificate with higher validation and additional features is recommended.

What is SSL certificate chaining, and why is it important?

SSL certificate chaining refers to validating a certificate’s authenticity by following a chain of trust. When you install an SSL certificate on your server, it may need to be linked to a root or intermediate certificate issued by a trusted certificate authority. These chains help browsers verify the SSL certificate’s authenticity.

Users may see warnings when accessing your website if the correct chain is not configured, even if your SSL certificate is valid. Ensuring your certificate is correctly chained is crucial for smooth SSL implementation.

What is the difference between SSL and TLS?

SSL (secure socket layer) and TLS (transport layer security) are encryption protocols that secure data between a website and a user’s browser. However, SSL is the older protocol, and TLS is its successor, providing improved security and performance.

While SSL is still commonly used to describe encrypted connections, most modern websites use TLS as the underlying protocol, and SSL certificates are now referred to as SSL/TLS certificates.