Modern times demand heightened importance of securing websites through the Internet. An SSL certificate acts as your primary defense system to protect your website together with your visitors’ information. SSL represents Secure Sockets Layer which functions by encrypting data between websites and browsers. SSL encryption safeguards all sensitive information such as credit card numbers and personal details so they remain protected from hackers and other cybercriminals.
Different sources of Trusted SSl certificates
Trusted SSL certificates can be obtained through various options which users can choose from.
- Through Certificate Authority (CA).
Users can get SSL certificates such as cheap wildcard SSL certificates through Certificate Authority (CA) which represents one of the most common methods. Web browsers acknowledge certificates that CAs issue as trusted entities after verifying website owner identities. Three major Certificate Authorities (CAs) exist in the market including Comodo, Symantec and GlobalSign.
- Through a web hosting provider.
Web hosting providers serve as alternative providers of SSL certificates to customers. Website owners can benefit from SSL certificate inclusion in hosting packages provided by many companies which allows them to establish secure sites without needing to understand the technical implementation. Free SSL certificates are available to hosting customers through Let’s Encrypt service provided by certain hosting providers.
- Through domain registrars
Domain registrars provide a trustworthy platform to obtain SSL certificates. Domain registrars include SSL certificates in their domain purchase packages as an additional service for their customers. SSL certificates provided by domain registrars come at reasonable prices with simple installation procedures. Three widely used domain registrars providing SSL certificate services are Namecheap, GoDaddy, and Bluehost.
- Individual resellers
Resellers who operate from trusted CAs provide SSL certificates to their customers. The resellers provide SSL certificates at discounted prices while offering supplementary services which include installation as well as technical support. The SSL certificate reseller companies SSL.com, GlobalSign and DigiCert are among the most popular options available.
What are the steps for picking an SSL certificate from a reliable provider?
Website owners need to research SSL certificate providers carefully to find trustworthy SSL certificate vendors. The trustworthiness of a CA can be verified through checking their accredited status and certificates. Accreditation from the CA/Browser Forum makes SSL certificates more secure and dependable.
Checking reviews and testimonials from existing website owners who employed the certification authority (CA) for their services provides valuable information. Reviews of the CA by website owners will reveal both their client service capabilities and the quality of their certificates.
To choose an SSL certificate one must evaluate the extent of validation needed for their website requirements. Users can choose between three SSL certificates: Domain Validation (DV) and Organization Validation (OV) and Extended Validation (EV). Domain validation certificates represent the simplest method to achieve SSL certification for your domain since proof of domain ownership suffices for qualification. OV certificates need extra identity checks which exceed the requirements for EV certificates to pass complete verification.
You should evaluate both the validation type together with the encryption strength provided by the SSL certificate. The number of bits identifies the encryption strength and more bits mean a stronger level of encryption. A minimum requirement of 128-bit encryption exists in modern browsers however 256-bit encryption stands as the best security option for maximum protection.
Resource security requires periodic renewal of the SSL certificate because these certificates have established expiration dates. Website owners benefit from automatic renewal services that CAs provide for maintaining security of their websites.
Conclusion
SSL certificate protection plays a critical role in securing both your website along with your visitor data. A reputable CA combined with validated and encrypted certificates and regular update of your certificates will guarantee your users trust your secure website.