What is an Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) Certificate?

What is SSL?

SSL certificate stands for Secure Sockets Layer, an internet protocol for securing data transfers between communication devices.

While attempting to connect to a server, SSL authenticates the website’s identity as a digital solution to ensure secure communication over the Internet.

Since data transmitted over the HTTP protocol is not a secure internet connection, the SSL converts it to HTTPS and makes the data transition process safe.

SSL encryption meaning shows why it is essential to keep online communication secure.

Why to Use SSL?

SSL is an encryption-based Internet security protocol that establishes an encrypted connection and authorizes a website’s identity.

SSL can secure information like credit card numbers, login credentials, sensitive data, and medical records.

To understand the SSL definition and why SSL is used, you need to know that SSL encrypts data transmitted over the web and is used for the following achievements:

• Privacy.
• Authentication.
• Data Integrity.

Most browsers support the SSL protocol so that users do not make an insecure connection over HTTP.

Using SSL is one of the best ways to secure FTP, IMAP, and SMTP protocols.

As a result, a website that uses SSL will have Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure (HTTPS) displayed in place of “HTTP,” meaning that a secure connection has been established.

How does SSL work?

Encryption, Authentication, and Certificate Validation are the three steps SSL goes through to work perfectly.

To have SSL certification means having a key or using an encryption method such as SSL between the client and the server. (handshake process)

The steps below explain how SSL works in detail:

• An attempt by a browser or server to connect to a website or web server secured with SSL.
• A request from the browser or server to identify the webserver. (Server Identification)
• Sending the SSL certificate from the webserver to the browser or server.
• Validation of the certificate by the browser or server and sending a signal in case of approval. (Client Authentication)
• Sending a digital confirmation from the web server and starting an encrypted connection.
• Sharing encrypted data between browser or server and web server. (Encrypted Communication)

If you connect to websites secured by an SSL certificate, in addition to the HTTPS:// phrase in the URL, you will also see a padlock icon in the URL address bar.

Is SSL the same as HTTPS?

No. They are not the same but they both encrypt the data transmitted between a client and a server.

• SSL is a cryptographic protocol and a component of HTTPS that is responsible for data encryption.
• HTTPS is the secure version of HTTP that uses SSL/TLS to encrypt and protect data transmission.

Types of SSL Certificates

There are different types of SSL certificates in terms of validity. Some of them are as follows:

1. Extended Validation or EV SSL Certificate

• This is the highest level of SSL security protocol in terms of using international standards for a comprehensive identity verification process.
• After installing this certificate, the https:// phrase, a padlock icon, the country, and the company name are displayed in the URL address bar.
• Using this certificate is the best way to prevent phishing and hacking of sensitive information from applications and websites.

Let’s have a look at how OV SSL displays on the browser & what its features are.

2. Organization Validated or OV SSL Certificate

• This is the second most trusted certification after the EV SSL, which helps to encrypt sensitive data during transactions.
• The OV SSL provides additional verification by displaying the official name of the relevant organization by clicking on the padlock icon.
• This prevents a third party’s misuse of the company name and helps the users feel more secure.

3. Domain Validated or DV SSL Certificate

• In this type of security certificate, the providers will validate and verify your domain name.
• While encrypting communications, they ensure the domain is at the applicant’s disposal.

Let’s Have a Look at what DV SSL Looks Like on the browser & what are its features

4. Wildcard or WV SSL Certificate

• These kinds of certificates provide secure communication with main domains and their unlimited subdomains.
• A Wildcard certificate is much more affordable than several single-domain SSL certificates.

Let’s have a look at the display of the Wildcard SSL Certificate of the particular website with its subdomains.

5. Multi-Domain or MD SSL Certificate

• Using this certificate, you can secure up to 100 different domains and subdomains.
• You can have the Subject Alternative Name (SAN) section to add, change, or delete the SANs if necessary.
• All of the above certificates are also included in this type of SSL.

Let’s have a look at the display of Multi-domain (SAN) SSL supported on the different domain names

6. Multi-domain Wildcard SSL Certificate

• This certificate combines the best of both worlds – Wildcard SSL and Multi-domain SSL. You can protect many fully qualified domains and an unlimited number of sub-domains (first level only).
• This certificate has full business validation, unlimited re-issuance policy, plus it offers the highest level of SSL security – 256-bit encryption and a 2048-bit signature.

Let’s have a look at the display of Multi-domain Wildcard SSL supported on the different domain names

7. Unified Communications or UCC Certificate

• These certificates are also considered multi-domain SSL.
• UCC was originally designed to secure Microsoft Exchange and Live Communications servers.
• Today, all websites can use Unified Communications certificates.

Let’s have a look at the display of the UCC SSL Certificate supported on the different domain names

8. Code Signing Certificate

• It is a digital signature technology that allows software publishers to sign their scripts, code, and content, thereby building trust and credibility online.
• Moreover, it’s compatible with all versions of Windows.

Let’s have a look at the display of the Code Signing Certificate

9. EV Code Signing Certificate

• An extended validation signing certificate (EV) has been created for designers and publishers who aim to protect their software, app codes, content, and other digital assets from hackers, cyber-attacks, etc.
  The process of obtaining this certificate involves strict validation and authentication.
• Developers and publishers must prove their identity coupled with 2-step verification, ensuring the software reaches the right party.