Hello,
An SSL certificate is a digital certificate that authenticates the identity of a website and allows for an encrypted connection. SSL is an abbreviation for Secure Sockets Layer, a security protocol that establishes an encrypted connection between a web server and a web browser.
SSL protects data exchanged between users and websites, or between two systems, by making it impossible to read. It employs encryption methods to scramble data in transit, preventing hackers from reading it as it travels over the network. This data may contain potentially sensitive information such as names, addresses, credit card numbers, or other financial information.
Why do you require an SSL certificate?
SSL certificates are required for websites in order to safeguard user data, validate website ownership, prevent attackers from building a false version of the site, and convey trust to users.
If a website requires users to sign in, enter personal information such as credit card numbers, or see confidential information such as health benefits or financial information, the data must be kept private. SSL certificates help to keep online interactions private and assure consumers that the website they are visiting is real and secure to exchange personal information with.
SSL Certificate Types
There are numerous types of SSL certificates, each with a different level of validation. The six major types are as follows:
- Wildcard SSL certificates
- Multi-Domain SSL certificates (MDC)
- Extended Validation certificates (EV SSL)
- Organization Validated certificates (OV SSL)
- Domain Validated certificates (DV SSL)
- Unified Communications Certificates (UCC)