info@waveriders.co.za

What is an SSL certificate?

An SSL certificate is a form of validation that is installed on the web server.

SSL/TLS is a technology that creates an encrypted connection between the web server and your visitor’s web browser so that confidential information can be transferred securely.
Your secure site is now accessed via https rather than http, and indicated by a padlock icon in web browsers. A site’s SSL certificate can be viewed by clicking or hovering on the padlock icon in the address bar. Digital certificates are issued directly by a trusted certificate issuing authority like Thawte, Comodo, Let’s Encrypt.

SSL/TLS certificates – which one is right for you?

All SSL certificates offer the same levels of encryption but differ according to validation levels – the extent to which the domain is vetted and proven to be linked to a particular organisation. The validation level does not affect the security level but rather reflects levels of user trust i.e. the more you need users to trust your website’s authenticity, the higher level of validation certificate you will choose.

Domain Validation (DV)

– These SSL certificates validate the domain name against registry records.
– No organisational information is vetted or displayed on the certificate.
– Displays a padlock icon in the browser address bar, and no company information on the certificate.
– We offer free Let’s Encrypt SSL certificates with all websites.

Organisational Validation (OV)

– Also called Web Server certificates, these SSL/TLS certificates validate the domain ownership & the organisation’s identity.
– Some organisational information is displayed on the certificate.
– Displays a padlock icon in the browser address bar and some company information on the certificate
– OV certificates should be obtained directly from a Certification Authority of your choice.

Extended Validation (EV)

– These certificates validate the domain ownership, organisational identity & the legal existence of the organisation.
– The green address bar provides the highest level of trust to users that the company is legitimate.
– Suited to credit card transacting websites, financial institutions, or any site that could potentially be the subject of a phishing scam.
– Displays a green address bar as well as a padlock icon in the browser address bar, and company information on the certificate.
– Extended Validation certificates should be obtained directly from a Certification Authority of your choice.

Note: SSL/TLS does not include software to process credit card transactions. Although you can securely receive credit card information through SSL/TLS, actual processing of the credit card will require a ‘Merchant Account’ from an accredited financial institution.

Quick Checklist

– If you host with us you get Let’s Encrypt Domain Validation (DV) SSL included with all out hosting packages.

Source – About SSL Certificates

This website uses cookies to improve your experience. If you continue to use this site, you agree with it.