Today’s digital landscape means websites rely heavily on collecting user information to facilitate online transactions. Unsurprisingly, this has made SSL certificates a must-have for businesses looking to secure their websites.
A comprehensive SSL certificate management solution will safeguard customer data and boost your website’s credibility and visibility on search engine results. Luckily, platforms such as Sectigo offer comprehensive certificate management solutions that guarantee IT security measures and maintain smooth operations.
This article delves into various aspects of SSL, including the benefits to websites that implement advanced security certificate management systems.
The Different Types of SSL Certificates
A Secure Sockets Layer(SSL) is a vital security protocol that establishes an encrypted connection between a web server and a browser. This encryption ensures that sensitive information remains private and inaccessible to unauthorized parties.
To obtain an SSL certificate for your website, purchase one from a trusted Certificate Authority (CA).
There are several SSL certificate options — depending on the level of authentication required. You can choose from these three types of certificates:
- Domain Validation (DV): Requiring only proof of domain ownership, the DV certificates are the easiest to obtain. They provide trust indicators like the HTTPS:// prefix in the URL, but they don’t verify the business’s legitimacy, making them unsuitable for e-commerce websites.
- Organization Validation (OV): OV certificates require businesses to authenticate their domains and confirm legal registration. They can only be issued to organizations, making them a better choice for business websites. Like DV, OV certificates provide trust indicators such as the HTTPS:// prefix and a padlock icon in the browser.
- Extended Validation (EV): EV certificates offer the highest level of security for businesses and their customers. Obtaining an EV SSL certificate involves undergoing a thorough vetting process. Although the process takes longer, EV certificates increase trust and confidence in your businesses.
When considering the type of certificate for your website, a certificate manager or security certificate management system can help you manage and secure your SSL certificates effectively.
Why You Should Secure Your Website with SSL Certificates
Here are several important reasons why having an SSL certificate is crucial for your website.
1. Increased Site Security
SSL certificates encrypt the data transmitted to and from your website, thus protecting sensitive information from attackers. Information that SSL can shield from attackers includes login details, addresses, payment information, and personal data.
2. Subdomain Safety
With a Wildcard SSL certificate, you can secure your main site and all its subdomains using a single certificate. You’ll only need an advanced PKI manager to integrate SSL certificates in different subdomains using one platform seamlessly.
3. Credibility and Trust
SSL certificates help build trust for your website by displaying a security padlock in the browser’s address bar. Statistics show that 17% of online shoppers abandon their carts if they are skeptical of the website’s security. Besides, Google labels websites without certificates as “not secure,” which could drive away potential leads.
4. SEO Advantages
SSL certificates contribute to improved SEO rankings. Google favors websites with encrypted connections as part of its HTTPS Everywhere initiative. HTTPS encryption helps safeguard users’ data by making sites more secure and safe.
While the impact may be minor, having an SSL certificate provides a competitive advantage over sites without one. HTTPS is an important metric that Google also considers when ranking websites for page experience.
Secure Your Website Today with the Help of a PKI Manager
In summary, a robust PKI Manager guarantees IT security by allowing your business to manage digital certificates and encryption keys effectively. These efforts go a long way in safeguarding sensitive data, establishing customer trust, and meeting compliance requirements.
Implementing a PKI Manager like Sectigo enhances cybersecurity defenses, builds stakeholder trust, and stays ahead of evolving threats.
