SSL Certificates

SSL (Secure Sockets Layer), is a security technology used to set up an encrypted connection between a server and a client that ensures the secure transfer between a domain on a web server and the site visitor. 

The data is encrypted during transmission by an HTTPS protocol. If a secure connection is established between the domain server and the site user, the communication over the mechanism provided by the SSL protocol is secure. The data of the user can not be intercepted by a third party. If the secure connection is interrupted, the SSL protocol is disabled. 

Every business should make informed decisions about what certificates are the right fit for their needs. For example, DV certificates are not suitable for eCommerce businesses as they do not offer the appropriate protection for this kind of user data. 

To get a certificate, the very first step is to create a Certificate Signing Request (CSR) on your server. This process creates a private key and public key. There are then multiple levels of domain validation – Domain Validated certificates (DV SSL), Organization Validated certificates (OV SSL) or the highest level of validation and authentication available: an EV SSL certificate (Extended Validation). 

With Extended Validation, visitors to highly secure browsers see a green address bar when they visit the website, a visible sign that the website is highly authenticated and trustworthy, and that the information entered by the customer is secure. In addition to the green bar, the high-security browsers display the authenticated organization’s name on the Extended Validation SSL certificate as well as the certification authority (CA) that issued it. 

For businesses and organisations with multiple domains, for example ecommerce companies, Wildcard SSL certificates should be an integral part to their website security strategy. These certificates let site owners secure multiple subdomains under a single one. Multi-domain SSL certificates allow multiple unique domains and subdomains to be secured with a single certificate, for example a UCC (Unified Communications Certificate) SSL lets you secure a primary domain name and up to 99 additional Subject Alternative Names (SANs) with a single SSL certificate. 

Digital certificates are critical to the security of your website and are an integral part of building trust between your business and those who buy your products and services. If a website does not use an SSL certificate, all sensitive data (passwords, credit card numbers, etc.) are sent in plain text. 

If a website does not have a padlock icon next to its web address, this means that the personal data you enter is open to being intercepted and read by third parties – including cybercriminals. 

Therefore, an encrypted connection through SSL certificates is crucial to anyone who owns a domain name, website and anyone who delivers products and services through digital channels.  

BrandShelter offers a comprehensive range of SSL certificates underwritten by the leading certificate authorities – DigiCert, Thawte, GeoTrust, RapidSSL, Sectigo. The choice of certificate depends on its intended usage and the level of warranty required. BrandShelter can help you identify the precise certificate types that meet your needs to ensure you minimise your costs without compromising cover. 

SSL certificate management is often incorrectly consigned to the realm of the IT department, while a basic understanding of what they do and why they are important is a must for all business people and website owners.