Types of SSL Certificates Based on Use Cases

Domain Validated SSL certificates are entry-level SSLs that are easy to obtain by simply verifying domain ownership. Issued within minutes, DV SSL provides standard encryption and basic trust indicators like HTTPS URLs, which is enough to get the job done and prevent browser warnings. It’s an ideal SSL cert type for small sites and blogs that don’t deal with sensitive user information.

Organization Validated SSL certificates are a mid-level option among SSL types, which requires verification that a domain is of a registered business. Issued within 1-3 business days, it comes with features like robust SHA 256-bit encryption, HTTPS URLs, a padlock icon, and a dynamic site seal that shows company information. In addition, OV SSL certificates are best suited for businesses that require a higher level of trust indicators without the cost of an Extended Validated (EV) SSL certificate.

Extended Validated SSL certificates are the highest type of SSL certificate, which offers the strongest trust indicators and SSL security. It comes with many advanced features, such as verified business details displayed in an SSL certificate and a company name within the site lock. Also, the validation process takes a bit longer, which is 1-5 business days. Lastly, these EV SSL certificates are best suited for businesses that are looking to establish a maximum level of trust, as seen with branded Fortune 500 companies like Apple and PayPal. Similarly, it’s a required SSL certificate for any websites that deal with the financial details of the users, such as e-commerce or banking websites.

As the name implies, it’s the type of SSL certificate that allows SSL security only for one single domain (WWW & Non-WWW both). Similarly, it comes in all three-validation levels (Domain Validation, Organization Validation, and Extended Validation.) Hence, those who have one single domain and want to secure it with the right type of SSL certificate, here you’ll get the right option accordingly and by all the certificate authorities based on your budget.

Multi Domain SSL certificates are SSL cert types that are best for anyone who wants to secure multiple websites. Using this one single SSL certificate, you’ll be able to secure up to 500 domains, depending upon which certificate authority you go with. It’s best for any businesses that have multiple TLD extensions and want to get the latest SSL encryption for all of them without purchasing separate SSL certificates for each website. Lastly, it’s available in all three validation levels, DV, OV & EV, making it more convenient depending upon usage type.

The Wildcard SSL certificate is a type of SSL certificate that’s best suited for securing one main domain and associated first-level sub-domains. For instance, if someone has abc.com, news.abc.com, product.abc.com, or mail.abc.com, then this Wildcard SSL will be a cheaper and easier option for them. It’ll provide SSL security for all their sub-domains and main domains with this one single SSL certificate. Similarly, it’s offered in two validation levels: Domain Validated & Organization Validated.

A combination of two SSL cert types, Multi Domain Wildcard SSL provides the feature of Multi Domain SSL & Wildcard SSL Certificate. Similarly, for those who have multiple websites which also have sub-domains for them, this type of SSL certificate will be a good fit. Offered in two validation levels, Domain Validated, and Organization Validated, it comes with all the latest SSL security features, such as SHA 256 encryption. Similarly, depending upon certificate authority, it can provide SSL security for up to 500 different domains or IPs along with their sub-domains.

UCC (Unified Communications Certificate), also called a Microsoft Exchange SSL certificate, is a type of SSL certificate that’s specifically made for Microsoft Exchange and Office Communications servers. It can secure multiple domains and their associated sub-domains using this single SSL certificate. Furthermore, it’s popularly known as SAN (Subject Alternative Name) as it allows users to add multiple names for the subject field of the SSL certificate.

Code signing certificates, categorized as Class 3 digital signatures, play a vital role in ensuring the security of software and code. These certificates offer a higher level of assurance, requiring thorough identity verification of the publisher or organization before they’re issued. This means that consumers can trust the authenticity and integrity of the software they’re using.