eCommerce Relies on Trust

While your online store may receive a significant amount of traffic, potential customers are often hesitant to provide their credit card and personal information if they don’t trust that your store will protect their data.

Building trust in eCommerce involves implementing best practices for user experience (UX) and website security. This process begins with the development of your website and continues as you manage your store’s operations.

One effective way to build trust and enhance your site’s reputation for all visitors is by implementing an SSL certificate.

In this article, we will explore SSL certificates in detail, including how they function and the six major categories available. By understanding SSL certificates, you can choose the right option to secure your eCommerce store.

Let’s start by discussing what SSL is.

Table of Contents

1. What is SSL?
2. What is an SSL Certificate?
3. Benefits of SSL Certificates for Your Store
4. How Do SSL Certificates Work?
5. Types of SSL Certificates 5.1. Extended Validation SSL Certificate 5.2. Organization Validated (OV) SSL Certificate 5.3. Domain Validated (DV) SSL Certificate 5.4. Wildcard SSL Certificate 5.5. Multi-Domain SSL Certificate (MDC) 5.6. Unified Communications Certificate (UCC)
6. Conclusion
7. Frequently Asked Questions

What is SSL?

SSL, which stands for Secure Sockets Layer, is a cryptographic protocol that adds a layer of security to applications that send or receive data over the Internet.

SSL uses encryption to protect data from being intercepted and read by unauthorized parties. Even if a hacker manages to intercept the data sent to your store, they won’t be able to decipher it due to the strong encryption.

When SSL is activated on a website, users will see a lock icon in their browser’s address bar. This visual indication assures visitors that the website is using SSL to protect their data.

SSL is a crucial security technology that helps protect visitors’ privacy and security, instilling trust in your store’s ability to safeguard user data.

What is an SSL Certificate?

SSL certificates bind a specific cryptographic key to your business’s details, such as the website name, to secure all communications to and from your website.

When an SSL certificate is activated for your store’s domain, the URL changes from HTTP to secured HTTP (HTTPS). Visitors will see a gray padlock icon in the address bar of their browsers, indicating a secure connection.

In addition to the security benefits, search engines incentivize website owners to install SSL certificates by improving their search engine results page (SERP) positions.

Benefits of SSL Certificates for Your Store

Here are five benefits of having SSL certificates for your eCommerce store:

1. Increased Security: SSL certificates encrypt data during transit, protecting it from interception by hackers. This is crucial for online stores that regularly collect sensitive information like credit card numbers and passwords.
2. Enhanced User Trust: The presence of an SSL certificate reassures visitors that your store is secure and trustworthy with their personal information. This increases sales and conversions.
3. Improved SEO: Search engines, including Google, prioritize websites that use SSL certificates. This can lead to higher rankings in search results, driving more traffic and sales to your store.
4. Compliance with Regulations: Many industries, such as healthcare and finance, require businesses to use SSL certificates to comply with regulations. Having an SSL certificate helps you avoid fines and penalties.
5. Peace of Mind: Knowing that your website is secure and your visitors’ data is protected provides peace of mind. This allows you to focus on running your business effectively.

How Do SSL Certificates Work?

SSL certificates employ a combination of private and public keys to secure your store. They validate the secure connection between your store’s website and a web server using public key cryptography.

SSL certificates function in the following manner:

1. The user’s browser sends a request to the web server.
2. The web server sends its SSL certificate to the browser.
3. The browser verifies the SSL certificate with a trusted Certificate Authority (CA).
4. If the certificate is valid, the browser and web server establish a secure connection.
5. The user can then enter their personal information without fear of interception.

Types of SSL Certificates

SSL certificates are generated and issued by Certificate Authorities (CAs) as bundles that include root and intermediate certificates.

Here are the six major categories of SSL certificates:

1. Extended Validation SSL Certificate: This is the most comprehensive and expensive type of SSL certificate. Obtaining an Extended Validation (EV) certificate involves a multi-step process, including a standardized identity verification to demonstrate sole domain ownership. EV certificates are typically used by high-profile websites that handle significant personal information or conduct online transactions, such as banks or medical providers.
2. Organization Validated (OV) SSL Certificate: OV certificates aim to encrypt critical information during online transactions. Similar to EV certificates, obtaining an OV certificate involves a rigorous validation process overseen by a Certification Authority (CA) to verify domain ownership and validate corporate trustworthiness. OV certificates are commonly used by commercial and public-facing websites that collect and maintain user information.
3. Domain Validated (DV) SSL Certificate: DV certificates offer basic encryption and have a simpler validation process compared to other SSL types. To obtain a DV certificate, website owners typically need to respond to emails or phone calls to prove domain ownership. DV certificates are commonly used by informational websites or blogs that don’t require advanced security features.
4. Wildcard SSL Certificate: Wildcard SSL certificates can be issued as both OV and DV certificates. They secure a base domain and unlimited subdomains. Using a wildcard certificate is cost-effective compared to purchasing individual single-domain certificates. The common name of a wildcard SSL certificate includes an asterisk () to represent any valid subdomain under the base domain. For example, “.example.com” would secure subdomains like blog.example.com, clients.example.com, and account.example.com. Wildcard certificates are beneficial for platforms that create different subdomains for user accounts.
5. Multi-Domain SSL Certificate (MDC): MDC certificates allow you to secure up to 100 domain names and subdomains with a single SSL certificate, saving time and money. Businesses can add, modify, and delete Subject Alternative Names (SANs) within the certificate’s Subject Alternative Name (SAN) field as needed. DV, OV, EV, and Wildcard certificates can all be upgraded to secure multiple domains. MDC certificates are commonly used by businesses with multiple offices in different jurisdictions and multinational corporations that operate under various top-level domain names.
6. Unified Communications Certificate (UCC): UCCs are similar to Multi-Domain SSL certificates, providing similar features. However, UCCs have the added capability of generating EV SSL certificates. Initially designed for Live Communications servers and Microsoft Exchange, UCCs can now be used by any website owner to encrypt multiple domains with a single certificate.

Conclusion

Selecting the right SSL certificate for your eCommerce store depends on your specific needs and requirements. Understanding the various types of SSL certificates available enables you to make an informed decision to protect your website and provide a secure browsing experience for your users.

Remember, investing in the appropriate SSL certificate is an investment in your online presence’s trustworthiness and credibility.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: When should I consider requesting a Wildcard SSL Certificate? A: A Wildcard SSL Certificate should be considered when securing multiple subdomains, such as secure.domainname.com, www.domainname.com, and mail.domainname.com. The common name for a Wildcard SSL Certificate is usually in the format “*.domainname.com.”

Q: How do I choose the right type of SSL certificate? A: The right SSL certificate depends on your website’s specific needs, including the level of validation and trust required, the number of subdomains or domains to secure, and your budget. Choosing a reputable Certificate Authority (CA) and ensuring compatibility with different browsers and devices are also important factors to consider.

Q: How long is an SSL certificate valid? A: SSL certificates are typically valid for 1 to 2 years, although some CAs offer longer-term options. It’s crucial to keep track of the certificate’s expiration date and renew it on time to maintain your website’s security.

Q: Can I use a free SSL certificate on my site? A: Free SSL certificate options, such as Let’s Encrypt, are suitable for personal and hobby projects. They offer basic encryption capabilities, particularly for personal websites or blogs. However, if your website handles sensitive data or requires higher trust and validation, it is generally recommended to invest in a paid SSL certificate from a reputable CA.