As the internet began transforming into a more commercial space in the 1990s, there was a growing need for encrypted communication channels. This is why Netscape developed a secure protocol known as a secure sockets layer (SSL). This evolved into what\u2019s now known as transport layer security (TLS) with TLS version 1.2 and TLS 1.3 currently in use. SSL\/TLS helps to facilitate the encryption of the data transmission channel between a client (an end user\u2019s browser) and the server it\u2019s talking to with the intent of hindering cybercriminals from stealing data over the wire.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
As time progressed , the players in the field of SSL\/TLS certificates came up with different product offerings to suit the various needs of their customers. Let\u2019s take a quick look at some of these products and what they have to offer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Listed below are the generic features of SSL\/TLS\ncertificates.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
SSL\/TLS certificates are classified based on their three\nvalidation levels (DV, OV, and EV) and four types of functionality.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Domain validation is the least stringent form of validation. Here, the CA only verifies whether the applicant has rights to the specific domain name (typically through email verification). No additional information is vetted, and DV certificates can be issued and deployed within minutes. Though not the best option for websites that need to assert identity, it works for small-scale sites that do not collect any personally identifiable information (PII) or sensitive data.<\/p>\n\n\n\nGet a DV SSL certificate starting at as little as $8.95 per year<\/a>\n\n\n\n Organization validation is one of the most viable options\nfor enterprise environments and intranets. The CA not only verifies that the\napplicant has rights to the specific domain name but also conducts additional\ninvestigations of the applicant\u2019s organization on a basic level. This\ninformation is displayed on the certificate for enhanced trust from the site\u2019s\nend users. Finding the balance between its DV and EV counterparts, which we\nwill discuss momentarily, OV SSL can also be used to secure IP addresses. <\/p>\n\n\n\nGet an OV SSL certificate starting at $33.69 per year<\/a>\n\n\n\n As part of the extended validation process, the CA will do an intense verification of the site\u2019s ownership as well as the legitimacy of the company. Applicants will need to provide acceptable documents about the organization during the vetting process to attest that they have rights to the specific domain and the business is genuine. It ensures a thorough investigation is performed on the company, and this information is displayed on the certificate. It\u2019s the only certificate that enables the organization\u2019s name to appear in the web address bar to indicate your website\u2019s identity. <\/p>\n\n\n\nGet an EV SSL certificate starting at $88.00 per year<\/a>\n\n\n\n This type of certificate covers one fully qualified domain name (i.e., www.yourdomain.com). It does not include any other domain, though. If generated with the WWW, most CAs secure the non-WWW version as well. A single domain SSL certificate is available for all levels of validation. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Multi domain certificates are also referred to as UCC\/SAN certificates, which stand for \u201cunified communications certificates\u201d and \u201csubject alternative name\u201d domains. One certificate covers multiple domains (i.e., www.yourdomain.com, www.site.com, www.example.net, etc.), and applicants have the option of adding or deleting SANs based on their needs . All domains will have the same level of validation. <\/p>\n\n\n\n These types of certificates from Sectigo can cover up to 250 domains total with the primary domain entered as the fully-qualified domain name (FQDN) in the certificate signing request (CSR) and the rest listed as subject alternative names.<\/p>\n\n\n\nGet a multi domain SSL certificate starting at $29.00 per year<\/a>\n\n\n\n A wildcard SSL certificate is issued to secure an unlimited\nnumber of subdomains at the first level.For example, *.site.com will secure\nblog.site.com, products.site.com, dev.site.com, etc. Unlike other SSL\ncertificates, wildcards are only available with DV and OV validation. extended\nvalidation is not an option for wildcard SSL certificates. <\/p>\n\n\n\nGet a wildcard SSL certificate starting at $87.33 per year<\/a>\n\n\n\n The most versatile of all SSL\/TLS certificates, multi-domain wildcard SSL certificates, secure up to 250 domains or hostnames, as well as their multiple levels of subdomains, using a single certificate. For example, can be used to secure *.site.com, *.example.com, *.blog.site.com, etc.<\/p>\n\n\n\nGet a multi domain SSL certificate starting at $174.13 per year<\/a>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"Organization Validation (OV) SSL<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Extended Validation (EV) SSL<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Single Domain SSL Certificates<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Multi Domain SSL Certificates<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Wildcard SSL Certificates Price Comparison<\/a><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Multi Domain Wildcard SSL<\/h2>\n\n\n\n