A security certificate is a digital certificate that authenticates a websites identity and enables an encrypted connection. It is a small data file used as an internet security technique through which the identity, authenticity, and reliability of a website or web application can be confirmed. Security certificates are used to protect sensitive information such as passwords, credit card numbers, and other personal data from being intercepted by hackers.
There are different types of SSL certificates with different validation levels. The six main types are:
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Domain Validated (DV) SSL Certificate: This type of certificate is the easiest and quickest to obtain. It verifies that the domain name is registered and that the person requesting the certificate has control over the domain.
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Organization Validated (OV) SSL Certificate: This type of certificate verifies the domain name and the organization that owns it. It also verifies that the organization is a legal entity and that it has the right to use the domain name.
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Extended Validation (EV) SSL Certificate: This type of certificate provides the highest level of assurance. It verifies the domain name, the organization that owns it, and the legal existence of the organization. It also displays the website owners information in the address bar to distinguish from malicious sites.
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Wildcard SSL Certificate: This type of certificate is used to secure multiple subdomains under a single domain name.
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Multi-Domain SSL Certificate: This type of certificate is used to secure multiple domain names with a single certificate.
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Unified Communications SSL Certificate: This type of certificate is used to secure Microsoft Exchange and Microsoft Office Communications servers.
Certificates can be obtained directly from a Certificate Authority (CA), which issues millions of SSL certificates each year.
