SSL certificates comparison

SSL Encryption

An SSL certificate is a digital passport that identifies a website and encrypts the communication between a web browser and a web server. It serves as a security measure that prevents third parties from intercepting or manipulating data when visiting a website. When a website has an SSL certificate, it is indicated by the padlock symbol in the browser's address bar and "https" in the URL.

SSL encryption not only protects active data traffic but also conveys a sense of security, which is essential for building trust (see also ECC study). Learn below which SSL certificate is right for your needs, how to set up SSL encryption, and the types of SSL certificates available.

Types of SSL Certificates

Domain Validated SSL Certificates (DV) and Organization Validated SSL Certificates (OV) primarily differ in the level of verification conducted by the certificate authority before issuing the certificate. Domain validated SSL certificates are typically issued faster and more easily, as they require only a simple verification of the applicant's domain name. This type of certificate is relatively inexpensive and suitable for smaller websites and blogs.

Organization Validated SSL Certificates (OV), on the other hand, require a more thorough verification of the applicant, including identity and existence checks of the business before the certificate is issued. This increases trust in the authenticity of the website and provides additional security for the user. OV certificates are generally more expensive and preferred by companies and e-commerce websites that transmit sensitive data such as credit card information or personal data.
More information on domain validated SSL certificates

Overall, both types of SSL certificates offer a high level of security and encryption for the website, but OV certificates provide a higher level of trust for users, while DV certificates are simpler and more cost-effective. All SSL certificates available from us are at least domain validated. The issuing CA (Certificate Authority, e.g., GeoTrust) must ensure that the applicant is indeed the owner of the domain to be secured. Domain validation is guaranteed through a query of the WHOIS data, and the SSL certificate is only sent to an email address of this top-level domain.
More information on organization validated SSL certificates.

Extended Validation SSL Certificates (EV) represent the most trustworthy encryption method available. The extended validation involves a detailed check of the applicant by the certificate authorities (e.g., Digicert, T-Systems). This check includes a review of the commercial register excerpt and a phone contact with the applicant. The aim of this verification is to make phishing with encrypted, and thus seemingly secure, websites more difficult or even impossible, by ensuring that only legitimate, reachable applicants receive EV certification. As a result, only the original websites display the name and details of the certificate-holding company when accessing the https connection.
More information on Extended Validation in our special

Overview of SSL Certificates

Order or Renew SSL Certificate

Do you want to purchase a new SSL certificate for a shop, your server, or a website? Valuable tips on which SSL certificate you should order for your application can be found in our SSL certificate purchasing guide. Or do you want to extend your SSL protection? All information regarding the renewal of your SSL encryption can be found in our special section. More information on renewing your SSL certificate. If you want to compare two SSL certificates regarding their features and prices, our tool "SSL Certificates Feature and Price Comparison" is available for you.