Types of SSL Certificates - SSL Explained (SIMPLY)

Summary

In this video, David from Get Found Marketing explains the importance of SSL certificates for every website owner, whether it's a blog, e-commerce site, or portfolio. He breaks down the three types of SSL certificates: Domain Validated, Organization Validated, and Extended Validation. SSL certificates are vital for data security, SEO ranking, and building trust with users. David emphasizes the necessity of obtaining an SSL certificate, especially with Google's Chrome 68 update, which will flag sites without one. He offers insights on choosing the right SSL type based on your website’s needs.

Takeaways

• 😀 SSL certificates are crucial for all website owners, regardless of the type of website (blog, e-commerce, portfolio, etc.).
• 😀 SSL (Secure Socket Layer) is a digital signature that ensures secure data transfer between computers, such as file transfers and credit card processing.
• 😀 SSL is a requirement for PCI compliance if you're processing credit card information on an e-commerce site.
• 😀 As of July 2018, SSL certificates are a ranking signal for Google, meaning having one can positively impact SEO.
• 😀 Without an SSL certificate, Chrome 68 will display a warning, which can negatively affect user trust and website traffic.
• 😀 There are three types of SSL certificates: Domain SSL, Organization SSL, and Extended Validation (EV) SSL.
• 😀 Domain Validation SSL is the most basic form and requires minimal verification, usually through a Whois check to ensure domain ownership.
• 😀 Organization Validated SSL is more advanced, often used by larger companies, and offers higher credibility for businesses.
• 😀 EV SSL (Extended Validation) is the most secure and thorough type of SSL, requiring rigorous verification of domain ownership, organization details, and legal existence.
• 😀 EV SSL certificates are particularly useful for PCI compliance, protecting users from phishing and fraudulent sites.
• 😀 Deciding which SSL certificate is right for your website depends on your needs, but an EV SSL can be expensive and might not be necessary for all websites.

Q & A

What is an SSL certificate, and why is it important for website owners?

An SSL (Secure Socket Layer) certificate is a digital signature that helps secure data transfer between computers. It's crucial for protecting sensitive information, such as credit card details, and is required for PCI compliance in e-commerce sites. SSL also enhances trustworthiness, particularly because browsers flag non-SSL sites as insecure.

What are the types of SSL certificates mentioned in the video?

The video mentions three types of SSL certificates: Domain Validation SSL, Organization Validation SSL, and Extended Validation (EV) SSL. Each has varying levels of verification and security, with EV being the most rigorous.

What is Domain Validation SSL, and who typically uses it?

Domain Validation SSL is the simplest form of SSL, where the certificate issuer checks the ownership of the domain. It's often used by individuals or smaller businesses, as it's affordable and easy to obtain.

Why is having an SSL certificate crucial for e-commerce sites?

For e-commerce sites, SSL certificates are necessary for securely processing transactions and safeguarding sensitive customer data, such as credit card details. Additionally, SSL is required for PCI compliance to ensure secure handling of payment information.

What happens if a website does not have an SSL certificate by July 2018 or later?

Starting from July 2018, Google Chrome and other browsers began marking websites without SSL certificates as 'Not Secure.' This negatively impacts the site's reputation and trustworthiness, especially for sites handling sensitive data.

What is Organization Validation SSL, and what kind of websites use it?

Organization Validation SSL is more advanced than Domain Validation. It requires additional verification of the business behind the site, making it suitable for larger businesses or media companies. It adds credibility and enhances security.

What makes Extended Validation (EV) SSL different from the other SSL types?

Extended Validation SSL is the most stringent type of SSL certificate. It requires the issuer to validate not only the domain but also the organization's legal existence, physical address, and other details. EV SSL is often used by large corporations and offers the highest level of trust and security.

How can users verify the validity of an SSL certificate on a website?

Users can verify an SSL certificate by clicking on the address bar of their browser. If it's an EV certificate, the organization’s information will be displayed, offering additional trust and security.

Why is it important for websites to have SSL certificates in today's digital landscape?

SSL certificates are more important than ever due to increased online security threats, data privacy concerns, and compliance regulations like the GDPR and CCPA. An SSL certificate not only secures data but also boosts SEO rankings and helps websites meet legal requirements.

What should a website owner do if they're unsure which type of SSL certificate they need?

Website owners should assess their specific needs, such as the level of security required, the size of their business, and the type of website they have. For more guidance, they can consult an SSL provider or visit resources like the video description or the getfoundmarketing.org website.