What is an SSL Certificate?

SSL Certificates (Secure Sockets Layer) are also known as Digital Certificates, they create secure links between a website and the visitor’s browser. This ensures all data that is passed between will remain private and secure. The SSL method of encryption prevents hackers from stealing the private information of a websites visitor, including; names, addresses and credit/debit card numbers.

Do I need an SSL Certificate?

In most cases, your website will need an SSL Certificate. If your websites collects any information on the visitor from a contact form or you ask them to subscribe to a newsletter you need an SSL Certificate. If you sell products or services on your website then you will need to accept card payments, an SSL Certificate is a must.

How to check an SSL Certificate?

To check an SSL Certificate on any of the major browsers (Chrome, Firefox, Safari) is fairly easy and can be done with a few simple clicks. In the address bar, you will see a padlock before the website URL, simply click on this and then click on Certificate, once you have opened this click on the Details tab to get all the Certification information. You can check the certificate type, expiry dates, organisation details and more.

Types of SSL Certificates

As a business you will be required to use one of the three main types of SSL Certificates;

• A single domain certificate – to secure one domain only.
• A multi-domain certificate – if your business has multiple domains or sub-domains to secure.
• A wildcard domain – if your business must manage multiple website across multiple domains.

Each of these types of SSL certificates come with different levels of authentication, to accommodate your business needs.

Domain Validation SSL Certificates (DV)
DV SSL Certificates are the cheapest and offer the lowest level of validation, these certificates can be purchased by proving that you control the domain you are using it on. DV Certificates are normally used on blogs, portfolios or small businesses just getting started.

Organisation Validation SSL Certificates (OV)
OV SSL Certificates involve a manual validation process that we can help with, you will need to prove that you control the domain name you are using it on, the company name and address. OV Certificates are perfect for small to medium sized businesses and small eCommerce stores.

Extended Validation SSL Certificates (EV)
EV SSL Certificates involve a full background check on the business that we can help with. You must prove to the Certificate Authority (CA) that your business exists and is legally registered with the main authorities, you must also prove that your business is actually present at the listed address. EV Certificates are the most trustworthy types of SSL Certificates and are normally used by large enterprises, eCommerce stores and publicly traded companies.

How to install an SSL Certificate?

To start with, you need to generate a CSR (Certificate Signing Request) before you purchase one of our certificates. Once you have generated your CSR you need to purchase the certificate you wish to use. Our validation team will make sure everything is correct with your order and process your certificate. You will normally receive this on email for you to install. You can then install this certificate easily through your website hosting control panel.

How to make my website secure?

To make your website secure, installing an SSL certificate is a bare minimum.

Nowadays, cybersecurity is of the upmost importance. It’s your business’s responsibility to ensure security and privacy of customer data.

Trustify is one of the only SSL providers to offer businesses their own Legal Entity Identifier (LEI) number included in their SSL certificate, to add another layer of authentication and security. If you’re interested in finding out how to make your website and your business more secure, get in touch.

GDPR Compliance information

Although it doesn’t contain any specific section on the use of SSL certificates, GDPR has clear requirements that can only be addressed through the use of SSL certificates. In other words, GDPR states that regulated information must be protected with “appropriate technical and organisational measures,” including encryption of personal data and the ability to ensure the ongoing confidentiality of systems and services. From a GDPR perspective, SSL certificates already align well with best practices so it doesn’t take a lot to ensure your business is compliant.

The Information Commissioner’s Office (ico.org.uk) states that for an SSL certificate to be valid, it must be issued by a trusted Certificate Authority. The certificate must demonstrate that your business is in sole control of the domain – some free SSL certificates may not meet these requirements so make sure you check the compliance guidelines to avoid GDPR breach.

Trustify’s certificates are issued with the highest assurance, ensuring your business always stays compliant and trusted.