A Step-By-Step Guide to Choosing an SSL Certificate Authority To Safeguard Your Business

In the ever-evolving world of cybersecurity, businesses must make informed decisions to protect their sensitive data and establish trust with their customers. 

Choosing the right SSL Certificate Authority is paramount when securing online transactions and building a robust security framework.

This article will guide enterprise organizations in selecting the ideal Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) Certificate Authority, emphasizing the importance of Public key infrastructure (PKI) security practices. 

We will delve into key considerations, such as certificate issuance, management, and revocation, and highlight the benefits of partnering with a trusted authority for enhanced security and customer confidence. 

Sectigo's certificate management solutions will also be introduced as a valuable resource in your cybersecurity journey. 

What is an SSL certificate?

SSL, short for Secure Sockets Layer, is responsible for providing encryption. These small data files associate a cryptographic key with a company's credentials. They bind domain names, server names, and organization information, including the organization's name and location.

Typically, these certificates are installed on web pages that collect sensitive information from users, such as payment details or passwords. It is essential to include them on payment pages, login pages, opt-in forms, and similar sections.

When these encryptions are in place, they activate a secure "lock" that ensures others cannot observe online activities. This complete security prevents hackers from accessing and stealing credit card information, login credentials, passwords, data, and more.

Secured browsing with SSL is also increasingly important on social media platforms and intranet platforms.

Identifying websites with SSL is simple while browsing the web. You will often notice a padlock icon next to the site's URL, indicating its security. For instance, popular sites like Google display a padlock icon in the browser's address bar.

Advantages of domain validated SSL certificates

• Enhanced Security - Domain Validated (DV) SSL certificates offer a significant level of security for your website. By encrypting data transmitted between the user's browser and your website, they protect sensitive information from unauthorized access.
• Easy and Quick Validation Process - DV SSL certificates are known for their straightforward and speedy validation process. The certificate authority verifies only the domain ownership, making the issuance process faster compared to other types of SSL certificates.
• Cost-Effective Solution - Domain Validated SSL certificates are generally more affordable compared to other types of SSL certificates, making them an economical choice for many website owners, particularly for small businesses or personal websites.
• Improved User Trust - Displaying a DV SSL certificate on your website instills trust and confidence in your visitors. The presence of a padlock icon and "https" in the URL reassure users that their information is being transmitted securely, leading to increased trust and a positive user experience.
• SEO Benefits - Search engines like Google consider SSL encryption as a ranking factor. Having a DV SSL certificate installed on your website can contribute to improving your search engine rankings, potentially leading to increased visibility and organic traffic.
• Wide Browser Compatibility - DV SSL certificates are widely supported across different browsers and platforms, ensuring compatibility with a broad range of devices. This ensures that visitors using various browsers can access your website without encountering security warnings or errors.
• Quick Issuance and Deployment - Since the validation process for DV SSL certificates is automated and requires minimal verification, they can be issued and deployed rapidly. This allows you to secure your website promptly, especially if you have time-sensitive requirements.
• Versatile Usage - Domain Validated SSL certificates can be used for various types of websites, including blogs, personal websites, small business websites, e-commerce platforms, and more. They provide essential encryption and security features for a wide range of online environments.

Disadvantages of domain validated certificates

• Limited Validation - Unlike other types of SSL certificates, domain validated (DV) certificates provide the lowest level of validation. They only verify domain ownership and do not validate the legitimacy of the organization behind the website. This limited validation may not provide the same level of trust and credibility compared to higher-level certificates.
• Lack of Organization Validation - DV certificates do not authenticate the organization's identity or provide any information about the company or website owner. This can be a disadvantage if you want to establish your organization's legitimacy and build trust with your website visitors.
• Vulnerability to Phishing Attacks - Due to the minimal verification process, DV certificates can be obtained by malicious entities for phishing purposes. Cybercriminals can use DV certificates to create fake websites that imitate legitimate ones, potentially tricking users into providing sensitive information unknowingly.
• Limited Warranty Coverage - DV certificates typically come with lower warranty coverage compared to higher-level certificates. In the event of a security breach or issue caused by the SSL certificate, the warranty may not provide adequate financial protection for your business.
• Perception of Lower Security Level - Some users may perceive websites with DV certificates as having lower security compared to websites with extended validation (EV) or organization validation (OV) certificates. This perception can impact user trust and credibility, particularly for websites handling sensitive information or conducting e-commerce transactions.
• Lack of Green Address Bar - DV certificates do not display the recognizable green address bar in web browsers. The absence of this visual indicator may impact user confidence and may not provide the same level of visual assurance compared to EV certificates, which prominently display the green bar.
• Limited Authentication Assurance - DV certificates do not provide comprehensive authentication assurance for your website. They do not verify additional information such as physical address, phone number, or legal existence of the organization, which may be important for certain industries or user expectations.
• Potential Compatibility Issues - While DV certificates generally have good browser compatibility, some older or less popular browsers may not fully recognize or trust DV certificates. This can result in compatibility issues for a small portion of website visitors using those browsers.

What is the difference between a regular SSL certificate and an SSL EV certificate?

 There are different levels of security options available to ensure the safety of online interactions. 

The SSL EV certificate, also known as the SSL Business certificate, offers the highest level of security as it undergoes a thorough identity verification process. 

The "EV" in "SSL EV certificate" stands for "extended validation," indicating that this type of certificate requires a more rigorous validation procedure, including the verification of the business's existence. 

This stringent process is why the SSL EV certificate is often referred to as the SSL Business certificate.

With the implementation of an SSL EV certificate, a company can provide visitors to its website with a reliable representation of its identity. 

When this type of certificate is present, many web browsers display additional visual cues to assure users of a secure connection, particularly for safe online purchases. 

Various indicators indicate the presence of an SSL EV Certificate, including:

• A green inset in the URL bar, displayed as green text or a completely green bar (depending on the browser).
• The appearance of "https://" alongside a padlock icon.
• The name of the company or organization that owns the website.
• The name of the Certificate Authority.

By incorporating these elements, the SSL EV certificate enhances the trust and confidence of users in the authenticity and security of the website they are visiting.

Evaluating PKI Security Practices ​

The first step to evaluating an SSL Certificate Authority is to evaluate its processes. 

A reputable SSL Certificate Authority follows stringent processes to verify the identity and legitimacy of organizations requesting certificates. Evaluating an authority's validation methods and adherence to industry standards ensures that only authorized entities receive SSL certificates, preventing potential security breaches.

Additionally, an SSL Certificate Authority should provide a robust certificate management system, offering features such as centralized control, automated certificate lifecycle management, and real-time monitoring. 

Assessing the authority's certificate manager platform ensures the efficient administration and reduces the risk of human error.

Finally, look at their certificate revocation ability. In the event of compromised certificates or security incidents, the ability to revoke certificates promptly is crucial. 

A trusted SSL Certificate Authority should have effective revocation mechanisms in place, enabling swift action to protect sensitive data and prevent unauthorized access. 

Partnering with a Trusted Authority​

​By partnering with a trusted SSL Certificate Authority, businesses benefit from advanced security measures that safeguard against threats, including encryption, vulnerability scanning, and malware detection. 

This helps maintain the integrity and confidentiality of customer data, enhancing the overall cybersecurity posture.

Customer Confidence​

Collaborating with a reputable authority instills trust in customers, as they recognize and rely on well-known SSL certificate providers. 

Displaying SSL trust indicators, such as the padlock symbol and 'https' in the browser's address bar, enhances customer confidence in online transactions and protects sensitive information. 

Regulatory Compliance​

Trusted SSL Certificate Authorities comply with industry regulations and standards, ensuring businesses meet legal requirements and avoid potential penalties. 

This partnership streamlines maintaining compliance, relieving organizations of the burden of navigating complex regulatory landscapes. 

The Importance of PKI Manager in IT Security​

Implementing an automated certificate management system, like Sectigo's PKI management tools, is crucial for businesses looking to enhance their IT security and maintain their reputation as trustworthy with data. 

A PKI manager simplifies certificate issuance, renewal, and revocation processes, minimizing the risk of errors and vulnerabilities. 

It provides centralized control, real-time visibility, and comprehensive reporting, empowering IT professionals to manage their certificate infrastructure effectively. 

The Most Critical Step​ 

Choosing the proper SSL Certificate Authority is critical in prioritizing security and establishing trust in online transactions. By evaluating an authority's PKI security practices, including certificate issuance, management, and revocation, businesses can ensure robust protection for sensitive data.

Make the right choice, protect your business, and inspire customer trust. 

Partnering with a trusted authority offers enhanced security measures, instills customer confidence, and facilitates regulatory compliance. 

Sectigo's certificate management solutions, including their comprehensive PKI management tools, provide the necessary resources for businesses to bolster their cybersecurity efforts.