Types of Certificates

Updated on October 20, 2022, by Xcitium

What Are the Different Types of SSL Certificates?

Types of SSL Certificates at a Glance

Extended Validation (EV) SSL Certificates

For e-commerce applications and sites where sensitive information is exchanged, EV SSL certificates deliver the highest level of trust to website visitors. With EV SSL certificates, a visitor’s address bar will turn green and display the organization’s name and location confirming the site’s identity along with the Certificate Authority (CA) doing the verification according to standardized industry guidelines established by the CA/Browser Forum.

Multi-Domain EV SSL Certificates

For enterprises and organizations looking to cost-effectively secure multiple websites with EV SSL, the highest levels of security. Multi-domain certificates expand the value of EV by allowing businesses to secure up to 100 distinct domains on a single certificate – greatly simplifying SSL management processes and delivering substantial cost savings versus individual EV certificate purchases.

Wildcard SSL Certificates

For organizations hosting a single domain name but with different subdomains (e.g., secure Xcitium.com, www.Xcitium.com, accounts.comodo.com), the Wildcard Certificate is cost effective and efficient means of securing all subdomains without the need to manage multiple certificates.

Unified Communication Certificates (UCC)

For Microsoft Exchange 2010 and Office Communications Server 2007, a single UCC/SAN Certificate can cover many different domains. Built for these Microsoft environments, UCC simplifies the process of configuring SSL security and provide SSL support which traditional or Wildcard SSL certificates cannot do.

AMT SSL Certificates

For use with PCs based on Intel^® vPro™ technology based computers to provide secure, remote system management. Intel^® has embedded Xcitium’s public root certificate into the firmware of the Intel^® vPro™ platform. With an AMT certificate on their setup and configuration server, IT departments can now create a trusted and secure connection to their user’s machines.

General Purpose SSL Certificates

For securing web sites, these standard SSL certificates provide SSL encryption plus traditional validation/vetting. These organizationally validated (OV) certificates include an organization’s name and location on the certificate.

Personal Authentification/Email Certificates

Xcitium Personal Authentication Certificates (CPACs) allow you to add security to your emails and documents and help you authenticate yourself to online services. For businesses and organizations requiring assurance that email cannot be stolen or modified in transit, Xcitium E-mail Certificates secure email by digitally signing and/or encrypting it. It allows users to use the digitally sign and encrypt features built into their personal email client such as Microsoft Outlook or other S/MIME compliant software.

Xcitium Secure E-Mail software works with your email client to automatically sign and encrypt outgoing email, as well as eliminate the complexity of the certificate exchange procedure among users.

Mobile Certificates

Xcitium Mobile Certificates are the fastest, most secure method for securing bring your own device (BYOD) connectivity without the cost and complexity of installing agent software on employee mobile devices. Deploy and manage mobile certificates with CCM. CCM provides for the rapid deployment of BYOD security, trust and regulatory compliance. By taking a holistic approach to mobile certificate management, the Xcitium system is able to easily audit provision, track, purchase, and deploy mobile certificates – all from this single, easy-to-use console.

Next Steps

For enterprise pricing on our certificates or a live demonstration of CCM please contact us.

Download our white paper on CCM.

If you are interested in purchasing our certificates at retail pricing, please visit EnterpriseSSL.com.

Types of SSL Certificates by Validation Level

1. Domain Validation (DV) SSL Certificates

Domain Validation certificates verify that the applicant owns the domain. They are the fastest and most affordable SSL certificates and are commonly used for blogs, personal websites, and small business sites.

Best For

• Blogs
• Informational websites
• Small business websites
• Startups

2. Organization Validation (OV) SSL Certificates

Organization Validation certificates verify both domain ownership and the legitimacy of the organization requesting the certificate. They provide a higher level of trust than DV certificates.

Best For

• Corporate websites
• Business portals
• Customer-facing applications
• Professional services firms

3. Extended Validation (EV) SSL Certificates

Extended Validation certificates require the most rigorous verification process. They provide the highest level of trust and are commonly used by organizations handling sensitive transactions.

Best For

• Financial institutions
• E-commerce websites
• Healthcare organizations
• Government agencies

Types of SSL Certificates by Domain Coverage

Single Domain SSL Certificates

A Single Domain SSL certificate secures one fully qualified domain name, such as example.com.

Example

• example.com

Wildcard SSL Certificates

Wildcard SSL certificates secure a primary domain and all first-level subdomains under that domain.

Example

• example.com
• mail.example.com
• support.example.com

Multi-Domain SSL Certificates (SAN Certificates)

Multi-Domain SSL certificates secure multiple domains using a single certificate.

Example

• example.com
• example.net
• example.org

DV vs OV vs EV SSL Certificates

How to Choose the Right SSL Certificate

When selecting an SSL certificate, consider:

1. Website purpose
2. Business verification requirements
3. Number of domains to secure
4. Compliance obligations
5. Customer trust expectations

Recommended Certificate Types

Benefits of SSL Certificates

SSL certificates provide several important benefits:

• Encrypt sensitive data
• Protect login credentials
• Improve website trust
• Enhance customer confidence
• Support compliance requirements
• Improve SEO rankings
• Prevent data interception attacks

FAQ

What are the main types of SSL certificates?

The primary SSL certificate types are Domain Validation (DV), Organization Validation (OV), and Extended Validation (EV). Certificates can also be categorized as Single Domain, Wildcard, and Multi-Domain SSL certificates.

Which SSL certificate is best?

The best SSL certificate depends on your needs. DV certificates are suitable for basic websites, OV certificates are ideal for businesses, and EV certificates provide the highest level of trust for organizations handling sensitive transactions.

What is the difference between DV, OV, and EV certificates?

DV certificates verify domain ownership, OV certificates verify both domain ownership and business legitimacy, and EV certificates require extensive organizational validation and provide the highest trust level.

What is a Wildcard SSL certificate?

A Wildcard SSL certificate secures a primary domain and all first-level subdomains using a single certificate.

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