When to use an SSL Certificate
SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) is the name of the protocol used to establish secure communication between a server and a client. It prevents the interception, tampering and falsification of data such as password, personal details and credit card numbers.
Even though the protocol currently used is called TLS (Transport Layer Security), the term “SSL” continues to be used for Internet security technology, of which TLS represents the evolution.
To ensure a safe browsing experience in which data is protected, the appropriate SSL Certificate issued by a trusted third party, namely a CA (Certification Authority), needs to be installed on a website.
All DV, OV and EV SSL Certificates issued by Actalis are covered by Warranty.
Types of SSL Certificate
There are 4 types of SSL Certificate:
- DV (Domain Validation)
- OV (Organization Validation)
- EV (Extended Validation)
- QWAC (Qualified Website Authentication Certificate)
The types of SSL Certificate differ according to the type of validation, each with their own verification level.
DV SSL Certificate
Confirms ownership or control of the domain by the applicant. A DV SSL Certificate contains the common name of the domain.
Can be issued for:
- Single domain (Single Host): valid for a single domain name such as domainname.extension;
- 1 website and all subdomains (Wildcard): valid for a domain name such as domainname.extension and for all subdomains, normally displayed as *.domainname.extension. For example, shop.companyname.com or area.companyname.com.
- Up to 5 domains (SAN): valid for up to 5 different domain names, such as domainname.extension. For example, companyname.com or companyname.it.
OV SSL Certificate
Involves the same checks as for a DV Certificate, as well as performing checks on the company that owns the domain. An OV SSL Certificate also contains information on the applicant’s organization.
It can be issued for:
- Single domain (Single Host): valid for a single domain name such as domainname.extension;
- 1 website and all subdomains (Wildcard): valid for a domain name such as domainname.extension and for all subdomains, normally displayed as *.domainname.extension. For example, shop.companyname.com or area.companyname.com.
- Up to 5 domains (SAN): valid for up to 5 different domain names, such as domainname.extension. For example, companyname.com or companyname.it.
EV SSL Certificate
This certificate offers the highest level of assurance. In addition to the checks performed for an OV Certificate, the CA carries out more detailed checks, for example, to confirm that the applicant is authorized and represents the organization.
It can be issued for:
- Single domain (Single Host): valid for a single domain name such as domainname.extension;
- Up to 5 domains (SAN): valid for up to 5 different domain names, such as domainname.extension. For example, companyname.com or companyname.it.
QWAC SSL Certificate
This is a qualified digital SSL certificate, issued in accordance with the trust services standards established by EU eIDAS Regulations. Like an EV SSL Certificate, it cannot be issued for individuals.
It can be issued for:
- Single domain (Single Host): valid for a single domain name such as domainname.extension;
- Up to 5 domains (SAN): valid for up to 5 different domain names, such as domainname.extension. For example, companyname.com or companyname.it.