SSL Definition

An SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) certificate—as well as the more recent TLS (Transport Layer Security)—is a standard protocol that protects communications over the Internet. SSL ensures that sensitive information provided by users on the internet (for example, passwords, personal data, and credit card numbers) remains confidential and is not intercepted in any way by third parties. This is possible thanks to encrypted communication between the client-server and the web server.

When the first communication occurs between the client-server and the web server, the latter sends its digital certificate to the browser which checks its validity and if everything is ok, starts a secure connection between the client and the web server.

You know your connection is based on SSL protocols by simply looking at the address on the navigation bar, where we will see a padlock. If, instead of http:// you see https://, that means that you are using a secure connection that uses SSL—or TLS—certificates.

The protection that is provided to users by SSL protocols stems from the ability to verify the domain of the site that is being visited and on the identity of the company connected to that domain. By doing so, it protects the user from fraud and theft, which is very important when dealing with sites that include the exchange of delicate and private information such as e-commerce platforms.

There are 3 main types of SSL certificates: Domain Validated (DV), Organization Validated (OV) and Extended Validated (EV).

1. The Domain Validated (DV) SSL certificate is the cheapest and fastest to obtain because it does not require in-depth verification. With DV, the certifying body will only verify that the applicant is actually the owner of the domain.
2. The Organization Validated (OV) SSL certificate requires a longer waiting period because it is issued after a careful analysis of the requesting company. It is the best certificate for companies and small e-commerce sites to guarantee users secure transactions.
3. The Extended Validated (EV) SSL certificate is able to guarantee maximum security on the identity of the site and the reliability of the company. Those who have choose this type of certificate are easily recognizable by the presence of a green bar containing the name of the requesting company. Due to these characteristics, the EV SSL certificate is the best choice for large e-commerce sites such as Amazon and Apple.