Now that you’ve decided to invest in a paid SSL certificate for your business, it’s essential to understand how SSL certificates enhance your website’s security. SSL serves two core functions: encrypting data communicated between the user and your website and verifying the authenticity of your website.
Although all SSL certificates offer the same level of encryption, the process of obtaining them varies. Those with longer, more in-depth verification processes provide higher trust for your business.
First, determine the validation type that will suit your website security requirements. The three different types of SSL certificates available to you are domain validation, organization validation, and extended validation.
When asking yourself what SSL should I choose, you can then choose the specific package that meets the needs of your domain setup. The variations within the three main types of SSLs are single domain, wildcard, and multi-domain SSL certificates. Let’s find out how to pick an SSL certificate and start protecting your website and customers.
SSL certificate types
Domain validation SSL
The first and most basic SSL certificate is a domain validation (DV) SSL. Because you must only provide proof of domain ownership to obtain, domain validated certificates are the fastest, easiest, and most cost-effective solutions. Within minutes, the DV SSL will be issued and create a secure environment on your website, providing industry-standard end-to-end encryption. If you’re asking yourself what SSL should I choose for a simple website, A DV SSL certificate is idea. This is particularly true for websites that do not conduct business or credit card transactions, such as blogs and personal websites.
There are a few ways to complete domain validation for your website and secure a DV SSL:
- Email-based authentication: The easiest, most preferred method of authentication is email-based. To complete the domain verification, the Certificate Authority will send an email to the WHOIS registrar email address asking the domain owner to verify that they purchased a DV SSL certificate.
As an alternative to the WHOIS registered email, the certification authority can send the authentication email to one of the five pre-approved email addresses associated with the website domain:
- File-based authentication: To complete the domain verification, the Certificate Authority will provide you with a text file to upload to the root directory of your website. Access to your hosting control panel or server is required to make these changes.
- CNAME-based authentication: To complete the domain verification, the Certificate Authority will provide you with two unique hash values to enter in your DNS Manager. This can take up to 24 hours to complete. Access to your hosting control panel or server is required to make these changes.
Once you’ve purchased a DV certificate and your domain ownership has been approved through one of these validation methods, you will receive your certificate to install your SSL on your server.
Organization validation SSL
The next level SSL certificate is an Organization Validation SSL. This type of certificate requires thorough business vetting but offers the added benefit of displaying your business’s registration information when a customer clicks on the padlock icon in the address bar. To obtain an OV SSL, you must provide proof of ownership for your domain and confirm that the business is legally registered by verifying your organization name, phone number, and location.
For businesses considering what SSL should I choose for a more professional appearance, an OV SSL is a solid choice.
Because of the additional verification steps, an OV SSL is typically issued 1-3 days after all required documents are received. OV SSL certificates are most suitable for commercial and public-facing websites and are ideal for websites that collect and store personal sensitive information.
To verify your organization and secure an OV SSL:
- Organization validation: To ensure a smooth process, make sure all registered information is correct and matches the information you provided during checkout. The Certificate Authority you purchased the SSL from will confirm that your organization is registered and active in the specified location.
- Locality validation: The Certificate Authority will verify that your organization is legally registered in the state or country you have provided and that you have a legitimate physical presence in that area. This information can typically be verified through a government database, but you will be notified if additional information is required.
- Telephone validation: You must have a registered active telephone listing that is verifiable by an online phone directory, and it must match the exact business name and physical address that have been provided and verified.
- Domain validation: The Certificate Authority will confirm that the domain you are registering the certificate for is owned by your organization using one of the Domain Validation methods listed previously.
- Final verification: To complete the verification for an OV SSL, the Certificate Authority will call the phone number associated with your organization to verify ownership. This is a short call, but you must ensure you or a designated admin is available to answer the phone.
Extended validation SSL
The highest-level SSL is an Extended Validation certificate that is most trusted by global banks, financial institutions, and Global 2000 companies. Because of the additional information required to obtain an EV SSL, it provides the most security and is the industry standard for business websites, especially those that request sensitive personal or financial information from users.
To obtain an EV SSL, you must provide proof of ownership for your domain and confirm legal company name, location, and phone number. However, the vetting process is stricter and lengthier than that of an OV SSL because it is completed by a human. EV SSL certificates are typically issued 1-5 days after all required documents are received.
To verify your organization and obtain an EV SSL you must submit specific documents for review:
- Legal organization name (must be in good standing)
- Exact organization trade name, if applicable
- Person currently operating the business
- Business address
- Organization telephone number
- Who controls the domain(s) listed on the certificate
- Authenticity of the subscriber agreement
For companies evaluating what SSL should I choose for maximum security, an EV SSL is often the best option.
Bluehost’s SSL certificates
When it comes to securing your website, Bluehost offers various SSL certificates designed to meet the needs of different businesses. Whether you’re running a small personal blog or a large eCommerce site, Bluehost has the right SSL certificate for you. Here’s a detailed look at the SSL certificates available through Bluehost:
Single domain DV SSL
Best for: Small businesses and personal websites.
Features:
- Encryption: Provides industry-standard 256-bit end-to-end encryption. This ensures that data transferred between your website and its visitors is secure.
- Domain validation: The domain validation process is simple and quick. Typically, the certificate can be issued within minutes once domain ownership is verified.
- Visual Security Indicator: A closed padlock icon is displayed in the browser’s address bar. This indicates to visitors that the site is secure.
Benefits:
- Affordability: It is one of the most cost-effective SSL solutions available. This makes it an excellent choice for budget-conscious site owners.
- Quick issuance: Ideal for those who need to secure their site quickly and easily.
- Enhanced trust: The visible security indicator helps build trust with your visitors. This assures them that their data is safe.
Price:
- Introductory: $3.33/month.
- Renewal: $7.49/month.
- Warranty: $50,000.
Wildcard SSL certificates
Best For: Businesses with multiple subdomains.
Features:
- Encryption: Wildcard certificate provides robust 256-bit end-to-end encryption.
- Domain validation: The domain validation process is quick and straightforward. Once the main domain is validated, all subdomains are automatically secured.
- Coverage: Covers an unlimited number of subdomains under a single primary domain. This makes it a comprehensive solution for businesses with a complex site structure.
Benefits:
- Streamlined management: Simplifies the management of multiple subdomains by securing them all with one certificate.
- Cost-effective: A wildcard certificate is an economical solution for businesses needing to secure numerous subdomains without purchasing individual certificates for each.
- Trusted security: A single wildcard SSL certificate enhances the overall security of the main domain and its subdomains. This fosters user trust.
Price:
- Renewal: $19.99/month.
- Warranty: $50,000.
Extended validation SSL certificate
Best For: Large enterprises and eCommerce sites.
Features:
- Highest level of trust: Displays the organization’s name in the browser’s address bar along with a green padlock. This indicates that the site has undergone extensive vetting.
- Extended validation: Involves a thorough validation process that includes verifying the legal, physical, and operational existence of the business.
- Encryption: Offers 256-bit end-to-end encryption. This provides the strongest protection available.
Benefits:
- Maximum assurance: EV certificates are the most trusted SSL, offering the highest level of assurance to your customers.
- Enhanced credibility: The green pad lock and visible company name in the certificate can significantly boost your site’s credibility and trustworthiness.
- Ideal for transactions: The EV certificate is perfect for eCommerce websites and businesses that handle sensitive information. This ensures that customers feel secure when making transactions.
Price:
- Renewal: $19.99/month.
- Warranty: $1,750,000.
Why purchase SSL certificates from Bluehost?
Reliable security
Bluehost SSL certificates provide robust encryption standards. They use industry-standard 256-bit encryption. This ensures that data transmitted between your website and its visitors is secure. This high level of encryption protects sensitive information such as personal details, credit card numbers, and login credentials from potential cyber threats. By securing the data transmission, Bluehost helps prevent data breaches and man-in-the-middle attacks. Both you and your visitors get peace of mind.
Ease of use
The process of obtaining and installing SSL certificates from Bluehost is user-friendly and straightforward. Once you decide on the type of SSL certificate that best fits your needs, the validation process is quick and efficient. For Domain Validated (DV) certificates, the process typically completes within minutes, allowing you to secure your site rapidly.
If you’re wondering what SSL should I choose, Bluehost also provides detailed guides and tutorials to help you through the installation process. Even those with minimal technical expertise can implement SSL security with ease. Additionally, Bluehost’s control panel simplifies certificate management, making renewals and updates hassle-free.
Affordable pricing
If you’re wondering what SSL should I choose based on budget, Bluehost offers SSL certificates at competitive prices. This makes it an affordable option for businesses of all sizes. For small business owners and personal websites, single domain SSL certificates are cost-effective solutions, starting at just $3.33 per month.
For businesses needing to secure multiple subdomains, the wildcard DV SSL offers significant savings by covering all subdomains under a single certificate, costing $19.99 per month for renewal. Extended validation certificates provide the highest level of trust and credibility. They are reasonably priced at $19.99 per month for renewal, considering the advanced security features they offer.
Trust and credibility
SSL certificates from Bluehost enhance the trustworthiness of your website. When visitors see the padlock icon in the browser’s address bar, they know that their connection to your site is secure. For businesses using EV SSL certificates, the organization’s name is displayed when users click on the padlock, further boosting credibility. These visual indicators play a crucial role in building trust with your audience, reassuring them that their data is safe. Increased trust can lead to higher engagement rates, reduced bounce rates, and ultimately, more conversions and sales. This is crucial when deciding what SSL should I choose for maximizing your website’s impact.
Comprehensive coverage
For businesses with complex site structures, Bluehost’s wildcard SSL certificates provide an efficient and economical way to secure multiple domains and subdomains. Instead of purchasing individual certificates for each subdomain, a single wildcard SSL covers all subdomains under a primary domain. This not only simplifies the management of SSL certificates but also significantly reduces the overall cost.
Whether you have multiple product pages, blogs, or regional subdomains, a wildcard SSL certificate ensures that every part of your site is secure, providing comprehensive protection.
Excellent customer support
Bluehost offers dedicated customer support specifically for SSL certificates. Their support team is available 24/7 to assist you with any questions or issues you might encounter during the purchase, installation, or management of your SSL certificates. Whether you need help troubleshooting a technical problem or guidance on selecting the right certificate for your needs, Bluehost’s knowledgeable support staff are ready to provide assistance. This level of support ensures a smooth and stress-free experience, allowing you to focus on running your business.
High warranty protection
All SSL certificates from Bluehost come with substantial warranties. These warranties offer financial protection in the unlikely event of a security breach due to a flaw in the SSL certificate. For example, the single domain DV SSL and wildcard DV SSL certificates both include a $50,000 warranty. The EV SSL certificate includes a $1,750,000 warranty. This high level of warranty coverage provides added peace of mind, knowing that your investment is protected and that you have recourse in the event of a security issue. This is an important consideration when deciding what SSL should I choose for your business.
How to manage or purchase an SSL with Bluehost?
Checking the status of your SSL certificates
- Log into your Bluehost Account Manager.
- Select your website from the list provided and click Settings.
- In the Overview section, you will see the status of your SSL.
Viewing and upgrading your SSL certificate type
- Log into your Bluehost Account Manager.
- Select your website from the list provided and click Settings.
- Click the Security tab.
- In the SSL certificates section, you will see your SSL certificate type with an option to upgrade to a higher level.
Purchasing a new SSL certificate for an existing hosting plan
- Log into your Bluehost Account Manager.
- Select Marketplace from the left navigation.
- Scroll to the Security section.
- Select claim offer on the premium SSL tile.
- Choose an SSL certificate from the options provided.
Note: Bluehost currently only offers single domain SSL, wildcard DV SSL, and extended validation SSL. Multi-domain SSL and other variations are not available at this time.
Final thoughts: What SSL Should I Choose?
Securing your website with the right SSL certificate is essential for protecting your data and building trust with your visitors. Bluehost offers reliable and affordable options, including single domain DV SSL, wildcard DV SSL, and extended validation SSL. Each option enhances your site’s security and credibility.
Start today with Bluehost’s SSL certificates to secure your website and gain the trust of your visitors!
