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SSL Certificates play an essential role in a digitally connected world. They provide security, validation, and peace of mind to users and businesses alike. There is, however, a lot of confusion concerning them as well that we hope to clear up in this article, starting with the name that, believe it or not, is incorrectly used when referring to them.
SSL vs. TLS: What’s the Difference?
If you thought you purchased an SSL certificate in the past year, guess what? You didn’t, and that’s a good thing. SSL stands for Secure Socket Layer. It is a cryptographic protocol introduced by Netscape way back in 1995 to secure the connection between a client device and a web server. We have gone through two iterations of SSL- SSL v2 and SSL v3, as SSLv1 was never released into production due to security concerns. In fact, security is why SSL has been deprecated due to its inherent vulnerabilities that are easily exploited today. SSLv3 was deprecated back in 2015.
SSL was replaced by TLS (Transit Layer Security), released in 1999 by the Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF). It utilizes a more secure security hashing process. Versions 1.0 and 1.1 have been deprecated due to vulnerabilities. The latest version, 1.3, was released back in 2018.
So why do we refer to these digital certificates as SSL certificates? It is more out of habit than anything else. There’s also the fact that SSL has permeated into the common language, so people know what you are talking about when you reference SSL certificates.
See More: Top 10 Open Source Cybersecurity Tools for Businesses in 2022
Common use cases of digital certificates
SSL certificates are commonly purchased for an online server that hosts some digital resources that users access over the Internet. There are three primary benefits of using a certificate:
- It encrypts the traffic between the server and the user’s device. This prevents an outside attacker from accessing data that traverses the encrypted connection. Certificates are essential for ecommerce sites or secure FTP sites.
- It validates the domain as well as the organization. Users need a way to verify that the site they are attempting to do business with is genuine.Â
- A more recent benefit is improved web search ranking as Google prioritizes websites with SSL certificates.
Today, most users are informed about the use of SSL certificates when they surf the Internet and won’t do business with an online store that isn’t secured by a digital certificate. The lack of a certificate in the form of a “Not secure†warning is one of the primary indicators of a simulated landing page that can appear when an unsuspecting user clicks on a link in a phishing mail.Â
Why organizations need certificates for internal sites
Digital certificates aren’t just for public websites and online applications that users access over the Internet. In a zero-trust approach to cybersecurity, you should assume that attackers are working from within your network. Therefore, a certificate should protect any internal application or site that hosts sensitive information to encrypt traffic. It is also a misconception that you don’t need certificates to protect critical network infrastructure. For instance, you may have a firewall or network appliance that internal IT staff connects to internally using a private IP address, such as the example in the screenshot below. In this case, there is no certificate.
Because admin personnel may connect to these unsecured internal resources every day, the warning doesn’t phase them and is regularly ignored. While the connection shown above is made using an IP address, some enterprises may use a URL, in which case, an attacker could modify the internal DNS records and redirect these types of connections to a rogue device for a malicious purpose. However, IT personnel can connect to these resources with total confidence using a recognized digital certificate.Â
See More: Will Symmetric and Asymmetric Encryption Withstand the Might of Quantum Computing?
Where to Obtain an SSL Certificate
To attain a certificate that is recognized across all platforms, you need to purchase it from a recognized Certificate Authority (CA). These brokers govern the process of issuing certificates. Organizations that send a Certificate Signing Request must first validate their identity before the certificate is issued. Prices vary on the type of certificate purchased, and what CA you are working with. The top five certificate providers are as follows.
1. GoDaddy
GoDaddyOpens a new window serves as a one-stop shop for anyone who wants a presence on the world wide web. You can choose a domain name, create DNS records for it and decide upon a web hosting package, all within the GoDaddy portal. While SSL/TLS certificates aren’t their primary business, they offer them as part of their vast product suite. If you are looking for a single provider for all your web needs, then GoDaddy is a convenient choice.
2. Comodo
ComodoOpens a new window has issued more than 100 million certificates, making them the largest certificate authority in the world. With their vast experience in SSL certificates, their technical support is highly trained and experienced in providing support for their products. Comodo is known for its vast array of product certificate offerings that cater to any need or price point. Comodo is an ideal choice for those organizations that like to go with an industry leader.
For the complete list of certificates and their pricing offered by Comodo, click hereOpens a new window .
3. The SSL Store
The SSL StoreOpens a new window is more like a travel search engine site like Kayak. The SSL Store is a broker that partners with a host of leading certificate authorities, including Comodo and DigiCert. Customers can shop for the best packages and prices to fit their needs and budget. Their significant global presence makes them an excellent choice for organizations that serve users across many geographical regions. They are known for their price guarantee and a 30-day money-back guarantee if you’re not satisfied.
For the complete list of SSL brands and products hosted by The SSL Store, click hereOpens a new window .
4. DigiCert
DigiCertOpens a new window is a premier certificate provider with a global presence, issuing certificates for more than ten years. Digital certificates are their sole business, and their staff is composed of industry experts. While all certificate providers provide a security seal, DigiCert is known for their certificates’ Norton Seal security recognition. This trusted seal is especially valued by Fortune 500 companies and promotes peace of mind for those that recognize it.
For the complete list of certificates and their pricing offered by DigiCert, click hereOpens a new window .
5. GeoTrust
GeoTrustOpens a new window has been involved in the SSL/TLS certificate industry since the late 90s, making them one of the oldest veterans in the industry. They are also one of the most prominent certificate authorities serving more than 150 countries. Like other certificate providers, they offer extensive warranties to cover possible damages that might derive from the improper issuance of a certificate to a fraudulent party. They, too, offer excellent customer service.
For more information on GeoTrust QuickSSL Premium, now called GeoTrust Standard DV, click hereOpens a new window .
Conclusion
You may find that choosing between certificate providers is a lot like splitting hairs. The best approach is to educate yourself on the types of certificates they all provide and to make sure you are comparing apples to apples when making your selection. The truth is, any of these five organizations will be a good choice.
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Which SSL certificate provider offers the best pricing and services in 2022? Comment below or let us know on LinkedInOpens a new window , TwitterOpens a new window , or FacebookOpens a new window . We would love to hear from you!