Why and How to Get Website Security Certification

The security of websites has become a top priority in today’s digital environment when having an online presence is essential for both individuals and organizations. As a result of the sharp rise in cyber threats and data breaches, safeguarding sensitive data is more critical than ever. A key factor in this is website security certification.

Website security certification assures website owners and visitors that the necessary safeguards are in place to protect their data and guarantee a secure browsing experience. Businesses can increase their credibility, foster customer trust, and reduce the risks related to potential cyberattacks by obtaining a website security certification.

This article examines the importance of website security certification and the steps required to achieve it. We’ll go over the advantages of having a safe website that has been certified, as well as the several certification choices that are out there.

Additionally, we will offer insightful information on the procedures necessary to obtain website security certification, equipping website owners with the required knowledge to defend their digital assets properly.

What is a Website Security Certificate?

A website security certificate, also known as an SSL/TLS certificate, is a digital record that verifies the authenticity and security of a website. It acts as an electronic “passport” that establishes an encrypted link between a user’s browser and a web server, ensuring the confidentiality and integrity of data transmitted between them.

A website security certificate’s primary function is to facilitate safe communication by encrypting sensitive data, including login credentials, credit cards, and personal information. This encryption guards against unwanted access and eavesdropping and tampering while in transit.

The Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) or Transport Layer Security (TLS) protocols are used by website security certificates to create a secure connection. When an SSL/TLS certificate is installed on a website, the conventional “http://” prefix in the URL is substituted with “https://”. The “s” stands for secure, indicating that the connection is encrypted and that the website has a valid certificate.

In short, a website security certificate is an essential part of a safe online space. By confirming the website’s legitimacy, not only secures data transmission but also builds confidence between the website and its visitors. A crucial first step in protecting confidential data and ensuring consumers have a secure surfing experience is to have a website security certificate.

Why Website Security Certification is Important?

Increased trust, a more secure website, better search engine results, safety for subdomains, and the ability for companies to capitalize on their reputation are all benefits of website security certification.

In today’s digital environment, when cybersecurity threats are pervasive, and user trust is crucial, the following arguments will illustrate the need to obtain a website security certificate:

• Increased Trust: A website security certificate signals to visitors that your site is legitimate and trustworthy. It assures them that their data is safe, encouraging them to share personal information and engage with your business.

• Enhanced Website Security: By encrypting data transmitted between your website and users, security certificates protect sensitive information from interception or tampering. This safeguards user privacy and reduces the risk of data breaches.

• Improved Search Engine Visibility: Search engines like Google prioritize websites with security certificates in their results. This means better SEO rankings, more organic traffic, and increased visibility for your brand.

• Subdomain Protection: A website security certificate covers not only your main domain but also any associated subdomains, ensuring consistent security across your entire web presence.

• Stronger Business Reputation: Displaying a security certificate seal on your website demonstrates your commitment to professionalism and security. This builds customer confidence and sets you apart from competitors who lack this essential protection.

By investing in website security certification, you’re not just safeguarding your website—you’re also fostering trust, boosting your online presence, and strengthening your brand’s reputation.

Main types of website security certification

Domain Validated (DV) certificates

Domain Validated certificates are the most basic type of website security certificate. They validate the ownership of the domain, confirming that the certificate applicant has control over the domain they wish to secure. DV certificates are typically issued quickly and at a lower cost than other certificates.

However, they provide minimal information about the website owner and do not provide extensive validation of the organization behind the website. DV certificates are suitable for personal websites, blogs, or small-scale e-commerce sites where encryption is the primary requirement.

Organization Validated (OV) certificates

Organization Validated certificates provide a higher level of validation compared to DV certificates. In addition to verifying domain ownership, OV certificates also validate the organization’s legal existence and physical location behind the website.

This involves a more rigorous vetting process, including verifying organization documents and conducting checks to ensure the applicant’s legitimacy. OV certificates provide more trust and credibility to website visitors, as they display the organization’s name in the certificate details.

They are suitable for businesses, government organizations, and other entities prioritizing a higher assurance level for their website visitors.

Extended Validation (EV) certificates

EV certificates offer the highest level of validation and assurance for website security. They offer the most apparent trust signals, including a green address bar in web browsers that prominently displays the company’s name.

EV certificates undergo a rigorous verification process that includes intensive scrutiny of the company’s legal and physical existence, domain ownership, and organization validation.

EV certificates are perfect for e-commerce websites, financial institutions, or any company that manages sensitive user data because they are made to inspire the highest level of confidence and trust in website visitors.

Wildcard certificate

With a single certificate, wildcard certificates can safeguard a domain and all of its subdomains. They enable the certificate to be valid for numerous subdomains by using the wildcard character () in the domain name.

For instance, a “.example.com” wildcard certificate would protect “www.example.com,” “mail.example.com,” and any other subdomains under “example.com.”

Wildcard certificates are practical and economical for websites with several subdomains or when new subdomains are often added. They offer protection and encryption for the whole domain and its subdomains.

Multidomain (MD) or Subject Alternative Names (SAN) certificate

Multidomain or Subject Alternative Names (SAN) certificates allow multiple domain names to be secured with a single certificate. They offer flexibility for websites that have multiple domains or subdomains to secure. SAN certificates can cover different domain names, allowing organizations to secure their main webpage, additional domains, and subdomains with a single certificate.

This simplifies certificate management and reduces costs compared to obtaining individual certificates for each domain. SAN certificates suit businesses with multiple online properties, such as e-commerce platforms or organizations with regional or country-specific websites.

What You Need Before Getting a Website Security Certificate

Before you can obtain a website security certificate, there are a few essential prerequisites to ensure a smooth process:

• A Registered Domain Name: You must own the domain name for which you want the certificate. This ensures that you have the authority to secure the website associated with that domain.

• A Web Hosting Account: Your website needs to be hosted on a web server. This is where the certificate will be installed to enable secure connections.

• Updated WHOIS Information: The WHOIS record associated with your domain should be accurate and up-to-date. This includes contact information, as the Certificate Authority (CA) may need to verify your identity.

• Dedicated IP Address (Optional): While not always mandatory, some CAs and certain types of certificates (like EV certificates) may require a dedicated IP address for your website.

• CSR Generation: You’ll need to generate a Certificate Signing Request (CSR) on your web server. The CSR contains information about your website and your organization (if applicable) and is used by the CA to issue the certificate.

• Choose a Certificate Type: Decide whether you need a Domain Validated (DV), Organization Validated (OV), or Extended Validation (EV) certificate based on the level of trust and validation you require.

By ensuring these prerequisites are in place, you’ll be well-prepared to start the process of obtaining a website security certificate, making your website more secure and trustworthy for your visitors.

Read more: How to Perform an Efficient Website Security Audit

4 Key Steps to Get a Website Security Certificate

Here are four critical stages of getting a website security certificate, which is necessary to ensure a successful implementation:

Step 1. Find a reliable CA

The first step is to choose a trustworthy Certificate Authority (CA) to issue your website security certificate. Trusted organizations called CAs verify and distribute certificates.

Find reputable CAs that provide various certificate options and have a good standing in the sector. There are some well-known CAs such as:

• Let’s Encrypt: A non-profit CA that offers free DV certificates with automated issuance and renewal. A popular choice for smaller websites and personal projects.

• DigiCert: A leading CA known for its high-assurance certificates, particularly suited for large enterprises and organizations with stringent security requirements.

• Sectigo (formerly Comodo CA): Offers a wide range of SSL/TLS certificates for various needs, including DV, OV, and EV certificates. Known for its affordability and comprehensive security solutions.

• GlobalSign: Provides a variety of certificates, including EV certificates with strong identity verification. Popular among businesses seeking to establish high trust levels.

• Entrust: Specializes in high-assurance digital certificates and PKI solutions. Offers OV and EV certificates suitable for organizations with sensitive data.

Step 2. Establish a certificate signing demand

It’s necessary to create a Certificate Signing Request (CSR) in order to receive a website security certificate. A CSR serves as a request for a certificate from the CA and includes details about your website.

Usually, you generate the CSR in your web server software or hosting control panel. It contains the domain name, public key, and organization information (for OV and EV certificates).

Step 3. Await confirmation

You have to wait for the CA to confirm and issue the certificate after you have submitted the CSR to them. Depending on the type of certificate you have requested, the CA will run verification tests.

The verification procedure for DV certificates often entails validating domain ownership via email or DNS records. Additional validation procedures, such as checking the legitimacy of the company and its legal existence, will be carried out for OV and EV certificates.

Step 4. Install the certification on the server for your website

After the CA has issued the certificate, you will receive the certificate files, typically in a format like PEM or PFX. These files include the public key, certificate information, and digital signature of the CA.

You must install the certificate on your web server to allow secure connections. The precise installation procedures vary depending on the server software or hosting environment. In most cases, it entails setting up the server to use the certificate for secure connection and uploading the certificate files to the server.

It’s crucial to remember that the procedure could change slightly based on the CA and your particular needs. To help with the certificate issue and installation procedure, several CAs offer comprehensive instructions or tools. By taking the necessary action, you may improve the security and credibility of your website by ensuring a seamless process for obtaining and implementing your website security certificate.

Read more: How to do a Magento Security Audit on your website?

Wrap Up

In conclusion, website security certification is crucial in the current digital environment. Owners of websites can increase levels of trust with their customers and visitors, improve the security of online spaces, and improve their exposure in search engine results by acquiring a website security certificate. Furthermore, website security accreditation guarantees the protection of subdomains and enables companies to capitalize on their reputation as security-conscious organizations.

Finding a trustworthy Certificate Authority (CA), creating a certificate signing request, waiting for confirmation, and eventually installing the certificate on the server are essential actions website owners must take in order to obtain a website security certification. These procedures guarantee a smooth and effective certificate deployment, enhancing the website’s security and legitimacy.

Businesses and individuals can show dedication to securing user data, fostering trust, and fending off online threats by prioritizing website security certification. Investing in website security certification is a crucial step toward keeping a secure online presence and generating great user experiences at a time when online security breaches and data security concerns are on the rise.