6 Types of SSL Certificates: Which SSL Does Your Website Need?

Installing an SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) certificate on your website is no longer optional. It encrypts communication between the visitor’s browser and your web server, protecting credit card details, login credentials, and personal information.

Furthermore, Google Chrome marks any website lacking an active SSL certificate as “Not Secure”, immediately driving visitors away.

Here are the 6 primary types of SSL certificates and how to choose the right one.

1. Domain Validated (DV) SSL Certificates

• Validation Level: Minimal (verifies domain control via email or DNS record).
• Issuance Speed: 1 to 5 minutes.
• Best For: Small business websites, blogs, and marketing landing pages.
• Note: Ovation Hall provides free automated DV SSL certificates on all hosting packages.

2. Organization Validated (OV) SSL Certificates

• Validation Level: Medium (the Certificate Authority verifies that your business is legally registered).
• Best For: Commercial companies and corporate service providers handling customer inquiries.

3. Extended Validation (EV) SSL Certificates

• Validation Level: Highest (requires rigorous identity and legal vetting).
• Best For: Financial institutions, banks, government portals, and large enterprise brands.

4. Wildcard SSL Certificates

• Scope: Secures your root domain and unlimited first-level subdomains (e.g., yourdomain.com, app.yourdomain.com, portal.yourdomain.com, shop.yourdomain.com).
• Best For: SaaS applications and platforms running multiple sub-platforms.

5. Multi-Domain SSL (SAN / UCC)

• Scope: Secures multiple completely distinct domain names on a single certificate (e.g., domain.com, domain.com.gh, anotherbrand.org).

6. Unified Communications Certificates (UCC)

• Specifically engineered for Microsoft Exchange and live communication servers.