Securing Your eCommerce Site: SSL Explained

What is the best SSL option to use with your eCommerce Web hosting package?

SSL, or Secure Sockets Layer, are protocols that allow for secure communications over the Internet. This allows your web browser to communicate with websites and servers in an encrypted manor, making it practically impossible for hackers to obtain any private information. All reputable eCommerce hosting sites will make use of SSL technology to protect their customers. If you are going to establish a business on the Internet, it is advantageous for you to learn what kinds of SSL your web hosting company offers and learn everything you can about the different options available, so you can choose the best option for securing your hosted shopping cart and your company website.

Different Types of SSL Offered

There are a wide variety of SSL options that are available on the market that can be purchased along with your ecommerce hosting packages. The type of SSL that you will use will depend on the type of business that you will be running. Before you choose what kind of SSL you will purchase along with your ecommerce hosting package, it is important for you to become informed about all of your options.

Domain Validation

This type of SSL certificate is the most inexpensive option, and you can often purchase it along with your website hosting package for a small additional charge. While it shares the same exact browser recognition with some other types of certificates, it does not require you to submit any validation other than domain ownership. You can acquire the Domain Validation cert with very little effort, and is often issued mere minutes after your order is place. Domain Validation certs offer between 128 to 256 bit encryption. However, this type of SSL certificate may not completely persuade your customer that your site is one hundred percent safe and reliable, since the identity check of you and your business is minimal. If you are only trying to ensure a minimum amount of security and encryption between visitors and your site, then this may be the most cost-effective solution for you. However Domain Validation SSL Certificates are not recommended for sites that will have a hosted shopping cart.

Organization Validation

This type of SSL is one of the most secure on the market, as this SSL offers 256 bit encryption. The Organization Validation SSL is normally purchased by large organizations or companies that are really concerned about building strong and trusting relationships with their customers. Before you can purchase this type of certificate along with your website hosting package, company documents must be submitted before the SSL is issued. This certificate is more expensive, costing hundreds of dollars per year. However you can guarantee that your website, especially your hosted shopping cart, will be secure. Not to mention, your company details will be vetted on your website for all of your customers to see, enabling them to establish trust in you and your business. Your customers will feel confident enough to do business with you, since they can see who is behind the website.

Extended Validation