Glossary
This glossary provides an overview of the basic terms relating to SSL certificates and is intended to serve as a starting point for a deeper understanding of this topic.
SSL (Secure Sockets Layer)
A security protocol used to establish an encrypted connection between a web server and a browser. It helps to ensure that data is transmitted securely.
TLS (Transport Layer Security)
The successor to SSL, it offers enhanced security features. TLS and SSL are often used interchangeably, although TLS is the more modern version.
Certificate Authority (CA)
A trusted organisation that issues SSL/TLS certificates and verifies the identity of certificate applicants.
Domain Validation (DV)
A verification level for SSL certificates whereby the CA merely confirms that the applicant has control over the domain. DV certificates are quick and easy to obtain.
Organisational Validation (OV)
A verification process in which, in addition to domain verification, the existence and identity of the applicant organisation are also checked. OV certificates offer a higher level of security.
Extended Validation (EV)
The highest level of security for SSL certificates. This involves a comprehensive verification of the applicant organisation’s identity. EV certificates enable the green address bar in most modern browsers.
Wildcard certificate
An SSL certificate that is valid for a domain and all its subdomains. It is indicated by an asterisk (*) before the domain name.
SAN (Subject Alternative Name)
Enables a single SSL certificate to cover multiple names (such as multiple domains or subdomains).
Private Key
A secret key stored on the certificate holder’s server, which is used to decrypt information sent via an SSL/TLS-secured session.
Public Key
A public key contained in the SSL certificate and used to encrypt information sent to the server.
Certificate Chain
A series of certificates that link a server’s SSL certificate to a trusted root CA.
HTTPS (Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure)
The protocol for secure communication over a computer network, secured through the use of SSL/TLS encryption.
Encryption
The process of converting information or data into a code in order to maintain confidentiality. SSL/TLS uses encryption to ensure the security of data transmission.