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Shared and dedicated SSL certificates provide security for a Ecommerce web site. Which one you need a shared or a dedicated SSL certificate?

When you are protected by SSL, it means that all information moving between your web site and another site is encrypted. This makes it difficult for someone to intercept the information and make use of it. The SSL certificate checks your identity as well.
SSL is very important because it shows your customers that you are serious about keeping their information safe from others. If you do not have an SSL, most new browsers will issue a warning. This means that your customers will be warned that you do not have a SSL certificate. This is understandable, since identity theft is the fastest growing crime, and doing business on an unprotected web site can increase the chances of identity fraud.

Getting an SSL certificate

You will have to buy the certificate initially, and then you will have to pay for ongoing service, usually on an annual basis. How much you pay depends on the security level you choose, and the kind of SSL certificate that you get.

There are free SSL certificates, but they can be questionable in terms of security and service. Additionally, it is possible to reduce your costs by getting a shared SSL certificate rather than paying a great deal more for a dedicated certificate.

Shared SSL certificate

You share the certificate with someone else. Usually, someone else has the certificate and will agree to add you, or let you use the certificate, for a smaller fee. Often, the shared SSL certificate can provide your business web site with the protection of SSL, but without the higher cost.

The main downside to the shared SSL certificate is that your business name is not usually on the certificate. The person who bought the certificate (and you are sharing it with) usually appears. For some online shoppers, this might raise red flags. Another problem is that if the person who bought the SSL certificate lapses, you lapse as well, leaving your web site vulnerable. Many ecommerce web hosts provide shared SSL certificates for their clients. This is an easy way to get SSL protection initially. You pay a regular (usually small) fee, and you can make use of your web host’s SSL certificate.

Dedicated SSL certificate

Dedicated SSL certificate is your own. Your identity is independently verified, and your domain name is what appears on the certificate. A dedicated SSL certificate is much more expensive than a shared certificate. However, you are in charge of your protection, and your SSL certificate can come with you if you change the hosting provider. Customers see your company’s name when the check the SSL certificate, and that bolsters your credibility. Another advantage is that you are able choose the level of security you receive, rather than simply taking whatever the SSL owner of a shared certificate offers.

For small business, and if you are comfortable with your ecommerce web host, it might be fine to simply get a shared SSL certificate. This is also true if you are concerned with spending time getting the SSL certificate or if you want everything taken care of for you. Many people go with the shared SSL certificate because of immediate convenience. The less costly shared certificate could leave money free to use for other things.

On the other hand, if you want to build your company to something that is high profile and does a lot sales, it might be worth it to spend the extra and get the SSL certificate. It all depends on your specific needs, as well as how much money you have to spend.