How to know when it’s time to upgrade your SSL certificate

SSL certificates are important tools for inspiring user trust on your website and keeping details like login information, account numbers, and credit cards secure. But SSL certificates offer varying levels of security, and as your website evolves, your certificate needs may change. If you’re not sure if it is time to upgrade your SSL certificate, these are some good signs to look for.

Your users enter usernames and passwords

If your website is thriving and you want to start offering accounts and sign in options for your loyal audience, hit the pause button before you jump straight in. If your website has not been secured by an SSL certificate up until this point, now is the right time to start.

A basic SSL certificate works great for this type of website as long as you’re not collecting extensive personal or financial information from your account holders.

Recommended certificates: RapidSSL, Comodo Essential SSL

You’re introducing transactions on your website

If you have a personal blog, online gallery, or any other type of site and decide to start selling your own line of products or services, you’re going to want to integrate a payment system with your website. Any time you’re dealing with an exchange of money, you want to be able to provide customers with the protections they deserve and offer peace of mind that their information will be secure on your website.

An SSL certificate that offers Organizational Validation is your best bet, as it is still fairly quick and convenient to set up, but is more trustworthy than basic certificates.

Recommended certificates: Comodo Instant SSL, SecureSite (OV), TrueBusiness ID (OV)

You want to establish more visual legitimacy

If you sell luxury products on your website or deal with confidential user information (like a bank account or social security number) users will be more aware of the potential risk of sharing their information on your website. At this point, users are more likely to look for the symbols of security that they know and recognize—specifically a green bar or padlock in the navigation bar that demonstrates that your site is secure and legitimate.

The only SSL certificate that offers a lock sign or green navigation bar is Extended Validation, which requires a more involved process to set up. However, it proves to visitors that your site is truly secure and trustworthy.

Recommended certificates: Comodo Extended Validation, SecureSite w/EV, True Business ID w/EV

As your website continues to grow and change, be mindful of the well-being of your users and the information that they choose to share with you. Continually upgrading your SSL certificate to suit your website needs is one of the best ways to prove to users that you care and want to keep their details confidential.

Learn more about the different types of SSL certificates available, and which might be best for your site, in this post.