SSL · Guide
What an SSL certificate is and why you need one
An SSL certificate proves a website is authentic and encrypts the data exchanged between the visitor and the server. Here is how it works, what types of certificates exist and how to choose the right one.
- Data encryption
- Visitor trust
- An SEO boost
Strong encryption
Encrypts the connection and verifies the domain is authentic.
Safe data entry
Logins, passwords and personal data are transmitted in encrypted form.
Trust and rankings
More user trust and higher search rankings.
Basics
What SSL is and how HTTPS works
An SSL certificate is a digital ID that proves a website is authentic and enables a secure connection. It creates an encrypted channel for exchanging data between the user and the server.
Once the certificate is installed, a padlock icon and the HTTPS prefix appear in the address bar. This means any information, such as passwords, logins, payment details and form contents, is transmitted in encrypted form and cannot be read by third parties.
HTTPS not only protects against data interception but also builds visitor loyalty, strengthens your company's reputation and gives you an edge in search engine optimization.
Why
Why your website should run on HTTPS
Moving to HTTPS is not a recommendation but a necessity. Without SSL, browsers warn visitors that the site is not secure.
Certificate types
Types of SSL certificates
Certificates are grouped by validation level, from basic to the strictest. This determines how much trust a site gets from browsers, users and search engines.
| Parameter | DV — Domain Validation | OV — Organization Validation | EV — Extended Validation |
|---|---|---|---|
| What is validated | Domain ownership only | Domain and company details | Domain, company and official documents |
| Documents | Not required | Registration details, legal address | Legal verification and document checks |
| Issuance time | Usually under an hour | After organization validation | After extended validation |
| Company name in the certificate | No | Yes | Yes |
| Best for | Business card sites, blogs, portfolios, study projects | Online stores, corporate platforms, customer portals | Financial, government and healthcare websites |
What is validated
- DV — Domain Validation
- Domain ownership only
- OV — Organization Validation
- Domain and company details
- EV — Extended Validation
- Domain, company and official documents
Documents
- DV — Domain Validation
- Not required
- OV — Organization Validation
- Registration details, legal address
- EV — Extended Validation
- Legal verification and document checks
Issuance time
- DV — Domain Validation
- Usually under an hour
- OV — Organization Validation
- After organization validation
- EV — Extended Validation
- After extended validation
Company name in the certificate
- DV — Domain Validation
- No
- OV — Organization Validation
- Yes
- EV — Extended Validation
- Yes
Best for
- DV — Domain Validation
- Business card sites, blogs, portfolios, study projects
- OV — Organization Validation
- Online stores, corporate platforms, customer portals
- EV — Extended Validation
- Financial, government and healthcare websites
If your project has many subdomains (login.site.kz, client.site.kz, support.site.kz), a Wildcard SSL is more convenient: it protects all subdomains of one level without a separate certificate for each address.
Selection
Choose SSL to fit your needs
The choice depends on the site's purpose, its audience and how sensitive the data it handles is.
Blog, online portfolio, landing page
Go with DV SSL: minimal paperwork, quick installation, basic protection and a padlock icon in the address bar.
Online stores and corporate websites
We recommend OV SSL: in addition to the domain, it confirms the company's legal status, which builds customer trust.
Banks, insurers, fintech, government sites
EV SSL with in-depth organization validation is the best fit, a sign of transparency and accountability.
Sites with subdomains
Wildcard SSL protects the main domain and all subdomains (shop.site.kz, mail.site.kz) with one certificate.
HTTP or HTTPS
HTTP or HTTPS: which to choose?
The difference between HTTP and HTTPS is not a formality but a fundamental security issue.
Why HTTP is dangerous
Read moreCollapse
Over HTTP, data is sent unencrypted and becomes easy prey for attackers. Any information entered on the site, from a login and password to a contact form, can be intercepted, especially on public Wi-Fi networks.
How HTTPS solves the problem
With an SSL certificate, HTTPS creates a secure communication channel: all data is encrypted and cannot be accessed by third parties. Today HTTPS is a mandatory standard for modern CMSs.
The cost of skipping HTTPS
- Chrome, Firefox and Safari mark sites without SSL as not secure
- Google and Yandex push such sites down in search results
- Traffic, user trust and conversion all drop
Moving to HTTPS
Moving to HTTPS is easiest with our hosting
If your site is hosted with us, the switch takes no more than a day and requires almost no effort on your part.
Choosing a certificate
We will help you choose an SSL certificate that fits your site.
Issuance and installation
We will order, activate and correctly install the certificate on your hosting.
HTTPS redirect
We will set up automatic redirection of all HTTP requests to secure HTTPS.
Final check
We will make sure the site runs smoothly and encryption is enabled on every page.
Why SSL
Why your website needs an SSL certificate
HTTPS has long been a must: without it, browsers warn visitors, and forms and payments are not secure.
Visitor trust
The padlock in the address bar shows that the connection to the site is secure.
Data encryption
Passwords, contact details and payment data are transmitted in encrypted form.
Search rankings
Search engines take HTTPS into account when ranking websites.
Secure forms and payments
Request and payment forms work over a secure connection.
No warnings
The browser does not scare visitors with a Your connection is not private message.
Organization validation
OV and EV certificates confirm that a real company stands behind the site.
FAQ
Didn't find an answer? Contact us — support is available around the clock.
Call +7 708 060 71 23 or email support@host24.kz
What is the difference between DV, OV and EV SSL certificates?
DV only confirms domain ownership, which is quick and easy. OV also validates the company that owns the site. EV requires a full legal check, and the organization's name is included in the certificate.
Wildcard or SAN certificate: which should I choose?
Wildcard protects an unlimited number of subdomains of one domain (for example, shop.site.kz, blog.site.kz). SAN is suited to protecting several different domains (for example, site1.kz and site2.kz).
How do I renew an SSL certificate?
You can renew a certificate a few days before it expires: a new certificate needs to be issued and updated on the server. Submit a request and we will help with the renewal.
How long is an SSL certificate valid?
Paid certificates are usually issued for one year, free Let's Encrypt certificates for 90 days with automatic renewal. Once the term ends, a new certificate has to be issued.
Does a site that does not accept payments need SSL?
Yes. Even without online payments, SSL protects login forms and visitors' contact details and makes the site more trustworthy.
Request
Get an SSL certificate and protect your site
Do not wait until visitors see a Not secure warning. Submit a request and we will help you choose a certificate and move to HTTPS.
- Advice on choosing DV, OV, EV or Wildcard
- Certificate issuance and installation
- HTTP to HTTPS redirect setup
- Encryption check on every page
Prefer to call or email? Call +7 708 060 71 23 or email support@host24.kz