A Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) certificate will help protect your clients’ personal data and information.
There are three types of SSL certificates: Domain Validated (DV), Organizationally Validated (OV), and Extended Validation (EV).
DV certificates are recommended for most businesses, although they offer the least security.
OV and EV certificates offer greater security, but you must go through a more thorough validation process to acquire these certificates.
WellnessLiving recommends that you research each type of SSL certificate to determine which is best for your business and then reach out to your web host provider (for example, GoDaddy, Bluehost, Squarespace) to obtain a certificate.
Note: If you embedded a WellnessLiving widget on a website that doesn’t have an SSL certificate, clients will be redirect to your Client Portal if they attempt to book services through the widget.
Step One: Choose your SSL certificate type and Certificate Authority
To begin, you will need to determine the type of SSL certificate that is best for your website and business needs. The type of certificate that you choose will help you to determine the appropriate certificate authority.
Each certificate type offers a different level of security for your website and customers. Domain Validated Certificates offer a minimal level, while OV (Organizationally Validated) certificates offer a greater level, and EV (Extended Validation) certificates tend to offer the most extensive security and thus require the most extensive validation during application.
Step Two: Prepare business information and documentation for application
To apply for your certificate, you will need to verify information about your business and its ownership. Be sure that all information is accurate, as issuance of your certificate is dependent upon verification of these documents.
The required information will depend on the type of certificate. L.ikely requirements include:
Dun & Bradstreet registration numbers.
Proof of physical address via database listings.
Opinion letter from legal counsel or public accountant.
Other corporate, financial, and government documents such as Articles of Incorporation, bank accounts, and business licenses.
Government-issued photo IDs.
Step Three: Confirm your application
Once you apply with your chosen certificate authority, they will need to begin to validate your credentials provided in your application. At this time, the certificate authority may request that you provide additional information and/or documentation. Finally, you should expect to be contacted to confirm your application and authority to apply.
Step Four: Await issuance of SSL certificate
Once they have received all of your required information, your certificate authority will fully and finally review your documentation for accuracy. If all information is accurate and verified, your SSL certificate will be delivered. Depending on the type of the certificate, you should expect issuance in one to seven days.