SSL certificate types offered by IONOS
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IONOS offers various SSL certificates for securing websites. They differ in validation level and scope of protection. This article explains the differences between the certificate types (DV, OV, and EV) and helps you choose the right option for your project. For domains that only redirect to another website, IONOS also offers the Redirect Shield and Redirect Shield+ packages.
Did you know? A free SSL Starter Wildcard certificate is included in all IONOS hosting and domain contracts.
SSL certificates for smaller websites and blogs
| Certificate | SSL Starter | SSL Starter Wildcard |
|---|---|---|
| Certificate type | Instant SSL DV | Instant SSL DV Wildcard |
| Validation level | Domain Validation (DV) | Domain Validation (DV) |
| Protection | 1 domain or subdomain (including the www version) | 1 domain and unlimited subdomains (including the www version) |
| Security | Up to 256-bit SSL encryption | Up to 256-bit SSL encryption |
| Limited warranty | $500,000 | $500,000 |
SSL certificates for companies, organizations, and online shops
| Certificate | SSL Business | SSL Business Wildcard | SSL Premium |
|---|---|---|---|
| Certificate type | Instant SSL OV | Instant SSL OV Wildcard | Instant SSL EV |
| Validation level | Organization Validation (OV) | Organization Validation (OV) | Extended Validation (EV) |
| Protection | 1 domain or subdomain (including the www version) | 1 domain and unlimited subdomains (including the www version) | 1 domain or subdomain (including the www version) |
| Security | Up to 256-bit SSL encryption | Up to 256-bit SSL encryption | Up to 256-bit SSL encryption |
| Limited warranty | $1,250,000 | $1,250,000 | $1,750,000 |
SSL certificates for domains with redirects
With Redirect Shield and Redirect Shield+, you can secure domains that only redirect to another website with SSL certificates. This prevents the warning about an unencrypted connection that Chrome displays by default as of version 154.
| Package | Redirect Shield | Redirect Shield+ |
|---|---|---|
| Certificates included | 5 | 10 |
| Validation level | Domain Validation (DV) | Domain Validation (DV) |
| Protection | Wildcard certificate covering redirects of the domain and its subdomains | Wildcard certificate covering redirects of the domain and its subdomains |
| Suitable for | Redirect domains only | Redirect domains only |
Notes
- Redirect Shield and Redirect Shield+ are not suitable for websites with content and are only available to existing customers. For more information, see the following article: Ordering and setting up Redirect Shield and Redirect Shield+
- For information on SSL certificate prices, see the IONOS product page for SSL certificates.
Validation levels at a glance
When you set up the SSL certificate for your domain, it is ordered from the responsible certification authority, which then subjects it to a verification process. Depending on the certificate, the validation process differs in scope and in how strict the required authentication is.
- Domain Validation (DV) is the lowest validation level. It ensures that the person requesting the certificate actually has administrative rights to the domain, meaning that the domain and the certificate must belong together. However, the identity of this person is not verified. DV SSL certificates are used to protect private websites such as blogs. The certificates included in Redirect Shield and Redirect Shield+ are also DV certificates.
- With Organization Validation (OV), the identity of the applicant company is verified in addition to its administrative rights. OV SSL certificates are therefore used to protect company or corporate websites.
- Extended Validation (EV) is currently the highest validation level. Verification of the company’s identity is subject to the strictest authentication standard. EV SSL certificates are used to provide the highest possible protection for company or corporate websites.
Buying an SSL certificate
You can buy SSL certificates from us in three ways:
- Option 1: Order the SSL certificate as an add-on to your existing hosting contract. The certificate is then listed as an additional item on your contract invoice. For instructions, see the article Ordering an additional SSL certificate for your contract.
- Option 2: Order the SSL certificate as a separate contract. It is then invoiced separately from your other contracts, and you manage the SSL certificate as a separate contract under your IONOS customer ID. Select the SSL package you want directly on our IONOS product page for SSL certificates.
- Option 3: As an existing customer, order Redirect Shield or Redirect Shield+ as a separate contract to secure multiple redirect domains. You manage the package in your IONOS account.