SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) certificate is necessary when personal details, confidential information is being exchanged using internet. With a specific end goal to secure it from being abused by outsider or hacker, we require an additional layer of security-SSL. To give internet security, the information being shared between a server and a browser is encoded before sharing therefore stays safe from being gotten to by wrong person or misused by any outsider.
There are certain things that should be kept in mind before acquiring SSL Certificate:
Which SSL to opt for: There are dedicated SSL as well as Shared SSL. Shared SSLs are normally free of cost, no support service and link is not that secure. Whereas, Dedicated SSLs have good support service and cost money but is completely owned by one user only, thus is highly recommended for e-commerce sites.
Encryption level: Depending upon purpose of SSL certificate, there is an availability of various level of encryption. For example: For blogs, level of security required is less than that of any e-commerce sites. So before accruing SSL certificate, one should be aware of the level of encryption.
From whom: There are quite a number of companies that sell SSL certificate but are these companies reliable or trustworthy? I would suggest to go for a good brand or CA (Certificate Authorities), especially, when we are talking about security of e-commerce sites.
IP address: SSL is linked to an IP address to provide security to domain/site. So it becomes very important to have a dedicated IP address in order to secure it a 100%. Although SSL certificate can be used in a shared environment as well.
Tenure: Minimum tenure for validation of SSL certificate is one year. But it depends upon requirement, service and cost, which one would suit you the most.