When you navigate the digital world, the small padlock icon in your browser’s address bar is a universal symbol of trust. It signifies that your connection is secure and your data is safe from prying eyes. This security is made possible by SSL/TLS certificates, and for decades, one of the most prominent names in this field has been Comodo. Though the brand has evolved, the legacy of the Comodo certificate continues under a new name: Sectigo.
This guide explores the history, technology, and value behind the Comodo certificate. We will break down the different types available, explain the validation process, and clarify the relationship between Comodo and Sectigo. Whether you are a small business owner securing your first website or an IT professional managing a complex portfolio, this article provides the insights you need to make an informed decision about your web security.
The Comodo and Sectigo Story: A Quick History
For many years, Comodo CA was one of the largest and most recognized Certificate Authorities (CAs) in the world. Known for providing a wide range of affordable and reliable SSL/TLS certificates, the “Comodo” name became synonymous with web security for millions of users.
In 2018, the private equity firm Francisco Partners acquired Comodo’s certificate business. To differentiate the CA operations from Comodo’s other cybersecurity ventures, the newly acquired entity was rebranded as Sectigo.
Today, when you purchase a “Comodo certificate,” you are actually buying a Sectigo certificate. Sectigo continues to issue the same trusted certificate products, maintaining the infrastructure and technology that made Comodo a market leader. The branding simply clarifies that Sectigo is the exclusive Certificate Authority behind these products. Think of it this way: Sectigo is the manufacturer, and Comodo is the well-known product line.
Understanding the Types of Comodo SSL Certificates
Sectigo offers a comprehensive range of certificates under the Comodo brand, each designed to meet different security needs and validation requirements. Choosing the right one depends on your business type, the data you handle, and the level of trust you want to convey to your visitors.
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Domain Validation (DV) Certificates
Domain Validation is the most basic level of SSL certificate. The Certificate Authority simply verifies that the applicant has control over the registered domain name. This is typically done through an automated process like email confirmation or a DNS record check.
- Key Features: Issued in minutes, provides full 256-bit encryption, activates the HTTPS padlock.
- Best For: Blogs, personal websites, internal testing environments, and any site that doesn’t handle sensitive user information like credit card numbers or personal data.
- Trust Indicator: Provides encryption but does not display verified company information in the certificate details.
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Organization Validation (OV) Certificates
An Organization Validation certificate takes security a step further. In addition to verifying domain ownership, the CA performs a light business vetting process. This involves checking official business registration records to confirm the organization’s legal name, city, state, and country.
- Key Features: Displays verified company details in the certificate, provides strong encryption, builds higher user trust than DV.
- Best For: Corporate websites, e-commerce stores, and online portals where it’s important for users to know they are dealing with a legitimate, registered business.
- Trust Indicator: Users can click the padlock to view the verified company name, adding a layer of assurance.
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Extended Validation (EV) Certificates
Extended Validation offers the highest level of trust and the most rigorous vetting process. The CA conducts a thorough examination of the organization, following strict industry guidelines established by the CA/Browser Forum. This includes verifying legal, operational, and physical existence.
- Key Features: Highest level of user trust, stringent vetting process, protects against phishing attacks. Previously, EV certificates activated a green address bar in browsers, but modern browsers now display the verified company name when a user clicks the padlock.
- Best For: Banks, financial institutions, large e-commerce sites, and any organization handling highly sensitive data where maximum user confidence is essential.
- Trust Indicator: Presents the verified company name and jurisdiction prominently in the certificate details, offering the strongest proof of identity.
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Wildcard SSL Certificates
A Wildcard certificate is designed for efficiency and scalability. It secures a single primary domain and an unlimited number of its first-level subdomains. It uses an asterisk (*) in the common name field (e.g., *.yourdomain.com) to cover subdomains like blog.yourdomain.com, shop.yourdomain.com, and login.yourdomain.com.
- Key Features: Secures unlimited subdomains, simplifies certificate management, offers significant cost savings over individual certificates.
- Best For: Businesses with multiple subdomains for different services or departments. Wildcard certificates are available at the DV and OV levels.
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Multi-Domain (SAN/UCC) Certificates
A Multi-Domain certificate, also known as a Subject Alternative Name (SAN) or Unified Communications Certificate (UCC), allows you to secure multiple different domain names with a single certificate. You can protect a mix of domains like www.domain-one.com, www.domain-two.net, and mail.domain-one.com all under one installation.
- Key Features: Secures up to 250 different domains, simplifies management for diverse web properties, ideal for Microsoft Exchange and Office Communications servers.
- Best For: Companies that manage multiple brands, different country-level domains, or have complex server environments.
Why Do Businesses Choose Comodo Certificates?
Despite the name change to Sectigo, the core reasons for choosing a Comodo-branded certificate remain the same.
Cost-Effective Security
Comodo certificates have long been recognized for their competitive pricing. They provide robust, industry-standard encryption without the premium price tag of some other CAs. This makes them an accessible choice for small and medium-sized businesses that need to secure their online presence on a budget. The value proposition is strong: you get reliable security from a leading CA at an affordable price.
Broad Range of Options
The extensive product lineup ensures there is a certificate for every use case. From a simple DV for a personal blog to a Multi-Domain EV for a large enterprise, the flexibility of the Comodo/Sectigo portfolio allows businesses to find a solution that precisely matches their security requirements and budget.
Conclusion: A Legacy of Trust in a Modern Package
The Comodo certificate, now powered by Sectigo, continues to be a cornerstone of web security. It represents a legacy of providing reliable, affordable, and versatile SSL/TLS solutions to millions of websites worldwide. By offering a full spectrum of validation levels and specialized products like Wildcard and Multi-Domain certificates, Sectigo ensures that any organization can implement the right level of encryption and identity assurance.