Special Types of SSL Certificates

The most popular certificates are web server authentication certificates for securing a web site but there are several other special types of certificates. Knowing which SSL certificate type can help you avoid many problems such as trying to use a certificate for something that it isn't meant to do.

What is a web server authentication certificate?

A web server authentication certificate is the normal type of certificate that is issued to secure web site traffic or other data connections. All certificates listed in the SSL Certificate Wizard are web server authentication certificates. Although their primary use is to secure web servers, they can be used to secure email servers, file transfers, and other data connections.

What is a Unified Communications (UC) certificate?

A Unified Communications (UC) certificate is a new type of certificate designed by Microsoft that secures Unified Communications products such as Live Communications Server and Exchange Server 2007. It allows you to secure multiple domain names or server names in one certificate. For example, you could secure www.domain.com, domain.com, mail.domain.com, autodiscover.server.local, etc... all in one certificate.

What is a code-signing certificate?

A code-signing certificate is a certificate that enables you to digitally sign an executable or script to confirm the software author and guarantee that the code has not been altered or corrupted since it was signed by use of a checksum. Normal web server authentication certificates can't be used to do this.

What is an e-mail certificate?

An personal e-mail certificate is primarily used to digitally sign an e-mail to guarantee authorship of the e-mail. They also can encrypt e-mails to keep the contents private.