What is a Domain Validated SSL Certificate?
There are different types of SSL certificates, each offering varying levels of validation and security assurances. This guide focuses on Domain Validated (DV) SSL certificates, the most basic and widely used type.
In the simplest terms, a Domain Validated (DV) SSL certificate verifies that the applicant for the certificate has control over the domain name associated with the website.
How Does Domain Validation Work?
The process for obtaining a DV SSL certificate is relatively straightforward. Here's a simplified breakdown:
- Certificate Request: You initiate the process by requesting a DV SSL certificate from a Certificate Authority (CA), a trusted third-party organization that issues SSL certificates.
- Domain Control Verification: The CA employs various methods to verify your control over the domain name. This commonly involves:
- Email Verification: An email containing a verification link is sent to the domain owner's email address listed in the WHOIS record. Clicking the link confirms control.
- DNS Verification: A specific text file with a unique code needs to be uploaded to a designated location on your website's server. This demonstrates your ability to modify the domain's DNS settings.
- Certificate Issuance: Once the CA successfully verifies your domain ownership, they issue the DV SSL certificate for your website.
Is a domain validated SSL certificate suitable for my website?
DV certificates are a great starting point for establishing a secure connection on your website. They offer several benefits:
- Enhanced Trust and Credibility: The padlock symbol and "https://" displayed in the browser address bar assure visitors that their connection is encrypted and their data is protected. This fosters trust and encourages them to interact with your website.
- Improved Search Engine Ranking: Major search engines like Google prioritize websites with SSL certificates in their search results. A DV certificate can give your website a slight SEO boost.
- Basic Security: DV certificates encrypt communication between your website and its visitors, safeguarding sensitive information like login credentials or credit card details submitted through forms.
- Cost-Effective: DV certificates are generally the most affordable type of SSL certificate, making them accessible for individuals and small businesses.
While DV certificates offer valuable security features, it's important to understand their limitations:
- Limited Validation: They only confirm domain ownership, not the legal entity or organization behind the website. This means visitors won't see any company information displayed in the browser address bar.
- Suitable for Low-Risk Websites: If your website handles highly sensitive data, such as financial transactions or medical information, a more robust certificate like an Organisation Validation (OV) or Extended Validation (EV) certificate might be more appropriate. These certificates involve stricter validation procedures and provide a higher level of assurance to users.
What protection does a domain validated SSL certificate provide?
DV certificates establish a secure connection by encrypting the communication channel between your website and its visitors. This encryption scrambles data in transit, making it unreadable to anyone who might intercept it.
This protects sensitive information like:
- Login credentials (usernames and passwords)
- Credit card details
- Personal information submitted through forms
By encrypting this data, DV certificates help prevent unauthorized access and data breaches.
What Warranty is included with a Domain Validated SSL Certificate?
Our Domain Validated SSL certificates are provided with a $50,000 warranty. The warranty on an SSL Certificate is provided by the Certificate Authority and offers compensation to users of your website in cases where there is a certificate breach or failure, or in cases of incorrect issuance of the SSL certificate.
Domain Validated SSL certificates are a cornerstone of online security. They offer a cost-effective way to establish trust with website visitors and protect sensitive data. For websites handling low-risk transactions or primarily focused on building user confidence, DV certificates provide a solid security foundation. If your website deals with highly confidential data, consider exploring more comprehensive validation options like OV or EV certificates. If your website relies on multiple subdomains, then a Wildcard SSL Certificate would be a perfect, cost-effective choice. Remember, building trust and safeguarding user information are crucial aspects of a successful online presence.
You can buy a Domain Validated SSL certificate for just £6.49 ex VAT per year