What is an Extended Validation SSL Certificate?
An EV SSL certificate is a special type of SSL certificate issued by a Certificate Authority (CA) after a rigorous validation process. Unlike other SSL certificates that primarily verify domain ownership, EV certificates delve deeper to confirm the legal entity and legitimacy of the organisation behind the website.
How Does an Extended Validation SSL Certificate Work?
The stringent validation process behind an EV certificate sets it apart from other SSL options. Here's how the validation process works:
- Certificate Request: You request an EV SSL certificate from a CA, specifying your organisation details and domain name.
- Comprehensive Validation: The CA initiates a thorough validation process, including:
- Business Verification: They verify the legal existence and operational status of your organisation through official documentation and public records.
- Domain Control Verification: Standard domain ownership verification procedures are conducted to ensure control over the associated domain name.
- Authentication: The CA may contact your organisation to confirm the certificate request and validate authorized representatives.
- Certificate Issuance: Upon successful completion of the validation process, the CA issues the EV SSL certificate.
Is an extended validation SSL certificate suitable for my website?
EV certificates are ideal for websites that handle highly sensitive data or require a higher level of trust from visitors. Here are some scenarios where an EV certificate shines:
- Financial Transactions: If your website processes online payments, an EV certificate reassures customers that their financial information is protected and they're transacting with a legitimate business.
- E-commerce Stores: EV certificates boost trust and confidence for online shoppers, encouraging them to complete transactions with peace of mind.
- Government Agencies and Public Institutions: EV certificates establish legitimacy and secure communication for websites handling sensitive citizen information.
- Highly Regulated Industries: Businesses operating in sectors with strict data security regulations can demonstrate compliance and build trust with stakeholders through an EV certificate.
While EV certificates offer unparalleled security and trust signals, there are a few considerations:
- Cost: Due to the intensive validation process, EV certificates are generally more expensive than other SSL options.
- Time: The rigorous validation process can take longer compared to obtaining standard SSL certificates.
- Technical Expertise: The initial setup process might require more technical knowledge compared to basic SSL certificates.
What protection does an extended validation SSL certificate provide?
Like other SSL certificates, EV certificates encrypt data transmission between your website and visitors' browsers. However, they offer an extra layer of trust and security:
- Encryption: EV certificates ensure secure communication by encrypting sensitive data, safeguarding information like credit card details, login credentials, and personal data submitted on your website.
- Data Integrity: Encryption protects data from tampering or alteration during transmission, ensuring its accuracy and reliability.
What Warranty is included with an Extended Validation SSL Certificate?
Our Extended Validation SSL certificates are provided with a $1,000,000 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.
Extended Validation SSL certificates are the gold standard for online trust and security. Compared to OV SSL Certificates, they offer the most robust validation process and provide a clear visual indicator of legitimacy to website visitors. If your website deals with sensitive information or requires the highest level of trust from users, investing in an EV certificate is a strategic decision. Remember, in today's digital world, building trust is essential for attracting and retaining customers.
Buy EV SSL Certificates for just £66.78 ex VAT per year.