You’ve likely heard about DV SSL certificates, but do you know how they work to protect your website? As the most basic form of SSL security, a Domain Validation (DV) SSL certificate confirms that you own your domain through a simple verification process.
Yet, the simplicity of DV SSL might leave you wondering: is it enough for your specific needs? This article answers the “What is a DV SSL Certificate?” question and explains how it works so that you can make an informed decision when choosing the SSL validation method.
Table of Contents
- What Is a DV SSL Certificate?
- How Does Domain Validation SSL Work?
- DV SSL Certificates Benefits
- What are the Best DV SSL Certificates?
- How to Get a DV SSL Certificate?
What Is a DV SSL Certificate?
A DV SSL Certificate, or Domain Validation certificate, quickly secures your website by verifying the domain’s ownership. It’s the simplest form of SSL/TLS certificate, designed to provide an essential level of security.
When you apply for this certificate, the issuing Certificate Authority (CA) confirms that you own the domain you wish to secure. They don’t dive into your personal or business records, making the process faster and more straightforward than other SSL certificates.
You’ll appreciate this type of certificate if you’re looking for quick setup and minimal validation hassle. It’s perfect for blogs, informational websites, or any small business not handling sensitive data like credit card information or personal identities. The issuance can be almost instantaneous, often within minutes, allowing you to secure your site quickly.
Once installed, a DV SSL certificate activates the padlock and the HTTPS protocol, protecting sensitive data in transit between your visitors’ browsers and your server.
How Does Domain Validation SSL Work?
When you apply for a Domain Validation (DV) SSL certificate, the CA verifies your domain ownership. Here’s how the process works:
- Submit Request: You generate a Certificate Signing Request (CSR) and provide the CA with the domain name you want to secure.
- Ownership Verification: The CA confirms your control over the domain, known as Domain Control Validation (DCV), using one of three methods:
- Email Verification: The CA sends a verification link to an email address listed in the domain’s WHOIS records or a pre-approved address (like [email protected]). You click the link to confirm ownership.
- DNS Verification: You add a specific TXT record provided by the CA to your domain’s DNS settings, proving that you have control over the domain’s DNS records.
- HTTP Verification: You place a unique file in the root directory of your domain’s website, and the CA checks for the file’s presence to confirm control.
This Domain Control Validation process ensures that only the legitimate domain owner can obtain a DV SSL certificate.
DV SSL Certificates Benefits
DV SSL certificates are the most affordable on the market, can be issued in just 5 minutes without any paperwork, offer both free and commercial options, and provide the same strong encryption as any other certificate.
- Affordable: DV SSL certificates are the most budget-friendly option and ideal for individuals and small businesses looking to secure their websites without breaking the bank.
- Quick Issuance: In just 5 minutes, DV SSL certificates offer an incredibly fast way to secure your website, allowing you to focus on running your business without delay.
- No Paperwork: The validation for DV SSL certificates is smooth and hassle-free. It requires no paperwork, simplifying the process and saving you time and effort.
- Free and Commercial Options: DV SSL certificates come in free and commercial versions, allowing you to choose the option that best suits your needs and budget.
- Same Encryption: Despite their affordability and quick issuance, DV SSL certificates offer the same robust encryption as higher-tier certificates, ensuring your website’s security is not compromised.
What are the Best DV SSL Certificates?
With so many DV SSL certificates on the market, picking the right option for your website may be tricky. Below, you’ll find five DV certs from the leading CAs that will make your selection quick and easy.
- Comodo PositiveSSL: Swiftly secures both www and non-www versions, boasting 99.3% browser compatibility, 256-bit encryption, and a $10,000 warranty. The trusted Comodo Secure site seal enhances the site’s reputation while offering unlimited reissues and server licensing for added flexibility.
- Sectigo PositiveSSL Multi-Domain Wildcard: This product secures multiple domains and their subdomains under a single installation. The standard package covers four domains and up to 250 additional domains. It offers unparalleled versatility and compatibility. The $50,000 warranty and unlimited reissues provide peace of mind for online security needs while enhancing trust with the Sectigo Secure site seal.
- GeoTrust QuickSSL Premium: Delivers high-end encryption and client assurance, ensuring compatibility across platforms and devices, including mobile, with 99.9% browser support for a smooth browsing experience. Featuring 256-bit encryption, a $500,000 warranty, and unlimited reissues, it offers reassurance for online security needs while enhancing trust with the dynamic GeoTrust site seal.
- Thawte SSL 123: Get premium features affordably, with rapid 5-minute issuance and automated validation for both www and non-www versions. Compatible across platforms and devices, it offers unmatched 256-bit encryption and a $500,000 warranty. Boost trust with the globally recognized Thawte Trusted Site Seal, available in 18 languages, and benefit from unlimited reissues and server licenses for added flexibility.
- GeoTrust QuickSSL Premium Wildcard SSL: Protects your main domain and unlimited subdomains with automated domain validation in minutes. Compatible across platforms, it offers unmatched trust assurance with a $500,000 warranty. Enjoy unlimited reissues, server licenses, and the globally recognized GeoTrust Secured Site seal for enhanced customer confidence and conversions.
How to Get a DV SSL Certificate?
You can get a cheap Domain Validation SSL certificate without leaving this site. At SSL Dragon, we offer multiple DV SSL options tailored to various needs and budgets. All you have to do is select the desired certificate and follow our intuitive buying process.
It involves generating the CSR and submitting it to the CA. If all your details match, expect to receive the certificate via email in just a few minutes. From there, use our SSL installation guides to upload and configure your DV certificate.
Bottom Line
Now that you’ve found the answer to the “What is a DV SSL certificate” question, you’re ready to enhance your site’s security.
Choosing the best DV SSL for your needs starts with comparing trusted providers. Getting one is straightforward. Just verify your domain ownership through the methods provided by your chosen Certificate Authority.
Secure your website today with a DV SSL certificate. It’s a simple, effective way to protect visitors and keep your website accessible via browsers and search engines.
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