SSL certificates secure communications between browsers and servers over a network. With so many different website types, there isn’t a universal certificate suitable for every niche, project, and configuration. For this reason, not all SSL certificates are created equal.
Extended Validation (EV) SSL certificates represent the gold standard of sensitive data protection and authenticity verification. In this article, we’ll explore the premium SSL validation method available for officially registered companies wanting to secure their websites.
So, what is an EV SSL certificate? Let’s start with the definition and a few technical aspects.
Table of Contents
- What is an Extended Validation SSL Certificate?
- How do Extended Validation Certificates Work?
- Benefits of EV SSL Certificates
- Who Should Use EV SSL Certificates?
- How to Get an EV SSL Certificate?
What is an Extended Validation SSL Certificate?
An Extended Validation certificate is a digital file confirming the website owner’s identity and encrypting the information users send to the server.
The EV SSL Certificate involves a rigorous verification process where the Certificate Authority (CA) checks the legitimacy of your business. It’s not just about certificate authorities confirming that your website is secure; it’s also about verifying that your business is legally registered and physically exists.
This extra layer of security makes it harder for cybercriminals to create fake websites, protecting your users from phishing scams.
How do Extended Validation Certificates Work?
A business applying for an EV certificate undergoes a thorough identity verification process. This isn’t a mere formality; it’s a meticulous examination conducted by the CA to ensure the legitimacy of the business. The CA examines documentation, verifies legal registrations, and conducts in-person interviews to confirm the business’s existence.
Unlike simpler domain-validated certificates, which merely verify ownership of a domain, EV certificates require organization validation. This means the CA confirms not just the website’s ownership but also the legitimacy of the business behind it.
Compared to DV certificates, the validation process for EV certificates isn’t swift. It takes time as the CA diligently reviews every aspect of the business’s documentation. Rushing through this process would compromise the integrity of the certificate and the trust it inspires. However, with a LEI code, you can significantly speed up the vetting and get your EV SSL certificate in just one business day.
But why go through all this trouble? Because EV certificates are all about building trust and complying with regulations. When users visit a website secured with an EV certificate, they can check the company’s name in the certificate’s info panel. Now, let’s turn our attention to EV certificate benefits.
Benefits of EV SSL Certificates
You’re probably wondering, ‘What’s in it for me?’ regarding EV SSL certificates. From enhanced website security to protection against phishing, there’s much to gain. Let’s review how these benefits can boost user trust, increase conversion rates, and strengthen your brand’s reputation.
- Enhanced Website Security: When you use an EV SSL certificate, your website tells visitors that you’ve gone the extra mile to protect their information. It’s about protecting credit card numbers or passwords and safeguarding all data you exchange with your users.
But what makes EV SSL certificates stand out? For one, they require a thorough validation process. This means your business’s existence and identity are verified, ensuring that no one else can fraudulently use your company’s name. Additionally, these certificates offer 256-bit encryption, which is currently the strongest level available. - Better User Trust: When they first emerged on the market, EV SSL certificates provided visible security indicators like the green address bar signaling to users that the site is safe and secure. Today, even if this EV feature is no longer available, users can check the company’s official name in the certificate’s info field.
While most users won’t bother going the extra mile, customers or clients browsing banking or financial websites are more likely to do it because their finances are at stake. Users who see this security indicator feel more confident about sharing sensitive information like credit card details or personal data.
This confidence is essential, especially in online environments with rampant data breaches and cyber threats. Moreover, EV SSL certificates are only issued after a strict verification process. This, in turn, reassures users about your business’s legitimacy, further amplifying their trust. As a result, users are more likely to view your website as reliable and trustworthy. - Higher Conversion Rates: Building on the trust that EV SSL certificates inspire, they can also enhance conversion rates on your website. When visitors trust you, they’re more likely to engage with your site, leading to higher conversion rates.
Higher conversion rates are crucial for your website, as they translate into more revenue for your business. This added confidence encourages them to take desired actions on your site, like signing up for a newsletter, purchasing, or submitting a contact form. All EV certificates come with dynamic site seals that boost users’ trust. You can place this visual indicator anywhere on your site to showcase your commitment to data security. - Superior Brand Reputation: With an EV SSL certificate, you’ll improve your brand’s reputation, making a powerful first impression on visitors and potential customers. This certificate acts as a stamp of approval, indicating that your business has undergone rigorous verification. It signals that your brand is trustworthy, secure, and dedicated to safeguarding user data.
A key benefit of EV SSL is the verified brand identity it provides. This aspect is vital in the digital world, where trust and credibility are essential. Visitors associate your site with integrity and security when they see your verified brand identity. This positive perception boosts your brand’s reputation, setting you apart from competitors. - Protection Against Phishing: Cybercriminals often create fake websites identical to yours to trick your clients into sharing their sensitive data. However, an EV SSL certificate makes this almost impossible.
Phishing attacks use the power of deception, but EV SSL certificates counter this by verifying your legal credentials and displaying your official name in the certificate’s info panel.
This combination of measures helps users discern legitimate websites from fraudulent ones, increasing their confidence in online interactions and reducing the likelihood of falling victim to phishing scams.
Who Should Use EV SSL Certificates?
You might wonder who should use EV SSL certificates. Various sectors can benefit from these certificates, from online retailers to non-profit organizations, banking institutions, and government entities.
Here are the industries that may require or can benefit from an EV certificate:
- E-commerce Platforms: E-commerce sites must protect online transactions. EV SSL ensures secure payments, builds trust, and safeguards sensitive customer data.
- Financial Services: Banks, investment firms, and insurance companies require robust security measures. EV SSL certificates validate their legitimacy, enhancing customer confidence in online transactions.
- Healthcare Websites: Because patient information is sensitive, healthcare providers need stringent security. EV SSL establishes trust, ensuring the confidentiality and integrity of medical data.
- Government Portals: Government websites handle citizens’ sensitive data and facilitate critical services. EV SSL certificates authenticate these portals, safeguarding against cyber threats and ensuring data privacy.
- Online Payment Gateways: Payment processors and fintech companies handle vast financial data. EV SSL certificates instill trust, protect against fraud, and ensure secure transactions, enhancing customer loyalty.
How to Get an EV SSL Certificate?
SSL Dragon offers various EV certificates suitable for every need and budget. Whether you want to secure a single domain or multiple domains, our flexible EV SSL certificates will provide data protection and identity verification.
All you have to do is select a certificate and then follow our straightforward buying process. Here’s a detailed, step-by-step guide on how to pass Extended Validation for your website, which will help you get your certificate without any hassle. Remember to provide accurate, up-to-date contact information to the CA to avoid any potential delays. For a quicker certificate issuance, consider getting a LEI code for your company.
Conclusion
In short, an EV SSL certificate is your best bet for securing a business website in the banking, financial, and e-commerce sectors. It offers the highest assurance that your company is genuine and operating in good faith.
Hopefully, our article has answered the popular “What is an extended validation certificate” question, and now you can decide whether your website needs such an option.
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