Website security is more important than ever as more and more people conduct personal and financial transactions online. An important aspect of website security is Secure Sockets Layer (SSL), a protocol that encrypts data sent between a website and its users. SSL is essential for protecting sensitive information such as passwords, credit card numbers, and other personal information from hackers and cybercriminals. However, not all SSL certificates are created equal. In this post, we’ll talk about EV SSL, a type of SSL certificate that provides the highest level of security and trust for website users. 

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What is EV SSL?

EV SSL (Extended Validation Secure Sockets Layer) is a type of SSL certificate that provides a higher level of validation and security than other SSL certificates. When a website uses EV SSL, it displays a padlock icon in the user’s browser, indicating that the website has undergone a rigorous validation process and can be trusted. The EV SSL certificate is issued only after the Certificate Authority (CA) has verified the organization’s legal status, physical address, and other details, ensuring that the website is legitimate and trustworthy.

Why is EV SSL more secure?

Several features make EV SSL more secure than other SSL certificates. First, the validation process for obtaining an EV SSL certificate is much more rigorous than other certificates. This means that only legitimate organizations can obtain an EV SSL certificate, which reduces the risk of phishing and other types of online fraud. Second, the padlock icon that is displayed when a website uses EV SSL provides a clear visual indication to users that the website is using a high level of security. This can help users feel more confident and comfortable when entering sensitive information on the website.

Why would a company choose EV SSL over other types of SSL certificates?

1. High level of security

EV SSL offers the highest level of security for websites. It undergoes a strict validation process, ensuring that the website is owned by a legitimate business and not a fraudulent one. The encryption offered by EV SSL certificates is also the strongest available, making it difficult for cybercriminals to intercept data.

2. Improved customer trust

The visual cues provided by EV SSL certificates, such as the company name displayed in green text in the browser address bar, help to improve customer trust in a website. Customers are more likely to make purchases or provide sensitive information on a website that they trust.

3. Better search engine rankings

Google has confirmed that websites with EV SSL certificates are given a slight ranking boost in search engine results pages. This can be beneficial for companies looking to increase their online visibility and reach a larger audience.

4. Big insurance

Another advantage of EV SSL certificates is that they come with a substantial insurance policy that covers financial losses resulting from fraudulent transactions. This insurance policy is not offered with other types of SSL certificates.

Overall, while EV SSL certificates may be more expensive and require more effort to obtain, the benefits they offer in terms of security, customer trust, and insurance make them a worthwhile investment for companies that deal with sensitive data or online transactions.

Why is it hard to apply for EV SSL?

The rigorous validation process for obtaining an EV SSL certificate is what makes it more secure, but it also makes it harder to apply for. The Certificate Authority (CA) that issues the certificate must verify the organization’s legal status, physical address, and other details before issuing the certificate. This process can take several days or even weeks, depending on the complexity of the organization’s structure and the documentation required. In addition, the organization must meet specific requirements related to its business type and legal status, which can make it difficult for some organizations to obtain an EV SSL certificate.

How to apply for EV SSL?

The process of applying for an EV SSL certificate is more rigorous than for other types of SSL certificates, as it requires a higher level of authentication. The process typically involves the following steps:

1. Gather the necessary information

To apply for an EV SSL certificate, you’ll need to provide information about your organization, including its legal name, address, and registration number. You’ll also need to provide information about the domain or domains you want to secure with the certificate.

2. Verify your organization’s identity

The certificate authority (CA) will verify your organization’s identity using a third-party database such as Dun & Bradstreet. If your organization is not listed in the database, the CA may request additional documentation, such as articles of incorporation or a business license.

3. Verify domain ownership

To ensure that you have the right to secure the domain or domains with the EV SSL certificate, the CA will typically require you to verify ownership through one of several methods, such as email or DNS verification.

4. Submit your application

Once you’ve gathered all the necessary information and completed the verification process, you can submit your application to the CA.

5. Wait for approval

The CA will review your application and may contact you for additional information if necessary. The approval process can take several days or longer, depending on the CA’s processing time and the complexity of your application.

6. Install the certificate

Once your application has been approved, the CA will issue the EV SSL certificate. You can then install the certificate on your web server to secure your site.

The entire process of applying for an EV SSL certificate can take several days or longer, so it’s important to plan ahead and allow plenty of time for the application to be processed. Additionally, EV SSL certificates typically have a shorter validity period than other types of SSL certificates, usually around one year. You’ll need to renew your certificate before it expires to maintain your site’s security.

How to check if a website uses EV SSL?

If you’re a customer and you want to check if a website is using EV SSL, there are a few things you can look for:

The Green Address Bar

When a website is using EV SSL, the address bar in your browser will turn green. This is the most visible sign that a website is using EV SSL. However, the current versions of most browsers don’t show anymore the green address bar. Read more here why.

The Padlock Icon

Even if the address bar doesn’t turn green, you should still see a padlock icon next to the website address. This indicates that the website is using SSL to encrypt your data.

Certificate Details

You can view the details of a website’s SSL certificate by clicking on the padlock icon and selecting “Certificate” or “View Certificate.” This will show you the type of SSL certificate being used, as well as the organization that issued the certificate.

Trust Seals

Some websites may display trust seals or badges on their pages to indicate that they are using EV SSL. These seals are typically provided by third-party organizations that verify website security.

In general, it’s a good idea to be cautious when entering sensitive information on any website, regardless of whether it’s using EV SSL or another type of SSL certificate. Always look for visual indicators of security, and consider using additional security measures like two-factor authentication and password managers to further protect your information.

Brands of SSL

Note that this is not an exhaustive list, as there are many SSL certificate brands available on the market.

  1. Comodo/Sectigo
  2. GlobalSign
  3. DigiCert
  4. Entrust Datacard
  5. Thawte
  6. Symantec
  7. GeoTrust
  8. GoDaddy
  9. Trustwave
  10. Let’s Encrypt
  11. RapidSSL
  12. SSL.com
  13. Network Solutions
  14. StartCom
  15. SwissSign
  16. Certum
  17. Actalis
  18. Buypass
  19. SSL247
  20. T-Systems

Providers of EV SSL certificates

Wazile Hosting

Wazile Hosting is a web hosting and domain registration company that also offers SSL certificates, including EV SSL. They offer a range of other security products as well, including wildcard SSL and domain validation SSL. Wazile is known for its affordable pricing and user-friendly platform for purchasing and managing certificates. As a web hosting company, they can offer seamless integration of SSL certificates with their hosting services, making it easier for website owners to ensure their sites are secure.

Namecheap

Namecheap is a popular domain registrar that also offers SSL certificates, including EV SSL. They offer competitive pricing and a user-friendly platform for purchasing and managing certificates.

SSLs

SSLs is a well-known reseller of SSL certificates, including EV SSL. They offer a range of other security products as well, including code-signing certificates and website malware scanners.

RapidSSLonline

RapidSSLonline is a leading reseller of SSL certificates, including EV SSL. They offer a range of other security products as well, including wildcard SSL and multi-domain SSL.

When purchasing an EV SSL certificate from a reseller, it’s important to ensure that the certificate is legitimate and issued by a trusted provider. Look for resellers that have a good reputation and positive customer reviews. Additionally, be aware that resellers may not offer the same level of customer support as the main providers, so it’s important to choose a provider that fits your specific needs.

Insurance Coverage for EV SSL Certificates

EV SSL certificates typically come with a higher level of insurance coverage than other types of SSL certificates. This is because the rigorous validation process required for EV SSL certificates provides a higher level of assurance to users that your site is legitimate and secure. As a result, some providers offer additional insurance coverage for businesses that use EV SSL certificates.

For example, many providers offer up to $1 million in insurance coverage for businesses that use EV SSL certificates. This means that if a user experiences a financial loss as a direct result of a fraudulent transaction on your site, the insurance policy will cover their losses up to the amount of the policy limit.

However, it’s important to note that the insurance coverage provided by an EV SSL certificate is typically subject to certain terms and conditions. These may include requirements for how the SSL certificate was installed and configured, as well as limitations on the types of losses that are covered.

Another instance is that some insurance policies may only cover losses that occur as a direct result of a security breach on your site, rather than losses that occur due to other factors such as user error or third-party fraud. Additionally, the insurance policy may require that you take certain steps to prevent security breaches, such as performing regular security audits or using additional security measures like two-factor authentication.

It’s also worth noting that insurance coverage is not a replacement for good security practices. While having insurance can provide some peace of mind, it’s ultimately up to you to ensure that your site is secure and that you are taking all necessary steps to protect your users and your business.

If you are considering an EV SSL certificate for your business, it’s important to carefully review the terms and conditions of the insurance policy provided by your SSL certificate provider to ensure that you understand what is covered and what is not.

How EV SSL Compares to Other SSL Certificates

While all SSL certificates provide encryption to secure website data, there are key differences between different types of certificates. The three main types of SSL certificates are DV SSL, OV SSL, and EV SSL.

DV SSL (Domain Validated SSL)

The most basic type of SSL certificate. It simply verifies that the certificate is being issued to the domain owner and that the website is encrypted. This type of certificate does not provide any additional validation or security features.

OV SSL (Organization Validated SSL)

OV SSL (Organization Validated SSL) provides a higher level of validation than DV SSL. In addition to verifying the domain owner, it also verifies that the organization requesting the certificate is a legally registered business. This provides additional assurance to website visitors that the website is legitimate and trustworthy.

EV SSL (Extended Validation SSL)

It provides the highest level of validation and security; with the domain and organization validation also requiring additional documentation to prove the legal identity and physical location of the business. This results in the “green address bar” that is displayed in web browsers when EV SSL is in use, which signals to visitors that the website is highly secure and trustworthy.

The Technical Details of EV SSL

EV SSL certificates use the same encryption technology as other SSL certificates, which is based on asymmetric key cryptography. This means that the website has a public key and a private key. The public key is used to encrypt data that is sent from the user’s web browser to the website, while the private key is used to decrypt the data on the website’s server.

The key difference with EV SSL is in the validation process, which requires additional documentation to prove the identity and location of the business. This can include legal documents, business licenses, and other forms of verification.

The Benefits of EV SSL Beyond Security

While the primary benefit of EV SSL is enhanced website security, there are other benefits as well. For example, websites that use EV SSL may see improved search engine rankings because search engines like Google consider website security as a ranking factor. In addition, EV SSL can help build customer trust and confidence, which can lead to increased sales and revenue for businesses.

Real-World Examples of Companies Using EV SSL

There are many examples of companies that have benefited from using EV SSL, including financial institutions, e-commerce websites, and government agencies. For example, Bank of America uses EV SSL to secure its online banking services, while Amazon uses EV SSL to secure its online shopping platform.

Common Misconceptions About EV SSL

One common misconception about EV SSL is that it is only necessary for e-commerce websites or financial institutions. In reality, any website that collects user data or handles sensitive information can benefit from using EV SSL. Another misconception is that EV SSL is too expensive or difficult to obtain, but this is not necessarily true. While EV SSL can be more expensive than other types of SSL certificates, it is also the most secure and provides the highest level of validation.

The Future of EV SSL

As new threats and technologies emerge, the future of EV SSL is likely to evolve as well. For example, there may be new forms of validation or encryption technology that are developed to provide even greater security for websites. Additionally, as more websites adopt EV SSL, it may become the standard for website security, rather than just an optional add-on.

Conclusion

In short, an EV SSL certificate is a powerful tool to secure your website and build trust with your users. They provide a higher level of authentication and encryption than other types of SSL certificates, and the green address bar makes it clear to users that your site is secure.

Recent changes in the SSL certificate industry have made it easier than ever to obtain and install an EV SSL certificate. Many providers offer automated confirmation processes that can streamline the registration process, and prices have become more competitive over time.

While EV SSL certificates require a more rigorous application process and can be more expensive than other types of SSL certificates, they are an essential tool for businesses and organizations that need to secure sensitive data and establish trust with their users. Overall, whether you choose an EV SSL certificate or another type of SSL certificate, making sure your website is secured with SSL is crucial to protecting your users and maintaining your online reputation.

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