An SSL certificate is an essential component of a secure and trustworthy website. However, not all SSL certificates are created equal. There are different validation levels available, each offering varying levels of security and trust. In this post, we’ll explore the different validation levels of SSL certificates.
- Domain Validation (DV) SSL Certificates: Domain Validation SSL certificates are the most basic and simplest type of SSL certificate. To obtain a DV SSL certificate, the certificate authority (CA) only needs to verify that the applicant has control of the domain. This type of certificate is typically issued within minutes and is suitable for personal or informational websites that do not require a high level of trust.
- Organization Validation (OV) SSL Certificates: Organization Validation SSL certificates are a step up from Domain Validation certificates. To obtain an OV SSL certificate, the CA needs to verify the identity of the organization, in addition to verifying control of the domain. This type of certificate provides a higher level of trust and credibility, and is suitable for small to medium-sized businesses.
- Extended Validation (EV) SSL Certificates: Extended Validation SSL certificates are the highest level of validation available. To obtain an EV SSL certificate, the CA needs to conduct a thorough verification of the organization, including verifying its identity, legal existence, and physical address. This type of certificate provides the highest level of trust and credibility, and is typically used by large corporations, financial institutions, and e-commerce websites.
In conclusion, there are three different validation levels of SSL certificates available: Domain Validation, Organization Validation, and Extended Validation. Each type of certificate offers varying levels of security and trust, so be sure to choose the right certificate for your website based on your specific needs and requirements. A Domain Validation certificate may be sufficient for personal or informational websites, while an Extended Validation certificate may be more suitable for large corporations and financial institutions.