There are three types of SSL Certificate available today;
- Extended Validation (EV SSL) – Most expensive
- Organisation Validated (OV SSL) – Mid cost
- Domain Validated (DV SSL) – Cheapest and also FREE
The encryption levels are the same for each certificate, what differs is the vetting and verification processes needed to obtain the certificate.
PLEASE NOTE: To gain the GREEN BAR OF TRUST you MUST HAVE an EV SSL!
Enterprise Validated (EV SSL)
With an EV SSL, the Certificate Authority (CA) checks the right of the applicant to use a specific domain name plus, it conducts a thorough vetting of the organization. The issuance process of EV SSL Certificates is strictly defined in the EV Guidelines. All the steps required for a CA before issuing a certificate are specified here including:
- Verifying the legal, physical and operational existence of the entity.
- Verifying that the identity of the entity matches official records.
- Verifying that the entity has exclusive right to use the domain specified in the EV SSL Certificate.
- Verifying that the entity has properly authorized the issuance of the EV SSL Certificate.
For customers who wish to assert the highest levels of authenticity, this is the ideal solution. EV SSL Certificates are available for all types of businesses, including government entities and both incorporated and unincorporated businesses. A second set of guidelines, the EV Audit Guidelines, specify the criteria under which a CA needs to be successfully audited before issuing EV SSL Certificates. The audits are repeated yearly to ensure the integrity of the issuance process.
Organisation Validated (OV SSL)
The Certificate Authority (CA) checks the right of the applicant to use a specific domain name PLUS it conducts some vetting of the organization. Additional vetted company information is displayed to customers when clicking on the Secure Site Seal, giving enhanced visibility in who is behind the site and associated enhanced trust. Organisation name also appears in the certificate under the ON field.
Domain Validated (DV SSL)
The Certificate Authority (CA) checks the right of the applicant to use a specific domain name. No company identity information is vetted and no information is displayed other than encryption information within the Secure Site Seal. While you can be sure that your information is encrypted, you cannot be sure who is truly at the receiving end of that information.
DV SSL Certificates are fully supported and share the same browser recognition with OV SSL, but come with the advantage of being issued almost immediately and without the need to submit company paperwork. This makes DV SSL ideal for businesses needing a low cost SSL quickly and without the effort of submitting company documents.
IMPORTANT NOTE:
When you have a web hosting package with Kyjo Design, your website is automatically secured with a free, Domain Validated SSL certificate.