Extended Validation SSL Certificate (EV SSL) is a type of digital certificate used to encrypt and protect website traffic. It is a specialized form of the X.509 digital certificate used in transport layer security (TLS) protocols. It requires a more complex process and additional verification by Certificate Authorities (CAs) to authenticate the identity of the website owner before issuance.
EV SSL certificates are used to establish a secure, encrypted connection to a secure website. This is primarily done by ensuring that the eponymous domain name is registered with the certificate issuer or by extending the verification to both the domain name, as well as the registered company or organization behind the website.
The EV SSL Certificate features the distinct green address bar located in a user’s web browser when they visit a site with a valid EV SSL Certificate, providing users with visual assurance that the site is secure and legitimate. This can help to increase user confidence, which can lead to increased trust in an organization’s services and products.
EV SSL Certificates also include “organization validated” certificate fields that are required before CAs will issue them, including:
• Organization name
• Organization contact information
• Domain name
• Certificate expiry date
• Certificate issuer
EV SSL certificates are often used by large online businesses and organizations to establish consumer trust on the website. They help demonstrate to customers that the organization has taken the steps to verify their identity, which can help assure customers that their personal and financial information is secure.
