With the increasing demand for online security and transparency, especially for businesses managing sensitive customer data, SSL certificates have become an essential component of online trust. Among the various types of SSL certificates available today, the DigiCert Extended Validation (EV) SSL Certificate stands out as the gold standard. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of what DigiCert EV SSL certificates are, their critical features, why they are worth the investment, and how to set one up for your online business.
What is an EV SSL Certificate?
An Extended Validation SSL Certificate is the highest form of SSL certificate in terms of authentication and security. Issued only after a thorough vetting process, it assures users that the website they are visiting is owned and operated by a legitimate business. When a website is secured with an EV SSL certificate, browsers typically display visual indicators such as a padlock icon and the legal company name in the address bar, making it clear to users that their connection is safe and that the organization has been verified.
DigiCert is one of the most respected and trusted certificate authorities (CAs) globally, known for issuing SSL certificates that help secure the largest brands and high-traffic websites. Their EV SSL certificate is specifically designed for enterprises that require not just encryption but also authentication and branding.
Key Features of DigiCert EV SSL Certificate
The DigiCert EV SSL Certificate offers a range of features aimed at maximum security, performance, and trust:
- Extended Validation: Involves a rigorous background check on the organization before the certificate issuance.
- Ultimate Browser Compatibility: Trusted by all major browsers, including Chrome, Firefox, Safari, and Edge.
- Dynamic Site Seal: Includes DigiCert’s Smart Seal to reassure visitors about your website’s security in real-time.
- 256-bit Encryption: Industry-standard encryption that ensures sensitive data is transferred securely.
- Priority Support: Comes with white-glove customer support and priority validation handling.
- Unlimited Server Licenses: You can install the certificate on multiple servers without additional costs.
- Warranty Protection: Up to $1.75 million in liability protection against certificate-related damages.
Benefits of Using DigiCert EV SSL Certificate
Beyond just encrypting data, the DigiCert EV SSL certificate offers multiple business benefits that go a long way in building user trust and improving website performance.
1. Enhanced Trust and Credibility
The visual indicators of an EV SSL certificate, such as displaying the company name in the browser address bar, help establish instant credibility. Users are more likely to engage in transactions with websites they perceive as secure and trustworthy.
2. Improved Conversion Rates
A study by the CA Security Council shows that websites with EV SSL certificates see considerably higher conversion rates. The added level of trust minimizes cart abandonment in e-commerce and encourages users to interact with services more confidently.
3. Better Protection Against Phishing
Phishing attempts often rely on fake websites that mimic legitimate ones. Since EV SSL certificates require rigorous validation, it’s nearly impossible for cyber criminals to spoof a domain with one. This makes customers feel more secure.
4. SEO Advantages
Google prioritizes HTTPS-encrypted websites in search results. While EV SSL does not directly boost rankings over other types of SSL, the increased engagement and trust can indirectly improve SEO performance.
5. Enterprise-Level Reliability
DigiCert’s infrastructure guarantees high-speed page loads and 99.9% uptime reliability. Their EV certificate ensures your website meets the performance needs of modern enterprises.
Industries that Benefit the Most
While any business can benefit from an EV SSL certificate, it is particularly valuable for:
- Financial Institutions: Banks, credit unions, and investment firms require a higher level of security and user assurance.
- Healthcare Organizations: For HIPAA compliance, protecting patient data using EV SSL is crucial.
- Legal Firms: Clients expect confidentiality and trust when sharing sensitive legal information online.
- E-commerce Websites: Boosts consumer confidence during checkout and payment processing.
- Government Portals: National and municipal websites need to demonstrate top-tier security to citizens.
How to Setup a DigiCert EV SSL Certificate
Installing a DigiCert EV SSL certificate is a multi-step process, primarily because of the extensive validation required. But once issued, setup is straightforward. Here’s how to get started:
Step 1: Purchase the Certificate
You can buy a DigiCert EV SSL certificate directly from DigiCert or through a certified reseller. Make sure to have your organization’s registration details and legal documents ready for validation.
Step 2: Complete the Extended Validation Process
The validation process involves verifying your organization’s legal existence, address, telephone number, and operational status. This typically takes 1–5 business days. You will also need to prove your operational control over the domain.
Step 3: Generate a CSR
A Certificate Signing Request (CSR) must be generated from your server. It contains your encoded organization information and public key, which are used during the issuance.
Step 4: Certificate Issuance
Once DigiCert completes the validation and approves your CSR, you will receive your EV SSL certificate via email or direct download.
Step 5: Install the Certificate
The final step is to install the certificate on your server or use a web hosting provider that can assist with the installation. Be sure to install intermediate certificates too, to avoid browser warnings.
Maintaining Your Certificate
After installation, it’s crucial to manage and monitor your EV SSL certificate to avoid service interruptions.
- Monitor Expiration: DigiCert EV SSL certificates are typically valid for 1–2 years. Set renewal reminders well in advance.
- Renew Early: Don’t wait until the last minute. Renewing early doesn’t affect your remaining term and ensures uninterrupted service.
- Revalidate as Needed: Updates to your legal business name or domain may require revalidation.
- Perform Regular Security Audits: Conduct routine checks to ensure the certificate is functioning correctly and hasn’t been tampered with.
Best Practices for Maximum Impact
To get the most out of your DigiCert EV SSL, follow these best practices:
- Use a global CDN for better load speeds and low latency performance worldwide.
- Leverage HSTS headers to enforce HTTPS and protect against protocol downgrade attacks.
- Display the Dynamic Site Seal prominently, especially on checkout or login pages.
- Deploy OCSP Stapling to improve SSL/TLS handshake performance and reduce latency.
Conclusion
Investing in a DigiCert EV SSL certificate is a vital step toward securing your digital infrastructure and conveying a reputation of trust and legitimacy. From rigorous business validation to real-time protection against threats, EV SSL offers unmatched security for businesses that depend on secure transactions and customer confidence. Whether you’re in finance, healthcare, or retail, securing your website with DigiCert’s EV certificate is one of the most prudent decisions you can make for your organization’s digital presence.
Don’t leave your credibility to chance. Choose DigiCert EV SSL and give your visitors the peace of mind they deserve.