If you are involved in the world of website security and encryption, then you have undoubtedly come across the terms DV, OV, and EV. Despite their prevalence, understanding the differences between these terms can confuse even some seasoned website owners.
We’ll be taking a deep dive into the differences between Domain Validation (DV), Organization Validation (OV), and Extended Validation (EV) SSL certificates, three crucial components for any secure website. SSL, short for Secure Sockets Layer, is the encryption method used to establish a secure connection between a user’s computer and your website.
Domain Validation (DV)
The simplest and most common type of SSL certificate is Domain Validation or DV. The main purpose of a DV SSL certificate is to check whether the person applying for the certificate controls the domain they’re in charge of. With a DV certificate, your site will display a padlock icon in the web browser, assuring users that the connection to your website is secure.
Organization Validation (OV)
OV SSL certificates offer a higher level of validation than DV certificates. The validation process includes not only domain ownership but also organizational information such as the business’ name, location, and legal status. This added layer of trust is ideal for eCommerce websites or any business site that asks for sensitive customer information.
Extended Validation (EV)
An Extended Validation (EV) SSL certificate offers the highest level of validation and trust. The main differential feature is that it changes the color of the address bar to green, signaling the highest level of SSL security to site visitors. This certificate is ideal for large eCommerce sites, banking institutions, and any other high-profile websites dealing with financial transactions or sensitive user data. The validation process for EV certificates is more rigorous, requiring the owner to provide extensive proof of business legitimacy.
So, which one should you choose? This depends on the nature of your website. For a small blog or personal website, a DV SSL might be sufficient, while eCommerce or business sites might require OV or even EV SSL certificates.
In summary, all three types of SSL certificates help assure your website visitors that their connection to your website is secure. However, it is up to you, the website owner, to decide how much trust and validation your website requires based on its purpose. We hope this post has helped clarify the differences between DV, OV, and EV SSL certificates and enabled you to make a more informed decision about your website’s security.