





When we are talking about website security, Secure Socket Layer (SSL) is sure to come up. But SSL, too, has its types. They are three main types of SSL certificates: domain validated (DV SSL), organization validated (OV SSL), and extended validated (EV SSL). It is natural to get confused about which is the ideal SSL security certificate for your website. Moreover, purchasing one SSL and then installing it can be a long and rigorous process which is why many business owners hesitate to use SSL. This is where our DV SSL vs. OV SSL vs. EV SSL comparison guide comes in! We have come up with a guide that will help you decide which is the best SSL security solution for your website.
Let us begin with DV SSL.
A DV (Domain Validation) SSL certificate is a type of SSL certificate that is issued quickly and with minimal effort. To obtain a DV SSL certificate, the certificate authority (CA) will verify that the applicant has control over the domain for which the certificate is being issued but does not verify the identity of the applicant or the organization. Typically, DV SSL Certificates are used for low-risk websites that do not handle sensitive information, such as personal data or financial transactions.
Now, let us understand OV SSL certificates in detail.
An OV SSL certificate is a type of SSL certificate that provides more assurance to website visitors than a DV (Domain Validation) SSL certificate. In addition to verifying the ownership of the domain, this SSL certificate also verifies the identity of the organization that owns the domain.
To obtain an OV SSL certificate, the certificate authority (CA) will thoroughly review the organization’s legal and physical existence and its domain ownership. This process typically takes a few. This process typically takes a few days to complete.
Once the CA has completed the validation process and issued the OV SSL certificate, the organization’s name will appear in the certificate details, providing website visitors with more assurance about the organization’s identity. OV SSL certificates are typically more expensive than DV SSL certificates, but they offer a higher level of assurance to website visitors.
Read Also: The Best OV SSL Certificates of 2023
Let’s hop on to the EV SSL certificate.
An EV (Extended Validation) SSL certificate is a type of SSL certificate that provides the highest level of assurance to website visitors. In addition to verifying the domain’s ownership and the organization’s identity, an EV SSL certificate also requires the certificate authority (CA) to verify the organization’s legal, physical, and operational existence.
The CA will thoroughly review the organization’s business practices, reputation, and other relevant information to obtain an EV SSL certificate. This process can take several days to complete.
Once the CA has completed the validation process and issued the EV SSL certificate, the organization’s name and location will appear in the certificate details, providing website visitors with the highest level of assurance about the organization’s identity. EV SSL certificates are typically the most expensive type of SSL certificate and are generally reserved for large, well-known organizations that need to provide the highest level of assurance to their website visitors.
That was all about three types of SSL certificates. Let us do a comparative analysis for a better understanding.
Read Also: The Best EV SSL Certificates of 2023
Parameters | DV SSL | OV SSL | EV SSL |
---|---|---|---|
Encryption Strength | 256-bit | 256-bit | 256-bit |
RSA Signature Key | 2048-bit | 2048-bit | 2048-bit |
Validation Procedure | One has to click on the validation link received in the email or place validation files on the server. | By giving all the registration details, proof of physical address, phone number, etc. Dun & Bradstreet credit reports or Professional opinion letters (POLs) are sometimes needed. | Similar as DV + OV validation procedures + proof of business’s operation for more than 3 years |
Validation Time | Within Minutes | 1-3 Days | 1-5 Days |
Application | Small businesses and startups (that do not deal with financial details), informational websites, and personal blogs. | A non-profit organization that accepts online charity or donations; Medium to large organizations; Websites that request confidential details on their online forms or checkout pages. | Large-scale organizations and businesses, healthcare facilities, and financial institutes like banks. |
Site Seals | Static | Dynamic | Dynamic |
Availability of Wildcard SSL Certificate | Yes | Yes | No |
Availability of Multi-Domain SSL Certificate | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Cheapest SSL Product | Certera SSL Certificate | Instant SSL Certificate | Positive EV SSL |
We hope the table helped you understand how the three certificates differ from each other.
If you are purchasing SSL certificates, it all comes down to your business requirements and budget. While an EV SSL certificate is an obvious choice for any website as it establishes trust in your end-users, it is up to your discretion and choice to select which would best fit your website and your budget.