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Differences in SSL Certificates

By Mickey Walburg, eHow Contributor

SSL certificates are used both to encrypt data that is transmitted over the Internet and to help users feel at ease with the website they are visiting. There are different types of SSL certificates, and each type has certain requirements that go along with it, as well as distinct advantages and disadvantages. The type of SSL certificate that is used for a particular website depends heavily on who is requesting it and its intended use.

Domain Validation SSL Certificates
Domain validated SSL certificates are used to establish a baseline level of trust with a website and prove that you are visiting the website you think you are visiting. These certificates are issued after the SSL issuer confirms that the domain is valid and is owned by the person who is requesting the certificate. There is no need to submit any company paperwork to obtain a Domain Validation SSL certificate, and these types of SSL certificates can be issued extremely quickly. The disadvantage to these types of certificates is that anyone can get them, and they hold no real weight except to secure communication between your web browser and the web server.

Organization Validation SSL Certificates
An Organization Validation SSL certificate is issued to companies and provides a higher level of security over a Domain Validation SSL certificate. An Organization Validation certificate requires that some company information be verified along with domain and owner information. This type of certificate is recognized by modern browsers and is indicated by a colored bar in the URL portion of the browser. The advantage of this certificate over a Domain Validation certificate is that it not only encrypts data, but it provides a certain level of trust about the company who owns the website.

Extended Validation SSL Certificates
An Extended Validation SSL Certificate is a "top of the line" SSL certificate. Obtaining one requires that a company go through a heavy vetting process, and all details of the company must be verified as authentic and legitimate before the certificate is issued. While this certificate may seem similar to an Organization Validation SSL certificate, the key difference is the level of vetting and verification that is performed on the owner of the domain and the company that is applying for the certificate. Only a company that passes a thorough investigation may use the Extended Validation SSL certificate, which provides users of the company's website with security and reliability.

Read more: Differences in SSL Certificates | eHow.com http://www.ehow.com/list_5746563_differences-ssl-certificates.html#ixzz1FcNu2mX6