Ecommerce Basics: Extended Validation SSL Certs

As any notoriously brilliant web entrepreneur will tell those who inquire as to their formula of success (well perhaps once you have them somewhat intoxicated); in there utmost vagueness (a master, of course, never reveals their secrets easily you know); that 'trust,' even if just the fleeting perception of such, bears the greatest reward, and challenge, in any relationship. This is true especially in business setting, where the client has nothing more than mere reputation to go by.

Secure Socket Layer (SSL) has been around for over 15 years. In that time it's expanded in scope and usage tremendously. Originally developed by Netscape, it was intended to provide a secure link between business and the client. Banks, private company Intranet, retailers, and other institutions which required a secure connection soon integrated this into their websites. It has since tremendously evolved, especially over the past few years. Here we'll take a look at extended validation ssl certificates and how they can help you to grow your company.

The original intent of the SSL certificate was to legitimise the company that was performing the transactions, a "vetting" for each organization requesting such a certificate would be required. This however, eventually, became less common and the only criteria that soon was checked, much of the time, was the legitimacy of the domain name. Some certification authorities simply bowed to the whim of exciting profit margins and others simply were not able to handle such a high volume of requests fully. Hence the truly secure element began to fall by the wayside. That era in the heyday of internet usage gave birth to "extended validation ssl certificates."

Each certificate authority wishing to offer these must pass a rigorous independent audit. Likewise, those websites wishing to receive one must prove their identity and actual physical location and existence; that the owner is the actual owner; retrieve info on anyone who would act on behalf of the owner, and finally confirm that anything pertaining to a legal obligation be signed by an actual officer of the company.

Since extended validation ssl certificates are a relatively recent advancement, it is important to keep an updated browser on your personal and professional machines. Currently there is support in Google Chrome, IE 5+, Safari, Opera, Konqueror; mainly if it's relatively modern and well known, it should work well. These browsers will all show a specific image or icon in the browser frame or window identifying the certification and thus assuring users of their higher level of security in completing transactions. Mobile browsers in most, if not all, modern smart phones support these features as well. The mobile platform provides both great business expansion potential and conversely also the greatest risk involved with internet transactions.

EV-ssl certs can be quite invaluable. Since there are several varieties, costs, and conveniences available; be sure to do your research accordingly. When properly utilized they can well be the difference between a growing customer base and a stagnant, untrusted company, that, while possibly secure and reliable in its own right, may not fully invoke the perception of such.


Oliver is a passionate web security analyst who likes to promote the correct ways to secure corporate websites. Oliver works for a company who sell extended validation SSL certificates under retail price, as well as https certificate and wildcard SSL certificates in the UK. For more information please visit http://www.ssl247.co.uk.