What Is An Organization Validation (OV) SSL Certificate?
Imagine you’re an online shopper searching for a new pair of shoes. You come across two websites: one with a padlock symbol and the other without. Which one would you feel more confident purchasing from? The former, right?
Your hunch is correct, because the website with the padlock symbol signifies the use of an SSL certificate, assuring you of a secure connection and the legitimacy of the business. In this article, we’ll be talking about Organization Validation SSL Certificates specifically, covering what they are, how to obtain one, as well as a comparison with other SSL types.
So if you’re here because you’re already thinking about getting one for your organization’s newly minted website, then allow us to give you the push that you need. Let’s jump in!
A Crash Course On SSLs
While we could start by telling you all the reasons why you should get an OV SSL certificate, we thought it’d be best to make sure you’re equipped with the right knowledge on SSLs in general first.
So, for those who need a refresher, what exactly is an SSL certificate?
Well, you can think of SSLs (Secure Sockets Layer) as virtual bodyguards for your website. They ensure that the communication between your website and your visitors’ browsers is secure and private by encrypting the data that’s exchanged, turning it into an indecipherable code that only the intended recipient can understand. This means that even if cybercriminals try to intercept the data during transmission, they’ll find nothing but gibberish.
SSL certificates are issued by trusted third-party entities known as Certificate Authorities (CAs). In addition to OV SSL certificates, there are other types of SSL certificates, such as Domain Validation (DV), Extended Validation (EV), and Wildcard SSL certificates. Each type of certificate offers different levels of validation and security to cater to varying needs and requirements.
What Do Organization Validation (OV) SSL Certificates Do?
Now that we have a solid grasp of SSL certificates, we’re now ready to dive deeper into the realm of Organization Validation (OV) SSL certificates. These certificates offer an extra layer of credibility and validation for your website, making them a valuable asset in building trust with your visitors.
Organization Validation (OV) SSL certificates go beyond just verifying domain ownership—which is what DV SSL certificates do—they also validate the legitimacy of your organization (hence the name).
When you apply for an OV SSL certificate, the Certificate Authority (CA) will conduct a thorough check to ensure that your organization is genuine and legally registered. This verification process typically involves confirming your organization’s legal existence, checking your physical address, and validating your rights to use the domain associated with your website.
One of the key benefits of OV SSL certificates is the enhanced trust and credibility they provide. When visitors see the OV SSL certificate in action, it assures them that your organization is real and trustworthy. Displaying verified organizational details, such as your company name, adds transparency and professionalism to your website, instilling confidence in your visitors.
How Do I Get An Organization Validation (OV) SSL Certificate?
So, how exactly do you acquire this essential layer of protection? Let’s walk through the process:
- Find a trusted Certificate Authority (CA)
First things first, choose a reputable CA that offers OV SSL certificates. Look for well-known and reliable CAs with a proven track record in the industry, such as Comodo, DigiCert and GlobalSign. You want to ensure that your certificate is issued by a trusted source. - Get your documents ready
Before applying for the OV SSL certificate, gather the necessary documentation. This may include verifying your organization’s legal existence and having accurate registration details on hand. You’ll also need to confirm that your organization has the rights to use the domain associated with your website. - Submit your certificate request and undergo verification
Now it’s time to start the process. Submit your certificate request to the chosen CA, and they’ll initiate the verification process. This step is crucial to confirm the legitimacy of your organization. Be prepared for the CA to reach out to you for additional information or to validate the provided details. - Install the SSL certificate on your website
Once the verification process is successfully completed, the CA will issue your OV SSL certificate. You’ll receive the necessary certificate files, including the public key certificate and private key. Now, it’s time to work with your web hosting provider or system administrator to install these files on your website’s server. They’ll guide you through the process and ensure that the secure connection is established. - Stay on top of certificate management and renewal
Congratulations! Your website is now equipped with an OV SSL certificate. However, it’s important to remember that SSL certificates have expiration dates. Keep track of your certificate’s validity period and plan for timely renewal. You wouldn’t want to let your certificate expire and leave your website unprotected! - Bonus – Tap into web hosting support
Don’t forget that your web hosting provider can be a valuable resource throughout this journey. The best web hosts offer assistance with SSL certificates, including Organization Validation ones. They may have streamlined processes, tools, or direct integration with trusted CAs to make the acquisition and installation smoother. Reach out to your web hosting provider and leverage their expertise.
Is An OV SSL Right For Me?
Organization Validation (OV) SSL certificates come with their own set of advantages and considerations. Let’s explore the benefits and potential drawbacks of using an OV SSL certificate for your website:
The advantages
- Enhanced trust and credibility
By obtaining an OV SSL certificate, you’re actually demonstrating to your visitors that your organization has undergone a thorough validation process, reassuring them that your website is legitimate and trustworthy. - Improved security
OV certificates add an extra layer of security, making it harder for malicious actors to intercept or tamper with data. - Potential SEO benefits
Search engines like Google consider SSL certificates as a ranking factor, and having an OV SSL certificate can give you an edge over websites with DV SSL certificates (or no SSL at all).
The disadvantages
- Longer validation process
Compared to DV certificates, the validation process for OV certificates is more thorough and extensive, since it involves verifying the legal existence of your organization. - Higher cost
Because of the additional validation steps and enhanced credibility they provide, OV SSL certificates typically come at a higher price than DV SSL certificates, and can range from $60-$400 depending on the issuing CA. - Increased administrative effort
Since OV SSL certificates involve a comprehensive verification process, there is a need for more administrative effort on your part. You will need to provide the necessary documentation and respond to any inquiries from the Certificate Authority (CA) promptly. This can add some complexity and time to the certificate acquisition process.
By carefully considering these factors, you can determine whether an Organization Validation SSL certificate is the right choice to strengthen your website’s security and credibility.
How Do OV SSLs Fare Against The Other Types Of SSL Certificates?
Though if you want to explore all the options first (as you should), here’s how OV certificates stack up against the others:
| SSL Certificate Type | Validation | Assurance | Price Range (per year) | Recommended For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Domain Validation (DV) SSL | Only domain ownership | Basic | $0 – $250 | Personal blogs, small business websites, non-sensitive information websites |
| Organization Validation (OV) SSL | Domain ownership and organization’s legal existence&operational status | Higher | $60 – $400 | E-commerce websites, financial institutions, healthcare providers |
| Extended Validation (EV) SSL | Domain ownership, organization’s legal&operational status, and extended verification | Highest | $180 – $1000 | Government websites, banking institutions, online payment gateways |
| Wildcard SSL | Domain ownership and multiple subdomains under a domain name | Basic to higher | $50 – $500 | Websites with multiple subdomains under a domain name, such as e-commerce websites and CMS |
When it comes to selecting the right certificate for your website, it all boils down to the type of business you run, the level of validation and trust you require, and of course, your budget. Take all of these into account to figure out which SSL will suit your company best.
Safe And Sound With OV SSL Certificates
Now that you’ve explored the world of SSL certificates, you’re well on your way to building trust and reinforcing security for your website.
And with an OV SSL certificate, you’ll not only boost your credibility, but also show your dedication to safeguarding your visitors’ sensitive information. The enhanced encryption provided by OV certificates ensures that data transmitted between your website and visitors’ browsers remains secure and private.
So, take the leap and get your OV SSL certificate today! Fortify your website’s security, enjoy the benefits of increased trust and reliability, and embark on a successful online journey with peace of mind.
