Security Certificates (SSL)

Over the last few years the number of organizations using SSL Certificates has increased dramatically. The applications for which SSL is being used has also expanded. For example:

• Some organizations need SSL simply for confidentiality, e.g. encryption
• Some organizations wish to use SSL to enhance trust in their security and identity.

e.g. they want to show customers they have been vetted and are a legitimate organization

As the applications for SSL have started to become wider, three types of SSL Certificates have emerged:

Extended Validation (EV) SSL Certificates:

where the Certification Authority (CA) checks the right of the applicant to use a specific domain name PLUS it conducts a THOROUGH vetting of the organization. The issuance process of EV Certificates is strictly defined in the EV Guidelines, as formally ratified by the CA/Browser forum in 2007, that specify all the steps required for a CA before issuing a certificate, and includes:

• Verifying the legal, physical and operational existence of the entity
• Verifying that the identity of the entity matches official records
• Verifying that the entity has exclusive right to use the domain specified in the EV Certificate
• Verifying that the entity has properly authorized the issuance of the EV Certificate

EV Certificates are available for all types of businesses, including government entities and both incorporated and unincorporated businesses. A second set of guidelines, the EV Audit Guidelines, specify the criteria under which a CA needs to be successfully audited before issuing EV Certificates. The audits are repeated yearly to ensure the integrity of the issuance process.

Organization Validation (OV) SSL Certificates: where the CA checks the right of the applicant to use a specific domain name PLUS it conducts some vetting of the organization. Additional vetted company information is displayed to customers when clicking on the Secure Site Seal, giving enhanced visibility in who is behind the site and associated enhanced trust.

Domain Validation (DV) SSL Certificates: where the CA checks the right of the applicant to use a specific domain name. No company identity information is vetted and no information is displayed other than encryption information within the Secure Site Seal.

To get more information about security certificates, please feel free to contact us or emial us at info@webtechnologies.co.tz.