Extended Validation SSL Certificates FAQ

Q: What is an Extended Validation SSL Certificate?

A: Extended Validation is a new level of high-assurance security authentication for SSL Certificates introduced in early 2007. It takes advantage of advanced features in next-generation browsers such as Microsoft's® Internet Explorer 7™, and also benefits from being the first truly standardized authentication protocol ever developed for SSL Certificates.

Q: How was Extended Validation developed?

A: Awareness of the need to increase the level of security and consumer confidence in E-commerce led a group of leading Web browser vendors and SSL Certificate issuers (called Certificate Authorities) to form the Certificate Authority/Browser (CA/B) Forum. Network Solutions® and the rest of the CA/B Forum members assembled and agreed upon both technical and procedural specifications for the new class of "high assurance" certificates.

Q: How does Extended Validation differ from existing certificate validation procedures?

A: Extended Validation Certificates are available only to corporations and government agencies until further guidelines can be developed by the CA/B Forum to allow eligibility for non-corporate entities such as sole proprietorships and general partnerships. For those eligible, the application process for receiving an Extended Validation Certificate from one of the recognized Certificate Authorities such as Network Solutions is both deeper and more thorough than existing certificate-issuance procedures. Companies applying for Extended Validation SSL Certificates will be required to provide far more detailed information about their business, their Articles of Incorporation, financial history, and so on. Validation and confirmation of this additional data is expected to both enhance the authority of and consumer confidence in the certificates and also, crucially, to make it all but impossible for fraudulent or criminal applicants to receive a certificate.

Q: How does Extended Validation SSL Certificates' appearance differ from that of existing types of SSL Certificate?

A: The most obvious difference to consumers appear in the Web browser's navigation window, which, in addition to displaying a closed padlock image and "https" Web address prefix, turns green to signify a Web site secured by an authentic, Extended Validation SSL Certificate. Web sites secured by legitimate Organizationally Validated or Domain Validated Certificates will continue to display both the closed padlock image and "https" prefix.

Q: Do Web sites using EV Certificates operate differently than those using existing types of certificates?

A: The Extended Validation process is designed to be as fast and seamless as existing certificate procedures. Consumers will see a difference in the representation of the certificate and secure connection, but will experience no slowdown in operation or transaction procedures.

Q: Does it take longer for me to apply for and receive an Extended Validation SSL Certificate for my business than it does for existing certificates?

A: Yes, at least at first. As we've noted, Extended Validation is a new protocol and procedure, still in the process of being rolled out. Because of the amount of information that applicants must supply to Certificate Authorities and the amount of time required to verify that information, the application process currently takes about a week. That process will, of course, speed up as Extended Validation becomes more widely adopted.

Q: Why do Extended Validation SSL Certificates Cost more than other SSL Certificates?

A: Extended Validation SSL Certificates will more than other types of SSL Certificates because of the extensive amount of additional verification activity that must be conducted by the issuing Certificate Authority.

Q: Will my Organizationally Validated SSL Certificates remain "good" now that Extended Validation SSL Certificates have been introduced?

A: Yes. If your business is a non-corporate entity or has a loyal base of trusting customers, then Organizationally Validated SSL Certificates will likely continue to meet your needs and those of your customers for some time to come. Network Solutions will continue to offer, support, and authenticate Organizationally Validated SSL Certificates.

Q: Will my customers using Microsoft® Internet Explorer 7™ and other next-generation browsers still be able to view my Organizationally Validated SSL Certificates?

A: Yes. Next-generation browsers will still support, recognize, and adhere to existing SSL Certificate standards even after Extended Validation is widely deployed.

The Bottom Line: Network Solutions is a leading provider of Extended Validation SSL Certificates. To learn more about Network Solutions EV SSL Certificate services or to purchase your EV SSL Certificate today, please visit our SSL Certificates Product Page.