What is the difference between EV SSL and OV SSL?
One of the tools used to ensure security when users interact with websites is SSL certificates.
SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) certificates provide security for both the user and the website by encrypting data transmission over the internet.
SSL certificates can be classified according to different levels of validation. These classifications determine the security level of the website and how extensive the validation process is by the issuing authority.
In this article, we will examine the differences between Organization Validated SSL (OV SSL) and Extended Validation SSL (EV SSL) certificates.
Organization Validated SSL Certificate (OV SSL)
OV SSL certificates go beyond domain validation to provide higher security and require a comprehensive review process that verifies the legal existence of the applying business. However, they do not have as in-depth a validation process as EV SSL.
Features and Use Cases:
Enhanced Validation Process: OV SSL certificates validate not only domain ownership but also the legal existence of the applying business.
Security Level: Provides high security but not as comprehensive as EV SSL. Users can verify that the website is managed by a business.
Use Cases: OV SSL certificates are ideal for small businesses and non-profit organizations. They are suitable for organizations that want to ensure website security but do not require very in-depth validation.
Extended Validation SSL Certificate (EV SSL)
Extended Validation SSL (EV SSL) represents the highest level of validation among SSL certificates. These certificates go beyond domain validation and undergo a comprehensive review process that verifies the legal existence, operational status, legal records, and other critical information of the applying company. EV SSL is particularly preferred by large businesses, banks, and e-commerce sites because it provides assurance to users about the organization behind the website.
Features and Use Cases:
Comprehensive Validation Process: EV SSL certificates have an in-depth review process that thoroughly verifies the identity and legal existence of the applying organization.
Highest Security Level: These certificates provide the highest level of security for the website and its visitors. In the browser address bar, users can immediately see that the website belongs to a legitimate business.
Use Cases: EV SSL certificates are suitable for banks, e-commerce sites, government websites, and other websites that require high security.
User Assurance: EV SSL provides the highest level of confidence to users regarding the trustworthiness of the website. The green address bar visible in the browser allows users to understand that the website has been legally validated.
Key Differences
| Feature | OV SSL | EV SSL |
| Validation Type | Domain and organization validation | Domain and extended organization validation |
| Process Duration | 1-3 business days, requires documentation | 3-7 business days, requires comprehensive documentation |
| Cost | Moderately priced | Higher cost |
| Use Cases | Small businesses, corporate websites | Banks, large e-commerce sites, high-security websites |
| Security Level | Higher security, organization validation | Highest security, full validation and green address bar |
| User Assurance | Validation of the business's legal existence | Full validation of the business's legal existence and security |
If you want to provide a moderate level of security and validate your business's identity, OV SSL may be sufficient. It is ideal for medium-sized businesses and corporate websites.
However, in situations where users demand the highest level of security and you want to demonstrate that your website is managed by a truly trustworthy organization, EV SSL should be preferred. It is the most secure option, especially for large e-commerce sites, companies, and financial institutions.
