A domain-validated SSL certificate, a type of digital certificate, is used to secure and encrypt sensitive data transmitted over the internet. Websites often employ these certificates to prevent sensitive data—like passwords and personal information—from being intercepted by hackers.
A domain-validated certificate verifies that the person requesting the certificate is the owner or administrator of the domain. The validation process typically involves the certificate authority (CA) sending an email to an administrative address associated with the domain, such as admin@example.com or webmaster@example.com. To verify that the receiver is qualified to request the certificate, you must click a link in the email.
Once the recipient confirms their authority, the CA will issue the certificate. Domain-validated certificates are among the most efficient and cost-effective ways to secure a website because the process is usually completed in a few hours.
One of the main advantages of domain-validated certificates is their cost-effectiveness. They are typically much cheaper than other types of SSL certificates, such as organization-validated certificates and extended validation certificates, which require a more extensive validation process.
Advantages and Disadvantages
Another advantage of domain-validated certificates is their ease of use. Unlike other types of SSL certificates, domain-validated certificates do not need the CA to disclose any personal information or paperwork. This makes them a good choice for small businesses and personal websites that do not handle sensitive information.
However, there are some disadvantages to using domain-validated certificates. One of the main drawbacks is that they provide less assurance to visitors that the website is legitimate. Anyone can buy domain-validated certificates because the validation procedure is so straightforward, including cybercriminals who might be exploiting the website to steal sensitive data.
In addition, domain-validated certificates do not provide any information about the identity of the website owner or organization. This might make it challenging for users to judge if they can trust a website, particularly if it is new or unfamiliar.
Despite these drawbacks, domain-validated certificates are still an excellent choice for many websites, especially those that do not handle sensitive information. They provide a quick, easy, and cost-effective way to secure a website and protect sensitive information from cybercriminals.
In conclusion, DV SSL certificates are a great choice for small businesses and personal websites that need to secure their online presence.
They are fast, easy to obtain, and cost-effective, but they do not provide the same level of assurance to visitors as other types of SSL certificates.