The most well-known visual indicator of an Extended Validation (EV) SSL Certificate used to be the green address bar in web browsers. When a website had an EV SSL Certificate, browsers such as Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, and Microsoft Edge would highlight the address bar in green, displaying the legally verified business name next to the padlock icon.
This green bar provided a strong, instantly recognizable sign of trust, making it clear to users that the website belonged to a legitimate business and had undergone the highest level of security verification.
Many financial institutions, large enterprises, and e-commerce businesses adopted EV SSL Certificates primarily for this reason, as it reassured customers that they were dealing with a verified and reputable entity.
However, in recent years, most major browsers have removed the green bar in an effort to simplify the user interface. Despite this, EV SSL Certificates still provide valuable visual indicators that help establish trust and security.
The Padlock Icon in the Address Bar
Websites secured with an EV SSL Certificate display a padlock icon in the browser’s address bar. This indicates that the connection is encrypted and secure, ensuring that user data is protected from interception and tampering.
While all SSL Certificates, including DV and OV, enable the padlock icon, EV Certificates provide an extra level of validation behind the scenes, making them the most secure option.
Verified Organization Name in Certificate Details
When users click on the padlock icon, they can view details about the Certificate, including the legally verified organization name and the Certificate Authority that issued it.
This information confirms that the website belongs to a legitimate business and has passed the rigorous EV validation process. Trustico® ensures that all EV SSL Certificates issued through its platform include clear and accurate organization details, allowing users to verify a website's authenticity with confidence.
HTTPS and Secure Connection Indicators
EV SSL Certificates enable HTTPS (Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure), which is displayed in the browser’s address bar. HTTPS ensures that all communication between the website and its visitors is encrypted and secure.
Websites without SSL Certificates - or those with invalid Certificates - are often flagged by browsers as "Not Secure," discouraging users from proceeding.
Warnings for Unsecured Websites
In contrast to EV SSL-secured websites, browsers now issue stronger warnings for sites that lack SSL encryption. Users who visit a website without a valid SSL Certificate may see a "Not Secure" warning, sometimes accompanied by a red caution symbol. This discourages users from entering personal information and can lead to a loss of trust.
Increased User Confidence
Customers are more likely to trust a website when they see a padlock icon and can verify the business name in the Certificate details. This is particularly important for e-commerce websites, financial services, and any platform that requires users to enter sensitive information.
Knowing that a website has undergone an extensive verification process helps users feel more secure when making transactions or sharing personal data.
Protection Against Phishing Attacks
Cybercriminals often create fake websites that look identical to legitimate ones in an attempt to steal personal data. EV SSL Certificates make it much harder for malicious actors to impersonate trusted organizations because obtaining an EV Certificate requires extensive verification.
Websites that display EV SSL indicators provide assurance that users are interacting with a genuine, legally verified business.
Stronger Brand Reputation
Businesses that use EV SSL Certificates demonstrate a commitment to security and trust. This can lead to increased customer retention, higher conversion rates, and a competitive advantage over websites that do not invest in high-assurance SSL Certificates.
Customers are more likely to engage with a business that has gone the extra mile to ensure online safety.
The Future of EV SSL Certificate Indicators
While browsers continue to evolve their approach to security indicators, EV SSL Certificates remain the gold standard for website authentication.
Businesses that prioritize security and trust should continue using EV SSL Certificates from trusted providers like Trustico® to ensure that their customers feel confident when interacting with their websites.
