SSL Extended Validation (EV) certificate is the highest level of validation in the digital certificate hierarchy, in accordance with the CA/Browser Forum guidelines (EV Guidelines specification v1.8.1) and the RFC 5280 standards. An EV certificate is issued only after a rigorous verification process of the applicant entity, which includes a multi-stage legal, organizational, and operational analysis.

Key Technical and Procedural Features:

Validation Process

• Legal Verification: The Certification Authority (CA) checks official registration documents (e.g., KRS, REGON, government documents) in public databases to confirm the legality of the entity.
• Physical Verification: The CA confirms the organization’s headquarters address, often by sending a written confirmation or using external verification sources.
• Operational Verification: It ensures that the applicant is authorized to represent the organization and that the domain is controlled by the entity.
• Cross-checking: Databases such as Dun & Bradstreet or local business registers are used to eliminate the risk of identity forgery.

Visual Indicators

• Historically, EV certificates activated a green address bar in browsers, displaying the verified name of the organization (e.g., 🔒 XYZ Corporation). Currently, in newer browser versions (Chrome 93+, Firefox 89+), the EV indicator is presented by a clickable padlock, with the organization’s details visible in the certificate information panel (fields Subject: organizationName and Subject: jurisdiction).
• The certificate contains a unique Object Identifier (OID) in the certificatePolicies extension (e.g., 2.23.140.1.1) that signals the validation level to the browser.

Certificate Structure

• The Subject DN (Distinguished Name) fields are filled out in strict accordance with the organization’s legal data.
• The Subject Alternative Name (SAN) extension may include additional domains, provided they are verified.
• Cryptographic keys with a minimum length of 2048 bits (RSA) or 256 bits (ECC) must be used, in accordance with NIST SP 800-57.

Applications and Benefits

• Increased User Trust: EV reduces phishing risk by confirming the identity of the entity.
• Compliance: It is required in regulated sectors (e.g., finance, e-government) to meet standards such as PCI DSS, eIDAS, or GDPR.
• SEO and Performance: Although EV does not directly affect ranking algorithms, it indirectly reduces the bounce rate through enhanced trust.

Limitations and Controversies

• Cost and Issuance Time: The process usually takes 5–10 business days and is significantly more expensive than DV/OV (check our prices: Extended Validation SSL Certificates).
• Evolution of Browser UI: The reduced visibility of the green bar has diminished the perceived benefits for end users, although EV remains important in the context of security audits.

The EV SSL certificate is a cryptographic tool that combines advanced authentication mechanisms with legal and organizational verification, dedicated to entities requiring maximum transparency and reduced cyber risk.