Internet security never looked the same after Netscape Communications created the SSL certificate in 1994. Looking at the Internet’s growing popularity then, it was easy to see it becoming a dangerous medium in not-so-distant future. Developers at Netscape took the cue and started putting in the effort to utilize strong encryption algorithms in the forming of an SSL certificate, to make sure the important data stored on the web is only seen by the intended parties. Thanks to their earnest efforts; today, Secure Socket Layer (SSL) certificates have become an integral element of website security, especially in case of e-commerce and banking websites.
SSL certificates are issued by Certificate Authorities (CAs), who manage security credentials and public keys for the actual message encryption. As Internet users became more aware of Cyber Security, SSL certificates became the most sought after solution to fight cyber crime. And it still is today, when it comes to safely securing a website. Which is why, the average buyer today is spoiled with the numerous CAs distributing a variety of SSL certificates in the market.
In comes Symantec, and now it is very easy for buyers to zero in on a highly qualified and proven CA for issuing a trusted SSL certificate. Over the years, Symantec has maintained its position of being the top trusted CA distributing SSL certificates worldwide.
Symantec – Behind the Brand
Founded by Gary Hendix in 1982, Symantec is headquartered today in Mountain View, California. Although Symantec was originally focused on projects related to artificial intelligence, which included database programming, etc. But its association with SSL certificate was established later on when the internet-security giant, VeriSign sold its unit of business for trust & authentication services to Symantec which not only included SSL certificates, but Public Key Infrastructure, Verisign Trust Seal & Verisign Identity Protection services.
Today Symantec is undoubtedly the most trusted SSL certificate provider that continues to work diligently to create tremendous brand equity and offer a unique blend of the latest technology, protection and efficient, yet extremely effective services to all its customers.
According to a survey conducted by Netcraft in April 2012, Symantec had issued the highest number of active SSL certificates in the world. 811,511 to be exact, installed SSL certificates that year put them ahead of the nearest competitor by a difference of more than 200,000 certificates. This clearly indicates Symantec’s leadership in the market of global SSL certificate. Current data has sustained Symantec’s market position which deepens the trust organizations have in Symantec.
SSL and Trust
Both these terms go hand in hand when we are talking about InternetSecurity. Certificate Authorities like Symantec go through highly meticulous audits to earn the recognition of a ‘trusted issuer’ of digital certificates. Before issuance, every certificate offered by Symantec is vetted carefully. No partners or third parties take up this verification process on behalf of Symantec.
Choosing a Certificate Authority is very important. Here, you need to know that its root is trusted in browsers and that the CA has reputation that will enhance the trust.
Symantec SSL Features
Apart from these efficient traits mentioned above, there are also few a Additional Features that add up to Symantec’s credentials.
- Strong Browser Compatibility: Symantec certificates are nearly 100% compatible with all the mobile and desktop browsers.
- Revocation & Replacement for Free: For all the certificates with same SAN numbers, revocation and replacement is available with management console free of cost.
- Symantec Trust Center Account: With a mere login you can now view the status of your order, manage malware scanning, renew an expired certificate or download a backup certificate.
- SAN Support: With Symantec, you can now include as many as 24 additional domains in the field of subject alternative names for Unified Communications and other uses. Installation Checker: Part of our free SSL tools, this applet is used to verify the correct installation of an SSL certificate.
- Internationalized Domain Name: You can secure your websites with IDN support.
- Unlimited Server Licensing: You can purchase licenses for multiple servers by hosting a single domain name. They are used for redundant server backups, server load balancing and SSL accelerators.
Security Seals – the backbone of Trust
Norton Secured Seal
This little black checkmark on an yellow circle has a capacity to incur a tremendous amount of trust coming from millions of web-users across the world. As per the Consumer Research, January 2011, the Norton Secured® Seal is recognized by almost 77% of consumers, when compared to other competing trust marks that are available on the web.
Assuring more than 40 million Norton Safe Web consumers that the site has been authenticated by Symantec, Norton Secured Seal offers significant value to Symantec customers, who display it. It is apparent after looking at the increase in consumers’ confidence & sale and a subsequent decrease in shopping cart abandonment. Over the years, the correct usage and placement of seal on the websites have built the value of the seal by establishing a familiar mark which is preferred by consumers.
The Norton Secured® Seal, when displayed on a website, a strong message is sent across that suggests that end-users’ identity will be protected by Symantec Internet Infrastructure. However, the placement of this seal on the website is also a significant aspect. Website owners need to place it on the site wherever it is that the visitors need to be assured about the site’s authenticity and security.
Symantec brand, in association with Norton provides all the consumers the ultimate confidence which is needed to execute online transactions and other activities on the Internet that requires integrity.
Seal-In-Search
All SSL certificates by Symantec come with this feature of ‘Seal-in-Search’ as a standard. This technology displays Norton’s Secured Seal placed next to your company details when you launch a search in a search engine.
Among all the other results listed by the search engine, the website with Seal-In-Search stands out. This leads to an increased number of click-through, sales and conversions. In fact, as per Symantec US Online Consumer Study, February 2011, 94% of people say they are more likely make a purchase after looking at Norton Secured Seal.
Along with the rise in cases of identity theft and cyber crimes, customers’ reluctance has heightened to browse a website that doesn’t look safe to them. Norton Secured Seal are viewed about half a billion times a day on more than 100,000 websites across 170 countries. This seal-placement suggests that that website is trusted by Symantec™. This increases the clicks for that website by almost 18.5%, as per TheFind.com.
Symantec Product Range
As we explore the extensive range of certificates offered by Symantec, the top-notch services and excellent variety offered here makes it quite obvious why Symantec achieves highest number of SSL certificates issued worldwide.
1. Symantec Secure Site Pro with EV
Enable Server Grated Cryptography (SGC) with this certificate to ensure strong encryption.
- Extended Validation with green address bar and organization name display
- Multi SAN certificate – Secures up to 25 domains
- 99.9% browser recognition
- Encryption level – 256-bit (even in old browsers)
- SGC Enabled
- Uses chained certificates
- Single Server – Additional server license can be purchased
- Assured Re-Issuance
- NetSure warranty of $1,500,000
- 30 Days money back guarantee
- Issuance Time – 2-3 week
2. Symantec Secure Site with EV
Get the Green-URL confidence with this certificate.
- EV; Green URL and display organization’s name
- Multi SAN certificate – secure up to 25 domains
- 99.9% browser recognition
- Encryption Strength – minimum 40-bit to 256-bit maximum.
- Free Norton™ Secured Seal, Installation Checker, Vulnerability Assessment, Malware Scanning & Actionable Report
- $1,500,000 warranty
- Chained certificates are used
- Single server – additional server licensees can be purchased
- Issuance Time – 2-3 weeks
- Free self-service re-issues.
3. Symantec Secure Site Pro
Protect your business against cyber threats with Symantec’s Secure Site Pro.
- 2048 bit root certificate and 256-bit encryption
- Free Norton™ Secured Seal, Installation Checker, Vulnerability Assessment, Malware Scanning & Actionable Report
- $1,250,000 warranty – it is the highest warranty for a non-EV certificate
- 99.9% mobile and browser compatibility
- Issuance Time > 2 days; Express delivery
- Full organization validation
- Private IP addresses allowed
- Secure multiple domains on a single IP address
- Certificate reflects domain and business name
4. Symantec Secure Site
Acertain trust in customers with Symantec SSL certificates
- Encryption Strength – 40-bit to 256-bit
- Up to 25 domains can be secured
- 99.9% mobile and browser compatibility
- Highest non-EV/ non-SGC warranty of $1,000,000
- Daily Malware scanning
- Chained certificates used
- Issued in less than 5 days
- Free, unlimited self-service re-issues and Installation Guides
- Customer Portal to manage new and existing orders
- 30 days money back guarantee
- Private IP address allowed
- Certificate shows Domain & Business details
- Free Installation Checker and Norton Secured Seal
- Secure multiple domains on single servers that support SNI
5. Symantec Code Signing Certificate
Shrink-wrap your code for safe distribution
- Authenticate processes to verify publisher identity
- Digital Signature available for Microsoft Authenticode, VBA and Office, Sun Java, Adobe AIR and Macromedia Shockwave
- Let your customers know your code is intact and safe to download
- It includes warranty of $125,000
- Get rid of disrupting security warnings
- Time-Stamping to lower the total cost
- Valid Code Signing certificate for Unlimited Signing
- Sign Kernel-Mode software and device drivers
6. Symantec Individual Code Signing Certificate
Safely distribute your trustworthy code on the web as an individual. Its traits and benefits are same as that found in thhe regular Code Signing Certificate mentioned above.
7. Symantec Secure Site Wildcard
Secure Multiple Domains with single certificate
- Efficiently secure unlimited number of sub-domains on single domain name
- 256-bit encryption
- 99.9% browser compatibility
- 30 days money back guarantee
- Warranty price $500,000
- Issuance Period: 1-2 days
- Free lifetime self-service reissues and Norton™ Secured Seal
- Option of Installation Support available