DeVore Technologies

There are many Certification Authorities (CAs) currently offering digital certificates, each with various certificate products. For the first time user of digital certificates it is often difficult to make an informed purchase decision. Equally, experienced users may not have a full understanding of certain finer points relating to the products that are available on the market.

We aim to provide impartial advice on how to approach the purchase of SSL certificates while at the same time clarifying certain issues relating to the product and industry which are often misunderstood. Our hope is that you find the information provided of assistance in making the right purchase for your business and security needs.

1. When do you need to use a digital certificate?
Securing transmission of financial information in ecommerce is currently the major application of SSL certificates. However, with incidence of identity theft on the rise, protection of personally identifiable information is becoming ever more important. This category of data would include identity and social security numbers, as well as e-mail addresses.

So, if you are handling financial transactions on your web site, there is no question that SSL certificates are required. If you are managing sensitive customer data, the use of SSL certificates is worth serious consideration – especially if customer/member security and privacy is high on your list of priorities.

2. Why use a digital certificate?
There are two main reasons why you should make use of a digital certificate:

1. To prove your company's (or your server's) identity online and in so doing create a sense of trust and confidence in using your web site.

2. To offer protection of the data submitted to your web site (or between servers) through the use of encryption. Should any information be intercepted, it will be unintelligible without the unique key used for decryption. When evaluating a certificate product, make sure it delivers on each of these requirements.

Thawte was one of the first recognized Certification Authorities to begin selling digital certificates. Approaching a decade of doing business, we continue to be industry leaders. We have also solidified our position as a trusted partner for hundreds of thousands of businesses around the world - in an industry where trust is everything.

Thawte offers the most stringent authentication and verification procedures and is one of the most respected Certification Authorities globally. Encryption without authentication is misleading. Even with low-level authentication, potential for fraud can arise. And that's the difference a thawte digital certificate makes.