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What is the Difference Between a Certified Domain and an SSL Certificate?

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Last Updated: September 17, 2007 5:58 PM

Though relying on somewhat similar authentication procedures — including verification of requester's contact information and domain registration control — SSL certificates and a Certified Domain serve different purposes.

An SSL certificate enables a secure, encrypted connection between a visitor's Web browser and a Web site's server, thus keeping transactions safe from tampering and interception. A Certified Domain simply informs Web site visitors that the registration and control of the Web site's domain name has been validated. A Certified Domain does not establish a secure connection.