Does the brand name matter for a SSL EV certificate?

Question

Do end users really care if a SSL EV certificate is from VeriSign, Thwate, DigiCert, or etc.? A certificate from VeriSign can cost up to 3x the cost from DigiCert for the same basic features. VeriSign is probably the most recognizable brand name though.

I've had many discussions with people about this topic, but I've never seen any real data (from studies, surveys, etc.) to support the idea that end users will feel more secure using your site when they see the VeriSign seal vs. the DigiCert seal.

Does anyone have any real data to back up this idea?

Answer 1

It really depends on your customer. If you are just serving to the general public, it's not going to make a big deal, because a lot of people don't even care as long as they see that little lock. If you are dealing with a more technical system, possibly a web service where other developers are accessing sensitive data, you might run into some more "religious" people who insist that one is better than the other.

Answer 2

No. The reason Verisign can charge more is that as one of the very first CAs they are recognised by more legacy and obscure browsers.

Answer 3

The closest thing to any empirical data that I could find were these customer reviews.

Answer 4

I haven't seen much data on this either. The products are functionally the same. It seems hard to justify spending that much more on on a VeriSign certificate unless you are absolutely sure it will get you more money in the long run.

Answer 5

I assume you're considering the fact that the EV provider might be giving you a logo to put on your site - during checkout or whatever. I'm not worried at all about people clicking on the lock and seeing a company they don't trust.

Companies with the word 'trust' are going to look better than those without - as far as an SSL validation seal logo goes.

Some SSL seals i've seen just look plain awful. Check out the logo in advance before you buy.