In today’s digital age, ensuring the security of your website is more important than ever. As cyber threats continue to evolve, both users and search engines have become increasingly vigilant about the legitimacy of online platforms. For businesses that depend on trust, nothing signals authenticity more clearly than a DigiCert Extended Validation (EV) SSL Certificate. In this step-by-step tutorial, we’ll walk you through the detailed process of installing and managing a DigiCert EV SSL Certificate in 2025, empowering you to safeguard your digital assets and inspire confidence in your users.
Why Choose DigiCert EV SSL Certificates?
DigiCert has long been recognized as a leader in digital security, providing best-in-class SSL/TLS certificate solutions. EV SSL Certificates offer the highest level of authentication which goes beyond encryption—these certificates validate your organization’s legal existence, operational status, and domain ownership.
When correctly installed, a DigiCert EV SSL Certificate activates the padlock in the address bar and typically includes your verified legal business name, providing a clear sign of legitimacy.
Pre-Installation Checklist
Before installing your DigiCert EV SSL certificate, it’s important to prepare adequately. Here are a few items that should be ready:
- Verified Organization Details – Ensure your business is legally registered and your contact details are up to date.
- Access to Your Web Hosting Platform – You’ll need administrative access to your server or control panel.
- Certificate Signing Request (CSR) – Generated from your server, this is required to request your certificate.
If you are unsure how to generate a CSR, DigiCert offers tools and documentation to simplify the process.
Step-by-Step Guide to Installing a DigiCert EV SSL Certificate
Step 1: Purchase and Request Your EV SSL Certificate
Visit DigiCert’s official website and choose an EV SSL certificate that fits your organizational needs. After purchase, you’ll begin the issuance process, starting with submitting your CSR and verifying your organization’s credentials.
DigiCert performs a thorough vetting process for EV certificates, so be prepared to provide:
- Proof of organization registration
- Confirmation of business location and phone number
- Verification of domain ownership
This verification process may take between 1–5 business days. DigiCert’s validation team will contact you directly if additional information is required.
Step 2: Receive and Download Your EV SSL Certificate
Upon successful validation, you will receive an email with your certificate files. Typically, this will include:
- Your SSL certificate (.crt file)
- Intermediate certificate bundles
Download these and save them securely. You will need these files to complete the installation process.
Step 3: Install the Certificate on Your Server
Installation steps vary depending on your web hosting setup. Below are some common environments:
- For Apache: Update your httpd.conf or ssl.conf file with the paths to your SSL certificate, private key, and intermediate certificate files.
- For Nginx: Combine your certificate and intermediate files into one .pem file. Reference your certificate and key in the server block.
- For IIS: Use the IIS Manager to complete the certificate import and binding to your website.
After updating your server configuration files, restart the web service to apply changes. Always test installation using DigiCert’s SSL Certificate Checker to validate proper setup.
Step 4: Configure Security Settings and Redirect HTTPS
Once your EV SSL certificate is installed, it’s essential to enforce a secure environment:
- Update your site’s configuration to redirect all HTTP traffic to HTTPS.
- Enable HTTP Strict Transport Security (HSTS) to force browsers to use secure connections.
- Test various endpoints to ensure complete HTTPS coverage.
It’s also advisable to review your certificate’s chain of trust and verify that all intermediate certificates are correctly installed.
Managing DigiCert EV SSL Certificates
Installing your certificate is only the beginning. Proper management over time ensures your site’s ongoing security and compliance.
Renewal Procedures
EV SSL certificates usually have a lifespan of 12 months. DigiCert will typically start sending renewal reminders 90 days before expiration.
- Prepare Early: Begin organizational verification at least 30 days in advance.
- Regenerate Your CSR: Using a new private key whenever renewing is a security best practice.
- Install Like New: Go through the installation process as you did initially. This avoids potential disruptions.
Post-renewal, always clear your server cache and conduct SSL checks to ensure continuity.
Certificate Revocation
If your private key is compromised or your website is no longer active under the same business structure, it’s crucial to revoke your EV SSL certificate.
Contact DigiCert support immediately. You can also initiate revocation through your DigiCert account panel under “Certificates” by choosing the “Revoke” option and providing a valid reason.
Monitoring and Reporting
Keeping an eye on your certificate status protects you from potential lapses:
- Use monitoring tools to receive alerts for upcoming expirations.
- Regularly audit server configurations to maintain security compliance.
- Run quarterly vulnerability scans to detect server-side flaws.
Common Challenges and Troubleshooting Tips
Even with the most meticulous approach, you may encounter some obstacles. Here are solutions to common issues:
- Browser Warnings: Double-check intermediate certificate chains and domain name accuracy.
- Certificate Mismatch: Ensure that the installed certificate matches the CSR details submitted during issuance.
- Server Errors: Review server logs and configurations. Invalid paths or file permissions are often the culprit.
Always have a backup of your private key and CSR in a secure location. Losing these files can result in extended downtime and a complete reissuance process.
Conclusion
Installing and managing a DigiCert EV SSL certificate in 2025 is a strategic move that positions your brand as credible and secure in a competitive digital market. Though the steps may seem intensive, the trust you establish and the protection you gain are well worth the effort.
Maintain a proactive schedule, adhere to best practices, and leverage DigiCert’s support and tools as needed. By doing so, you not only safeguard your information but also build lasting trust with your online visitors.
