What is Domain Control Validation?

Meaning

Domain Control Validation (DCV) is a process used by Certificate Authorities (CAs) to verify that the applicant for an SSL/TLS certificate is authorized to use the domain for which the certificate is requested. In essence, it's a way for CAs to confirm you own or control the domain before issuing a certificate. This ensures that the certificate, and the secure connection it enables, are issued to the rightful owner of the domain.

Benefits

Blocks Unauthorized Certificate Issuance

It is one of the biggest threats in cybersecurity situations that might involve attackers seeking and acquiring an SSL/TLS certificate corresponding to a domain they do not own.

Once a cybercriminal acquires and becomes a trusted level with a certificate associated with a domain, a convincing phishing website can be created, interception of sensitive data can be undertaken, and man-in-the-middle (MITM) attacks can be launched.

DCV is therefore a first line of defense from such threats, ensuring that only the genuine domain owner or an authorized representative can acquire an SSL certificate.

Better Website Security

Basically, it's about enhancing security for one's website. Because of ever-increasing cyber threats that can potentially put user data at risk during transit, any web owner ought to make users' data secure.

An SSL/TLS certificate encrypts data traveling between a user's computer and a website, making it impossible for hackers to get valuable information, such as usernames and passwords, credit card details, or personal information.

However, the certificate must be obtained only by the legitimate owner of the domain for the encryption to be viable.

Ensures Compliance with Industry Standards

It ensures compliance with industry standards. According to the CA/Browser Forum, consisting of Certificate Authorities and vendor companies, DCV is a crucial milestone in the issuance of an issuance of SSL/TLS certificate.

CAs are supposed to relay strict procedure P for DCV so that it complies with the rules of the industry and retains trust.

Otherwise, a browser can declare a certificate issued by a CA as an untrusted certificate, which will alert users from visiting that website when browsing the Internet.

In addition to this, a number of regulations such as PCI DSS and the GDPR stress the need to communicate sensitive information between entities that properly have such licenses.

The right DCV engenders compliance with the security requirements defined over these legal frameworks that allow avoidance of business penalties or reputational loss.

Source

What is Domain Control Validation (DCV)? Methods & Common Mistakes