To manually authenticate an SSL certificate
1) Why authenticate an SSL certificate
The presence of a lock and HTTPS in the address bar does not always guarantee that the casino site is safe. Fraudsters can use fake or expired certificates. Manual verification allows you to make sure that the certificate is issued by a reliable center, is relevant and belongs to this particular operator.
2) Step-by-step certificate authentication
Step 1. Open certificate information
Click on the lock icon to the left of the site address.
Select Connection Information or Certificate (depending on your browser).
Step 2. Check validity period
The certificate must be valid at the time of verification.
If it is expired, the connection is no longer secure.
Step 3. Check CA
Make sure that the certificate is issued by a well-known and reputable center: DigiCert, Sectigo, GlobalSign, Let's Encrypt, etc.
If CA is unknown or questionable, trust in the site declines dramatically.
Step 4. Verify domain name
The certificate must indicate exactly the domain name you entered.
If the address differs by at least a symbol, it can be a phishing site.
Step 5. Define the certificate level
DV - only domain checked.
OV - Owner organization verified.
EV - extended inspection of the company.
For online casinos, OV or EV is preferred.
Step 6. Map Owner Data
For OV and EV certificates, the company name will be indicated in the information.
It must match the name specified in the casino terms and conditions and in the license.
3) Additional verification methods
Through SSL analysis services: SSL Labs, Qualys SSL Test - give a detailed assessment of the certificate configuration.
Checking domain history: WHOIS services will show how long the site has been registered and whether there are changes in the owner.
Comparison with a casino license: the data of the certificate holder and the license must match.
4) Signs of unsafe or fake certificate
Expired or certificate is about to expire and not renewed.
Unknown or questionable certification authority.
The domain in the certificate does not match the site address.
Lack of owner information at the declared OV/EV level.
Browser errors or warnings when connecting.
Conclusion:
The presence of a lock and HTTPS in the address bar does not always guarantee that the casino site is safe. Fraudsters can use fake or expired certificates. Manual verification allows you to make sure that the certificate is issued by a reliable center, is relevant and belongs to this particular operator.
2) Step-by-step certificate authentication
Step 1. Open certificate information
Click on the lock icon to the left of the site address.
Select Connection Information or Certificate (depending on your browser).
Step 2. Check validity period
The certificate must be valid at the time of verification.
If it is expired, the connection is no longer secure.
Step 3. Check CA
Make sure that the certificate is issued by a well-known and reputable center: DigiCert, Sectigo, GlobalSign, Let's Encrypt, etc.
If CA is unknown or questionable, trust in the site declines dramatically.
Step 4. Verify domain name
The certificate must indicate exactly the domain name you entered.
If the address differs by at least a symbol, it can be a phishing site.
Step 5. Define the certificate level
DV - only domain checked.
OV - Owner organization verified.
EV - extended inspection of the company.
For online casinos, OV or EV is preferred.
Step 6. Map Owner Data
For OV and EV certificates, the company name will be indicated in the information.
It must match the name specified in the casino terms and conditions and in the license.
3) Additional verification methods
Through SSL analysis services: SSL Labs, Qualys SSL Test - give a detailed assessment of the certificate configuration.
Checking domain history: WHOIS services will show how long the site has been registered and whether there are changes in the owner.
Comparison with a casino license: the data of the certificate holder and the license must match.
4) Signs of unsafe or fake certificate
Expired or certificate is about to expire and not renewed.
Unknown or questionable certification authority.
The domain in the certificate does not match the site address.
Lack of owner information at the declared OV/EV level.
Browser errors or warnings when connecting.
Conclusion:
- Manual SSL certificate verification is an easy but effective way to verify the authenticity and security of an online casino site. By checking the expiration date, owner, domain and certification authority, the player can avoid phishing attacks and data theft. For maximum protection, choose a casino with OV or EV certificates issued by reputable centers.
