VRSN: VeriSign Issues First Ever Extended Validation SSL Certificate in Support of IE7 and Microsoft Vista Launch

VeriSign, Inc., (NASDAQ: VRSN), the leading provider of intelligent infrastructure for the networked world, today announced the general availability of its Extended Validation (EV) SSL Certificates, which help protect users against online fraudulent activity by providing third party verification of a Web site’s authenticity. These new certificates support Microsoft’s IE7 and Vista operating system and also incorporate VeriSign’s unique EV Upgrader technology enabling all Windows XP clients using IE7 to display the same green address bar and other interface enhancements as Windows Vista clients. VeriSign issued the first of these certificates to Overstock.com, one of the largest online retailers in North America.

"As one of the first Web sites to implement the new VeriSign Extended Validation SSL Certificates, Overstock.com continues to demonstrate leadership in making online shopping safer," said Jacob Hawkins, senior vice president of marketing at Overstock.com. "When customers see the green browser bar and trusted VeriSign Secured Seal on our site, they can be confident that their online transactions are secure."

VeriSign’s Extended Validation SSL Certificates help maximize consumer confidence when visiting Web sites by providing a visual cue that these sites are who they claim to be and that their online transactions are secured by encryption. When a user enters a URL in a supporting high-security browser such as IE7, the browser address bar will turn green, indicating that the site’s identity has been verified using known, reliable authentication methodology. The green browser bar will also display the registered organization’s name and the name of the SSL provider, which allows site visitors to confirm the genuine name of the businesses they are interacting with online.

“As the most recognized sign of trust on the Internet, VeriSign is the SSL provider of choice for over 93% of the Fortune 500, 47 of the 50 biggest e-commerce sites, and the world’s 40 largest banks,” said Chris Babel, vice president and general manager, SSL, for VeriSign. “As of last Wednesday, we’ve been issuing the industry’s first EV certificates. These new certificates continue our tradition of assuring site visitors that their personal and financial information is safe during online transactions.”

VeriSign’s EV SSL Certificates include EV Upgrader technology, which enables IE 7 users on Windows XP to display the green address bar for Web sites secured by VeriSign EV SSL Certificates. EV Upgrader utilizes the VeriSign Secured Seal to prompt the IE7 browser to safely update its VeriSign SSL roots. The VeriSign Secured Seal is currently displayed on over 65,000 Web properties and viewed by consumers approximately 100 million times per day.

“Protecting consumers online is a high priority for Microsoft and we are working hard to make the Internet a safer place. Internet Explorer 7’s support for Extended Validation SSL Certificates is another example of our dedication to this commitment,” said Markellos Diorinos, product manager for Internet Explorer at Microsoft. “As one of the industry’s recognized leaders in Web site authentication, VeriSign’s support for EV Certificates will help increase identity awareness in online transactions, thereby boosting consumer confidence.”

Pricing and Availability
Browser recognition of Extended Validation SSL certificates are expected to be activated by Microsoft Internet Explorer 7 by the end of January 2007. Through a special promotional offer, customers can purchase VeriSign SSL Certificates with EV now and save up to $500. EV Upgrader (a $300 value) is also included in this limited time offer. This offer expires January 31, 2007.

VeriSign Secure Site Pro with EV combines SGC (Server Gated Cryptography) for the best encryption protection and Extended Validation for the industry’s most vigorous authentication procedures. Buy Secure Site Pro with EV for $1299 (1-year) and save $200 off the regular one-year price, or $2495 (2-year), and save over $500 off the regular one-year price. After this limited time offer, Secure Site Pro with EV will retail for $1499 (1-year) and $2695 (2-year).