Why Let’s Encrypt Isn’t Enough for Businesses – and What Compliance Really Demands

SSL is mandatory – but not every SSL solution meets legal and audit requirements. In this article, we’ll explain why Let’s Encrypt isn’t sufficient for many businesses and what types of certificates are truly required to meet compliance standards.

1. The Great SSL Confusion

Almost every website today shows a “Secure” label in the browser bar. But what does that really mean? Technically: an encrypted connection. Legally: often not enough.

Let’s Encrypt is free, popular, and widely used – but it only offers a Domain Validation (DV) certificate. For companies with compliance requirements, that’s not enough.

2. What’s the Difference Between DV, OV, and EV?

• DV (Domain Validation): Only verifies domain ownership. No company info shown in the certificate.
• OV (Organization Validation): Verifies that a legally registered company is behind the domain. This info appears in the certificate.
• EV (Extended Validation): Highest level. In-depth verification, visibly confirms the organization’s identity to visitors.

3. The Compliance Trap: Why DV Isn’t Enough

If you process personal data, the GDPR applies. If you're certified under ISO 27001, TISAX, or BSI IT-Grundschutz, you must also prove the identity of your digital communications.

DV certificates do not fulfill these requirements. They encrypt the connection but do not verify the sender’s identity.

4. Real-World Risks from the Wrong Certificates

• Phishing: Attackers can use Let’s Encrypt to secure fake domains with real SSL certificates.
• Audit Failure: Missing proof of identity can be a major issue during ISO audits or GDPR reviews.
• Reputational Damage: Customers expect visible security and verified businesses.

5. The Solution: When Companies Need OV or EV

A simple rule of thumb:

Type	Suitable For
DV	Private use, internal systems, test sites
OV	Businesses with contact forms, login areas, or customer data
EV	Public institutions, law firms, banks, shops with customer accounts

OV certificates are the new baseline for secure and professional business communication online.

6. Conclusion

Let’s Encrypt is good – but not good enough for businesses. If you take compliance seriously, you need at least an OV certificate. It builds trust, verifies your company’s identity, and protects you during audits or security incidents.

Ready to upgrade to legally compliant SSL certificates with verified identity?