Internet has opened up endless possibilities for businesses, organizations, and individuals to establish an online presence and connect with a global audience. However, with these opportunities also come risks, as the openness of the web makes it possible for malicious actors to impersonate legitimate entities.
DNS validation
This method relies on checking that the domain name resolves to the correct IP address that hosts the site. DNS verification is performed using online tools and by investigating the domain’s DNS records. While DNS validation confirms that a domain leads to a live website, it does not authenticate the actual ownership and legitimacy of the site. However, it does help weed out “fake” domains that don’t properly resolve. DNS verification provides a starting point before moving on to more thorough validation methods.
SSL certificates
Most legitimate websites use SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) encryption to protect user data in transit. An SSL certificate verifies domain ownership and activates the padlock and HTTPS protocol users see in their browsers. Publicly trusted certificate authorities (CAs) issue different validation levels of SSL certificates after vetting the business registering the domain according to industry standards:
- Domain Validation (DV SSL): Validates domain ownership only.
- Organization Validation (OV SSL): Verifies domain and authenticates the company’s identity.
- Extended Validation (EV SSL): The highest level of vetting to validate an organization’s legal, operational, and physical existence. Displays green bar in the browser address field.
While DV SSL demonstrates basic domain ownership, OV and EV certificates provide robust third-party website authentication of an online entity. The thorough 먹튀사이트 검증 process to issue OV and EV SSLs gives customers increased trust in the site.
Government registration
For companies and non-profit organizations operating a website, registering with the appropriate government agency acts as a verification method. Official government registration demonstrates that the entity has gone through the necessary procedures to legally operate in that jurisdiction. For example, in the U.S. businesses register with the Secretary of State in their state to get an official Certificate of Status. Charities register with the IRS to become tax-exempt 501c non-profits. Users look up the entity on the government agency’s website for confirmation.
Published business listings
There are many curated online directories that list verified, legitimate businesses. These include Google My Business, Yellow Pages, Yelp, and industry-specific directories. Local businesses commonly claim and optimize their Google My Business listing to show up prominently in local search results with their address, website, photos, and services. Users help confirm the validity of a small business website by cross-checking the official listing. For larger brands, being listed in reputable business directories also boost legitimacy. However, as with seals and badges, some directories may provide only superficial verification. Checking for consistent NAP (name, address, phone number) data helps gauge listing accuracy.
About us page details
The “About Us” or “About” page is one of the most important pages on a company website. This section should provide background on the business, its history, and key personnel. Beyond general PR statements, authentic about pages will contain:
- Origins of the business, founding date, and founders.
- Bios of owners and executives.
- Physical business addresses and contact details.
- Details on core business activities and offerings.
- Industry certifications, awards, and community involvement.
- Timeline chronicling major milestones and events.
While specifics vary by business type, reputable sites provide substantive company information on their About page. The absence of an about page or the inclusion of only vague descriptions may be warning signs.
