Extended Validation Secure Socket Layer (EV SSL) Certificates

PNC uses Extended Validation Secure Socket Layer (EV SSL) to help you recognize when you are at the legitimate PNC website and not a "spoofed" site created by fraudsters for purposes of illegally obtaining your personal and financial information. EV SSL signifies that PNC has passed a rigorous identity authentication process that triggers the browser address bar to display https:// in the URL.

Behind the scenes, Certificate Authorities go through a stringent set of requirements to verify the identity of the organization and its ownership of the website. The website owner’s identity is available to view by clicking on the lock next to the URL. See examples below for how PNC’s identity is viewed within various browsers.

Chrome

Chrome display for an EV SSL Certificate

Edge

Edge display for an EV SSL Certificate

Firefox

Firefox display for an EV SSL Certificate

Where is the green bar?

In the past, websites that used Extended Validation (EV) certificates for securing user traffic were given a special indicator in major browsers, such as a prominent green bar highlighting the name of the organization that owns the site. Previously, when users saw the green bar, they would have more assurance that the website is run by a legitimate business owner.

However, as usage patterns and best practices changed over time, usability studies indicated that these EV indicators did not improve users’ safe browsing practices overall and may contribute to a false sense of security when users make assumptions about a website’s overall security beyond what the EV indicator is meant to convey.

Therefore, starting in 2018, all major browsers gradually removed the EV indicator or made it less prominent. Users can be assured that the Certificate Authority applied the same due diligence in verifying the identity of the website owner by clicking on the lock as noted above.

Extended Validation Secure Socket Layer (EV SSL) is another way that PNC is helping you to make better and safer decisions when you transact with us online.

To learn more about how PNC protects you online and how you can protect yourself, review PNC security & privacy.