Unlike the familiar static site seals, the DigiCert Smart Seal is animated, and when rolled over displays information about the site's security within the seal.

Site owners can embed their own logo in the seal, but this is subject to DigiCert being able to verify they are entitled to use that logo.

"HTTPS has changed in recent years, and consumers can no longer rely on just looking for the lock — they need to look beyond the lock for assurance and trust that they are visiting the legitimate website," said DigiCert senior director of business development Dean Coclin.

"The DigiCert Smart Seal takes site seals into a modern era in a way that helps organisations demonstrate that they take security seriously, and that gives their end-customers peace of mind."

He added "With the web now enforcing HTTPS by default and cybercriminals using TLS certificates, users need additional ways to protect themselves online. The DigiCert Smart Seal may not prevent all web spoofing and fraud, but it's an important step forward in providing a powerful trust indicator that brands can control for their customers."

The DigiCert Smart Seal is included with all DigiCert Secure Site and DigiCert Secure Site Pro certificates.

To see DigiCert's own Smart Seal in action, scroll to the foot of https://www.digicert.com/.