SSL.com Expands Reach with VikingCloud Acquisition, Challenges PCI DSS Norms

By Carol Moore, AI in Healthcare: Innovation & Implementation

Houston, TX – November 7, 2025 – SSL.com has expanded its footprint in the digital certificate market with the acquisition of VikingCloud’s digital certificate customer portfolio. The move consolidates a competitive landscape while simultaneously positioning SSL.com to benefit from VikingCloud’s innovative approach to cybersecurity compliance, most notably the Compliance and Validation Exemption Program (C-VEP), a potential disruptor to traditional PCI DSS standards.

SSL.com, a globally trusted Certificate Authority (CA) founded in 2002, announced the acquisition earlier this week. While financial details remain undisclosed, the deal clearly demonstrates a strategic push to expand market share and service a broader customer base. “This acquisition brings a valued group of certificate users into the SSL.com global community,” stated Leo Grove, Founder and CEO of SSL.com in the official press release. “We have the infrastructure, expertise, and dedicated team in place to ensure these customers experience a smooth transition.”

Consolidation in a Competitive Market
The digital certificate market has seen increased consolidation in recent years, with larger players acquiring smaller entities to achieve economies of scale and expand their service offerings. Industry analysts predict continued growth in this sector, projecting a compound annual growth rate of 12% through 2028. SSL.com’s acquisition of VikingCloud’s customer base aligns with this trend, strengthening its position amongst competitors such as DigiCert, Sectigo, and Let's Encrypt.

“We're seeing a natural progression in the market,” explained one industry consultant who wished to remain anonymous. “Smaller CAs often lack the resources to maintain the stringent security requirements and audit compliance needed to remain competitive. This leads to consolidation, with larger players like SSL.com absorbing their customer base.”

VikingCloud Refocuses on Compliance Innovation

While exiting the direct certificate business, VikingCloud is not retreating from the cybersecurity arena. Instead, the company is strategically refocusing its efforts on developing and deploying innovative compliance solutions, with the C-VEP program taking center stage. Designed as an alternative to the often-complex and costly PCI DSS (Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard) compliance process, C-VEP aims to simplify cybersecurity for small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs).

“PCI DSS compliance can be a significant burden for SMBs,” noted another expert source familiar with VikingCloud’s strategy. “The cost of implementation, ongoing maintenance, and the risk of failing an audit can be prohibitive. C-VEP offers a potentially more streamlined and affordable path to achieving a reasonable level of security.”

C-VEP achieves this by focusing on validating core security practices and employing a risk-based approach, rather than requiring adherence to the full scope of PCI DSS requirements. While it may not be universally accepted by all payment processors, C-VEP offers a viable solution for businesses that struggle with the complexities of traditional compliance.

A Disruptive Approach to Compliance?

The emergence of alternatives to PCI DSS raises important questions about the future of cybersecurity compliance. While PCI DSS remains the gold standard for many organizations, its rigid requirements can be challenging for SMBs to meet. C-VEP, and similar programs, offer a more flexible and adaptable approach, potentially lowering the barrier to entry for secure online transactions.

“The key is finding the right balance between security and usability,” said one cybersecurity consultant. “PCI DSS is comprehensive, but it’s not always practical for smaller businesses. C-VEP provides a different path, but it’s important to understand its limitations and ensure it meets the specific needs of your organization.”

However, experts caution that C-VEP is not a complete replacement for PCI DSS. Businesses accepting credit card payments must carefully evaluate their risk profile and choose a compliance solution that adequately protects their customers' data. Acceptance of C-VEP by all payment processors is also critical for widespread adoption.

SSL.com’s Strategic Vision

SSL.com’s acquisition of VikingCloud’s customer base represents more than just a market consolidation play. It’s a strategic move to expand the company’s service offerings and position itself as a provider of comprehensive security solutions. By incorporating C-VEP into its portfolio, SSL.com can cater to a wider range of customers, including SMBs that may not require the full scope of PCI DSS compliance.

“SSL.com is clearly looking to broaden its appeal beyond traditional certificate services,” commented an industry analyst. “By embracing innovative compliance solutions like C-VEP, they can attract new customers and differentiate themselves from the competition.”

The acquisition also demonstrates SSL.com’s commitment to supporting a more secure online ecosystem. By providing affordable and accessible compliance solutions, the company can help businesses of all sizes protect their customers' data and build trust in the digital world.

Looking Ahead

The SSL.com and VikingCloud deal signals a potential shift in the cybersecurity landscape. While the long-term impact of C-VEP remains to be seen, it represents a promising alternative to traditional compliance standards, particularly for SMBs. As the threat landscape continues to evolve, innovative compliance solutions will be crucial for protecting businesses and consumers alike. SSL.com's ability to integrate C-VEP effectively and expand its service offerings will be key to its future success. The move also underscores the growing importance of flexible, risk-based approaches to cybersecurity, tailored to the specific needs of individual organizations.