An invention for certifying a virtual entity in a virtual universe is disclosed. A virtual business may opt to register with a security certificate administration center to obtain a security certificate. A user of another virtual entity is provided with an ability to initiate a verifying process to check whether a security certificate symbol or a graphic resembling a security certificate symbol represents a valid security certificate. Virtual universe client and server software may be modified to enable a secured connection between the user and the security certificate administration center for the verification.