May 24

The Battle of SSL Certificate: Free SSL vs. Paid SSL

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What’s SSL certificate?

An SSL certificate is a digital certificate that is used to encrypt information sent between a website and a user’s web browser. SSL stands for Secure Sockets Layer, and it is a protocol that is used to add security to communications over the internet. When an SSL certificate is installed on a website, all information that is exchanged between the site and the user’s browser is encrypted. This helps to protect sensitive information, such as credit card numbers and passwords, from being intercepted by third parties. In order to install an SSL certificate, a website must first generate a private key and a public key. The private key is kept secret and is used to encrypt information. The public key is used by the user’s browser to decrypt information. Once the keys are generated, the SSL certificate can be installed on the server.

Why need SSL certificate?

When you browse the web, you might notice that some websites start with “HTTPS://” while others just start with “HTTP://.” The “s” in HTTPS stands for “secure.” That means that the website is using a technology called SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) to encrypt data that passes between the website and your web browser. Any website can use SSL, but you typically only see it on sites that require users to log in (like online banking) or sites that handle sensitive information (like medical websites). By encrypting this data, SSL helps to protect it from being intercepted by anyone other than the intended recipient. That’s why an SSL is often seen as a must-have for any website that handles sensitive information. It’s a simple way to help keep your site’s visitors safe.

SSL certificate free:

Setting up an SSL certificate on your website used to be a complex and expensive process, but nowadays there are plenty of free options available. An SSL is essential if you want to provide a secure connection for your users, and it can also help to boost your search engine rankings. Many web hosting providers now offer free SSL as part of their package, so it’s worth checking with yours to see if this is an option. Alternatively, there are a number of companies that offer free SSL for non-commercial websites. If you’re not sure which provider to choose, doing a quick online search should give you plenty of options to choose from. Whichever route you decide to go down, getting an SSL certificate set up on your website is now easier and more affordable than ever before.

One way to get a free SSL certificate is to sign up for a web hosting plan that includes it. Many hosting providers now offer this option, and it’s usually very affordable. Another option is to use a service like Cloudflare, which provides free SSL for websites. Finally, you can also generate your own certificate using OpenSSL. Whichever option you choose, make sure to follow the instructions carefully to ensure that your website remains secure.

  • Domain Validation SSL only: Domain Validation SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) is the industry standard for website security. It encrypts information exchanged between your site and its visitors, helping to protect against hackers and identity thieves. Domain Validation SSL certificates are the most affordable and easiest to obtain, making them a popular choice for small businesses and personal websites. However, because they only verify that you own the domain name, they provide less assurance than other types of SSL certificates. As a result, they may not be suitable for sites that handle sensitive information or transactions. If you’re not sure which type of SSL is right for your site, our team can help you choose the best option for your needs.
  • Limited Use: A free SSL certificate can be a great way to increase the security of your website without spending any money. However, there are some important limitations to consider before using one. First of all, free SSL only works for a single domain name. If you have multiple domains, you’ll need to purchase a separate certificate for each one. Additionally, free SSL is only valid for a limited time, typically 90 days. After that, you’ll need to renew it or it will expire and stop working. Finally, free SSL certificates don’t come with the same level of customer support as paid options. If you run into any problems, you’ll generally be on your own in terms of finding a solution. Despite these limitations, a free SSL can still be a helpful addition to your website’s security setup. Just be sure to keep the limitations in mind so that you can plan accordingly.
  • Short Validity Period: Free SSL certificates have a shorter validity period than paid SSL. This is because free SSL is provided by Certificate Authorities (CAs) on a trial basis, and the CA wants to make sure that you’re still using their product before they commit to providing you with a long-term certificate. As such, free SSL typically has a validity period of 3 months to 1 year. Paid SSL, on the other hand, has a validity period of 1-2 years. However, it is possible to get a free SSL with a longer validity period if you’re willing to put in the work to renew it every 3 months or so. Ultimately, whether you choose a free or paid SSL will depend on your needs and budget.
  • Insubstantial Technical Support: While free SSL certificates are a great way to save money on website security, they often come with Insubstantial Technical Support. This can be a problem if you’re not familiar with SSL or encounter any problems along the way. If you run into any issues, you’ll likely have to rely on online forums or documentation to figure things out. Paid SSL certificates typically come with better technical support, so if you’re not confident in your ability to troubleshoot problems yourself, it’s worth considering spending a little extra. In the end, it’s up to you to decide whether the potential savings are worth the risk of dealing with Insubstantial Technical Support.
  • Ambiguous Level of Trust: free SSL can be a great way to add an extra layer of security to your website. However, it’s important to be aware that free SSL may not offer the same level of trust as a paid certificate. This is because free is not subject to the same level of scrutiny as paid certificates. As a result, they may not provide the same level of assurance to website visitors. However, free SSL can still be a valuable addition to your website security, and it may be worth considering if you’re on a tight budget.
  • Warranty: If you’re looking for a free SSL, you might be wondering if it comes with a warranty. Unfortunately, most free SSL don’t include a warranty. This means that if there are any problems with the certificate, you’re on your own in terms of getting it fixed. However, this doesn’t mean that free SSL is always a bad choice. If you’re only using the certificate for personal use or for a low-traffic website, then a free SSL can be a perfectly adequate option. Just be aware that if something goes wrong, you might not be able to get any help in fixing it.
  • Ranking Factor: SSL, or Secure Sockets Layer, is a type of security protocol that helps to protect communications between devices and servers. A free SSL is a certificate that is issued at no cost to the user. While free SSL is not as robust as paid ones, it can still provide a high level of security for websites. In addition, free SSL can be a valuable ranking factor for search engines. Google, in particular, has stated that it gives preference to websites that use SSL. As a result, a free SSL can be a valuable asset for any website that is looking to improve its ranking in search results.

Paid SSL Certificates:

When it comes to staying safe online, SSL Certificates are a must. SSL, or Secure Sockets Layer, is a technology that encrypts communication between a website and its visitors. This helps to protect against hackers and other malicious actors who might try to intercept sensitive information, such as credit card numbers or login credentials. While it is possible to get a free SSL, paid certificates offer a number of advantages. For one thing, paid certificates tend to be more reliable, as they are issued by trusted authorities. Additionally, paid to comes with additional features, such as Extended Validation (EV) which provides an extra level of security. Finally, some web browsers give preference to websites that use paid SSL, which can help improve your site’s visibility and search ranking. For all these reasons, investing in a paid SSL Certificate is well worth the cost.

  •  Variety of Choices: There is a variety of paid SSL available, and each has its own advantages. One of the most popular is the Comodo Positive SSL, which offers excellent security at an affordable price. For businesses that need even better protection, there are also GeoTrust True BusinessID and Symantec Secure Site certificates. This paid SSL offers the highest level of security available and can help to ensure that sensitive data is protected from theft. However, they also come with a higher price tag. Ultimately, the best-paid SSL for your business will depend on your specific needs and budget. By carefully evaluating your options, you can choose a certificate that will provide the level of security you require without breaking the bank.
  •  Level of Validation: paid SSL certificate Level of Validation is an important factor to consider when choosing a paid SSL. There are three main levels of paid SSL validation: Extended Validation (EV), Organization Validated (OV), and Domain Validated (DV). EV paid SSL certificates to offer the highest level of validation and security, while DV paid SSL certificates to offer the lowest level of validation. OV paid SSL certificates to fall somewhere in the middle. EV paid SSL certificates require the most documentation and usually take the longest to be issued, but they offer the greatest assurance to users that the site is legitimate. DV paid SSL certificates are generally issued much faster than EV paid SSL, but they provide less assurance to users that the site is legitimate. OV paid SSL provides a balance between speed and security. Choose the paid SSL certificate that best meets your needs.
  •  Extended Validity Period: The SSL certificate contains information about the website, including the domain name, and is signed by a trusted Certificate Authority (CA). A paid SSL certificate typically has a longer validity period than a free SSL certificate, which means that it can be used for a longer period of time. This can be important for websites that need to maintain a high level of security for extended periods of time. In addition, paid SSL certificates typically offer better encryption than free SSL certificates, which can further improve security. For these reasons, paid SSL certificates are often the best option for websites that require a high level of security.
  •  Technical Support: When you purchase a paid SSL certificate, you’re not only getting the peace of mind that comes with knowing your website is secure, but you’re also gaining access to premium technical support. Our team of experts is available 24/7 to answer any questions you may have about your SSL certificate or website security. We know how important it is to keep your website up and running, and we’re here to help you every step of the way. With our paid SSL certificates, you can rest assured that your website is in good hands.
  •  Level of Trust: One of the most important things to consider when setting up a website is the level of trust you want to establish with your visitors. One way to do this is to purchase a paid SSL certificate, which will encrypt all information exchanged between your website and its visitors. This will not only ensure that sensitive data remains secure, but it will also give your visitors peace of mind knowing that their information is safe. In addition, many web browsers now display a warning message when visiting an unsecured website, so a paid SSL certificate can also help to increase your website’s visibility. Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to purchase a paid SSL certificate depends on the level of trust you want to establish with your visitors. However, if security is a priority, a paid SSL certificate is definitely worth considering.
  •  Valuable Warranty: A paid SSL certificate is a must for any website that wants to establish trust with its visitors. For just a few dollars per year, a paid SSL certificate adds an extra layer of security to your website and helps to ensure that sensitive information is transmitted securely. In addition, most paid SSL certificates come with a valuable warranty that protects you from financial damages if your site is compromised. As a result, paid SSL certificates to offer both peace of mind and financial protection, making them an essential investment for any serious website owner.
  •  Ranking Factor: It’s no secret that paid SSL certificates offer a number of advantages over their free counterparts. In addition to providing improved security and peace of mind, paid SSL certificates also offer a number of SEO benefits. One of the most important ranking factors for paid SSL certificates is the level of encryption they offer. Search engines like Google give preference to websites that use stronger encryption, so a paid SSL certificate can give your website a boost in search results. In addition, paid SSL certificates to come with a number of other features that can improve your website’s security and performance, making them well worth the investment.

Different Variants Of SSL:

There are many different types of SSL certificates available on the market today. Depending on your needs, you can choose from single-domain, multi-domain, or wildcard certificates. Single-domain certificates are perfect for small businesses with one primary website. Multi-domain certificates are ideal for businesses with multiple websites, and wildcard certificates can be used for an unlimited number of subdomains. In addition, there are also different levels of encryption available, so you can choose the level of security that best suits your needs. With so many options available, it’s easy to find the perfect SSL certificate for your business.

 -Domain Validated (DV) SSL: Domain Validated, or DV, SSL certificate requires that you prove that you own the domain before the certificate can be issued. Once you have done this, the issuer will generate a set of keys that can be used to encrypt traffic to and from your website. DV SSL certificates offer a good level of security, and they are typically quick and easy to obtain. As a result, they are a good choice for many small businesses and individual websites. However, it is important to note that DV SSL certificates do not offer any extended validation or vetting of your organization, so they may not be suitable for all purposes.

 -Organization Validated (OV) SSL: If you’re looking for a reliable and trustworthy SSL certificate, Organization Validated (OV) SSL is a great option. OV SSL is an organization-level certificate that provides strong encryption for websites. This type of certificate requires businesses to undergo a rigorous validation process, which helps to ensure that the organization is legitimate and trustworthy. As a result, OV SSL is considered to be one of the most reliable types of SSL certificates available. In addition, OV SSL certificates come with a number of features that can benefit your websites, such as Extended Validation (EV) status and dynamic site seals. If you’re looking for a high-quality SSL certificate, OV SSL is definitely worth considering.

 -Extended Validation (EV) SSL: If you’ve ever looked at the address bar of your web browser, you may have noticed that some websites have a green bar next to their name. This is called an Extended Validation (EV) SSL certificate, and it’s a sign that the website is secure. EV SSL certificates are the highest level of security available for websites, and they provide several benefits. First of all, they help to ensure that your personal data is safe when you enter it on a website. They also help to build trust with customers, as they can be sure that their information is safe. Finally, EV SSL certificates can improve your search engine ranking, as Google gives preference to websites that are secure. If you’re looking to give your website an extra level of security, an EV SSL certificate is a way to go.

SSL certificate cost:

When it comes to SSL certificates, there is no one-size-fits-all answer. The amount you’ll need will depend on a number of factors, including the size and scope of your website and your budget. If you’re running a small website with only a few pages, you can probably get away with a free SSL certificate. However, if you’re running a larger website or an eCommerce site, you’ll need to purchase a premium SSL certificate. There are a variety of SSL providers out there, so be sure to do your research before making a purchase. With so many options available, you’re sure to find an SSL certificate that meets your needs and budget.

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SSL certificate renewal:

Most SSL certificates need to be renewed every year. The process is usually pretty straightforward, you’ll receive a notice from your SSL provider that it’s time to renew, and then you’ll just need to follow the instructions they provide. However, there are a few things to keep in mind that will help make the process go smoothly. First, be sure to renew your SSL certificate before it expires. If you let it lapse, you may have to go through additional steps to re-establish trust with your customers. Second, make sure you’re using the most up-to-date version of your SSL certificate. Older versions may not be compatible with newer browsers and devices. Finally, don’t forget to update your SSL certificate on all of the servers that host your website. Failing to do so could result in downtime or security issues. Renewing your SSL certificate may seem like a daunting task, but following these simple tips will help ensure that the process goes smoothly.

Invest in Your Online Presence:

In today’s digital world, it’s more important than ever to invest in your online presence. One way to do this is to ensure that your website has an SSL certificate. This will help to protect your visitors’ information and make them feel more comfortable entering their personal details on your site. In addition, an SSL certificate will also improve your search engine ranking, making it more likely that potential customers will find your site. So if you’re looking for ways to improve your online presence, investing in an SSL certificate is a wise move.


Tags

SSL, SSL Certificate, Web Security


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