Almost every website on the internet has an SSL certificate. But not every site has the same level of encryption and security. SSL certificate, today, is not a choice but has become a necessity when running an online business. It is more a case of which one to choose instead why choose?
One need that businesses rarely emphasised is—security; with cybercrimes becoming more and more common, companies now understand that site security is a crucial factor to run a successful business and looking for more prudent ways to enhance their site security. And, why not when the cyber attackers are on the rise and are finding new ways of causing trouble.
There are many types of SSL certificates; more importantly, there are expensive, cheap, and free ones? While most websites do run on SSL’s that are free—there are some which pay in thousands of dollars per year for that one certification. The free ones like letsencrypt, which also happens to be popular, does give an individual’s site the batch of security. But freebies come with huge responsibilities—for example, you have to install the certificate yourself. Installing may seem a small burden, but what’s more harassing is that you have to do it again everyone, two, or three months. And, it does take time which online business owners rarely have.
My intention is not to give you the idea that free certificates are not good and does work as mentioned most websites do run with the help of them. But there are some perks of using the paid SSL certificate.
How to install a Free SSL certificate using Letsencypt
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Why Do People Think Paid SSL certificates are a Good Idea?
First things first, these points, in any way, do not intend to spoil the reputation of free SSL certificates. These specifications are just some perks that you will not have access to when you are using the free ones.
The significant and foremost important thing about premium SSL certificates is that it saves a considerable amount of time.
- Variety of Choices
The e-commerce websites, social media platforms, the lead generation websites are better known to employ paid SSL certificates as it gives them a high standard of security that is much needed. Most of these websites are known to collect compassionate information that could be easily used against the client if a middle-man got access to it.
- Level of Validation
The certification authorities initiate a thorough process that ensures that only legitimate businesses get the certificate—this helps as it provides reputation among customers who review your security details.
- Extended Validity Period
Where free certificates offer one month to three months of services—most of the paid SSL certificates are known to provide certificates for a period of 2 years. This comes handy, as one does not have to go through the hardships of updating the certificate regularly.
- Technical Support
As you have invested your amount—the Certification Authorities leave no space to ruin your investment. They provide you with technical support which will be most useful at any time your secure-encryption is under threat. This is a significant challenge with free certificates as they only give the license to own the certificate and the rest if up to you.
- Level of Trust to customers
Depending on the level (DV, EV, OV), these certificates can confirm the organisation’s name, country, city, and state. Also, the website visitors can see which CA issued the license. If the website visitors are still in doubt, they may visit the CA/B Forum’s list of members for further details.
- Valuable Warranty
Insurance depending on the type of certificate you own will be given by the CA’s—if a data breach happens; the CA’s will pay the amount of damage you have gone through, and you will be compensated from the company.
- Ranking Factor
The ranking factor, however, is not affected—if you use any of the two—free or paid SSL’s.
- Variants
On the other hand, paid SSL comes in several variants. Still, Domain Validated (DV) SSL, Organization Validated (OV) SSL, and Extended Validation (EV) SSL are the most purchased varieties of SSL certificates.
- Domain Validated (DV) SSL
This has the lowest level of validation among the three SSL certificates because it’s only checked against the domain registry. It certifies the website with “S” in the HTTPS connection, and the CA doesn’t require a meticulous vetting process to issue a domain validated SSL certificate. The Domain Validated SSL certificates are compatible with 99.99% web and mobile browsers—if you are a single website that does not require sensitive information of customers, you can choose these certificates.
- Organization Validated (OV) SSL
Organizational Validated certificates are suited for the website that follows the X.509 RFC standards—which can show all critical information required to validate an organisation. The Certificate Authority authenticates the organisation’s identity strictly according to their guidelines—and upon successful validation, they issue the certificate which, in most cases, will require a few days of verification.
- Extended Validation (EV) SSL
The Certification Authority(CA) follows a strict validation when it comes to issuing extended validation of SSL certificate. The companies rendering will have trained professional agents that authenticate your business identity using the business registry databases that the governments host.
Different SSL certificates provide a varying degree of trust to website users. Aside from those features, you’ll get the following benefits from paid SSL certificates.
Best SSL Certificate Provider 2020
1. SSL.com
As the name indicates, the company is focused on issuing and implementing the SSL certificates. SSL.com does not offer an organisational level of SSL certificate and is mostly focused on Domain Validation SSL certificates. You can choose to get the certificate either for a year, two, or five. The most influential thing about the SSL.com is they have excellent customer support. If you are a new website owner and are unaware of the technicalities involved with the SSL certificates, you can subscribe to the SSL.com certificate with your eyes closed.
The other prominent thing about SSL.com is they have a good reputation among customers, and they have one of the lowest prices you can get in the market. If you choose to buy the certificate for a one year term—it will cost USD49.00/year, and if you decide to purchase the certificate for five years, it will only cost you about USD36.75/year.
2. Comodo SSL
Comodo issues all types of extended validation SSL certificates with the primary, wildcard, premium option but like SSL.com they too do not offer an organisational level of license. There are also other types of encryption issues by the company like PKI manager, and code signing, and the small encryptions like services for email and identity managers.
The cheapest option, Comodo Positive SSL (DV) starts from USD7.00/year if you purchase for a term of four years. Whereas the premium options, Comodo SSL wildcard, will range from USD99.00/year and USD56.98/year if you subscribe for four years.
The premium option may sound like a significant amount. Still, if you are a transaction website, it is the best option that you can get in the market as the certificate is validated with 256-bit encryption with insurance of USD 250,000 if your website will be subjected to any future breaches.
The company assists you with the best customer support—one thing that you have to be specific about is details—as the authority is strict when it comes to certification validation. However, if you have all the information online, it will not be a major concern. You can validate your certificate in one or two days of time.
3. DigiCert
Ninety per cent of the Fortune500 organisations have Norton Security Seal, which is collaborated with DigiCert. Before 2017, DigiCert was an individual asset; however, the reputation of this certification authority was huge, and Norton extended the hand of collaboration. The certificates cost USD218.00/year, and the multi-level wildcard options range from USD688.00/year. Needless to say, you will have excellent customer support and the most secure license.
4. GoDaddy
The cost of GoDaddy SSL is USD63.99/year and has a good customer base due to affordable rates and excellent security support. You may recognise the institution as one of the most reputable hosting providers. Nonetheless, SSL certificates are trusted among consumers.
Other than the basic plan, you can subscribe to all domain and subdomain at USD295.99/year. They come with a McAfee Seal of protection.
5. CrazyDomains
CrazyDomains is one of the leading SSL certificates provided when it comes to Standard-level websites. With 256-Bit encryption CrazyDomains also offer SSL certificates to small-level eCommerce websites. The basic plans start at USD49.50/year whereas the wildcard plans will cost you USD386.75/year. Any data breaches and the company is liable to pay USD10000.00 to USD250000.00.
These are the best paid SSL certification of 2020; there are some of the other cheap options, like Cheapsslsecurity and Namecheap—the plans start at USD9.00/year. But they are pretty much the same as the free issuers; however, one advantage you will get is that you do not have to install it yourself. Other than the installation, they have the same level of encryption and security seal and can be subscribed for a year or two.