August 15th, 2022
As an affordable and accessible technology, SSL has become the standard for site security and user trust. There are many affordable and free ways to get an SSL certificate. However, there's always a catch. The risks of free SSL certificates are high. Let's take a look at the risks of free SSL certificates and why you should think twice before getting one.
What is an SSL certificate?
SSL certificates are necessary for any business that sells products or services online. They provide the encryption that secures your website and validates your business' identity. SSL certificates are issued by trusted authorities, such as Comodo, Symantec, and DigiCert. When a visitor arrives on your website, their browser first checks if your site is secure. If it is not secure, users will see a warning message alerting them to the fact that the site is “not verified” or even “unsafe.” A secure website is beneficial to both customers and business owners. Customers choose to use sites that are secured by SSL encryption as they are less likely to be hacked or infected with malware. Businesses that use SSL certificates also increase trust with customers by demonstrating a strong commitment to online security.
How to get a free SSL certificate?
Free SSL certificates are often offered by third-party providers as an added feature on top of paid web hosting plans. This is a great option for smaller businesses that don't have the budget to purchase an SSL certificate. However, free SSL certificates have significant risks associated with them. The biggest risk is that the free SSL certificate isn't issued by a trusted source. Since it's free, it's likely that it comes from a less reputable source. If you're unsure whether a source is trustworthy, you can always run a quick search. Be sure to check the source's reviews and make sure they don't have any red flags.
Free SSL Certificate Risks
The biggest risk of a free SSL certificate is that major browsers may not trust it. If your website visitors see an error message, they will be redirected to a warning from their browser that the site is “not verified” or “unsafe.” This will significantly hurt your business, as people will be less likely to trust your website and convert. Free SSL certificates are often offered by less reputable sources, which can be another risk. While you can't always trust SSL certificates issued by reputable companies, less reputable sources can't be trusted at all. If you choose to go with a free SSL certificate, be sure to check out their reviews and look for red flags.
Bottom line
When it comes to website security, the less you spend, the less you get. If you're on a tight budget and need to get an SSL certificate, you should avoid free SSL certificates. Instead, find SSL certificate providers that offer affordable plans with added features like free Let's Encrypt SSL certificates. If you only have a small budget, you should consider getting an SSL certificate from Let's Encrypt. However, if you want a higher level of security, you should consider a paid SSL certificate. If you decide to go with a paid SSL certificate, don't fall for the trap of buying SSL certificates for sale at a cheap price. Let's Encrypt is a completely free and open-source provider that offers the best SSL certificates money can't buy.