In this special blog post, we shall discuss the differences between “Free SSL” and “Paid SSL” Certificates and help you decide the kind of SSL Certificate that best suits your website’s security.
This will ensure that you are using the right tool for the right job!
Differences Between Free SSL and Paid SSL
1. A FREE SSL Certificate ONLY supports DV instead of EV and OV
Free SSL certificates come with ONLY Domain Validation (DV). It is usually more suitable for platforms such as small business websites and blogs.
2. Different Validation Level
When it comes to verification, Free SSL certificates do not validate ANYTHING about websites, but just the ownership of the domain. On the other hand, paid SSL certificates verify the BUSINESS IDENTITY of the website before issuing the certificate to the site owner. It is an in depth verification carried out by the Internet certificate authority(CA).
3. Level of Trust
OV & EV certificates come with visual indicators such as the green address bar and better site seals. However, free SSL certificates don’t deliver such privileges.
According to many, many research, the chances of customers buying from a website with “Visual Indicators Green Address Bar with Company Name Registered” are significantly higher, which in turn leads to higher conversion rates.
4. SSL Warranty
Free SSL certificates do not provide warranty when something goes wrong on certificates authentication. However, Paid SSL is covered with Warranty Limits between 20k to 1.75mil. Feel free to refer to the Covered Losses by Comodo
So, Is SSL Certification Worth It?
SSL is the gatekeeper of our secure Internet and it protects your personal information that travels on the Internet. It provides privacy, critical security and data integrity for both your websites and your users’ personal information.
When an SSL certificate is applied, the data becomes unreadable to everyone except for the server you are sending the information to.
Reference: The Purpose Of Using SSL, sslshopper.com
1. FREE SSL Validation
Domain Validated (DV) SSL certificates are quick and easy to get because all you need to do is prove the ownership of the domain that you wish to secure.
2. Paid SSL Validation
Domain Validated (DV) SSL certificates are quick and easy to get because all you need to do is prove the ownership of the domain that you wish to secure.
Organization Validated (OV) SSL certificates provide validation and higher assurance to web visitors that the website belongs to a legitimate business.
Extended Validation (EV) SSL certificates are the ultimate solution to provide the highest levels of encryption, security, and trust to your customers.
Related: Discover the Wide Range of SSL Certificates
Compare SSL(DV) Domain Validation vs Business SSL(EV) Extended Validation Certificates
Which SSL Certificate is Right for You?
In short, if you are hosting an e-commerce or business website, Business SSL that provide OV and EV is your preferred choice. This certification is highly recommended for websites that have ‘add to cart’, and receive payment details.
The higher the security, the higher the assurance to web visitors that the website belongs to a legitimate business. Your transactional information is well covered by Certification Authentication provider.
EV SSL Certifications are recommended for:
1. Website front pages
Ensure your clients are visiting the original website/application.
2. Account Logins
Telling your users to look for the GREEN BAR before proceeding will lower their chances of becoming a victim of scam or phishing.
3. Order Process
Shopping cart abandonment will decrease when your website displays the trustable GREEN BAR assurance.
4. Sensitive Info Area
EV certificates verify authentication — your clients is more likely to submit their sensitive info.
Check Out Our SSL Certificates HERE: SSL certificates
Do the comparison between Free and Paid SSL certificates, and the differences among DV, EV and OV SSL Certificates puzzle you?
If you need further elaboration, please feel free to Contact Us or drop us an email. We will be more than happy to answer any question you might have!
Cheers!
Invest in SSL Certificates for Enhanced Protection
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