Free vs. Paid SSL: The Hidden Dangers of Free SSL Certs

To ensure secure connections between users and websites, organizations prioritize using SSL certificates, as it’s pretty evident that a website secured with an SSL certificate assures visitors that it’s safe to use.

When it comes to obtaining SSL certs, there’s often a debate about whether to opt for free or paid ones. Both of these have a comparable encryption level and make HTTPS available for websites.

Now, if the purpose is justifying with free SSL Certificates, why would somebody opt for paid ones? Well, we’ll explain the reason and difference between free and paid SSL in this blog.

Let’s begin!

What is SSL/TLS Certs?
SSL (Security Sockets Layer), TSL (Transport Layer Security), or digital certificates are the foundation of a secure internet.

How?

Previously, websites used Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP) to transfer data over the Internet, but this method is not secure and vulnerable to breaches. But now, things have changed, and sites use Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure (HTTPS). It is an extension of HTTP that uses SSL or TLS encryption.

When an individual visits a website that uses HTTPS, TLS first verifies the website’s server identity and encrypts the connection to prevent hackers from stealing any data transmitted between the browser and the site.

Now, SSL certs are divided into different categories, but these are of three types, namely:

Domain Validation: Provides the least level of security and is easy to obtain.
Organization Validation: Compared to DV certificates, these provide an enhanced level of validation.
Extended Validation: These certificates guarantee the highest level of trust and validation.

Click to learn more on key differences between them and which certificate authorities offering FREE SSL Certificates
https://certera.com/blog/free-vs-paid-ssl-the-hidden-dangers-of-free-ssl-certs/