At Auxodomain, we believe that the growing trend towards universal internet traffic encryption is a positive development for all users, contributing to increased safety and progress.
While the introduction of free SSL certificates may appear enticing, it comes with significant drawbacks compared to paid SSLs. Let's delve into a comparison.
Validation:
Free SSLs offer encryption but lack essential business validation. For online shoppers, trust is crucial, and business validation assures them of dealing with a legitimate, legally operating company. Trusted Certificate Authorities (CAs) provide this validation, offering a warranty against fraudulent behavior. Free SSL providers, however, only offer basic domain validation, providing no warranty or recourse in case of fraud.
Technical Characteristics:
Free SSLs differ from trusted CA certificates in duration and complexity. Free certs may expire after just 90 days, necessitating constant monitoring and renewal. They may also be limited to single- or multi-domain (MDC), requiring separate SSL setups for each subdomain. Additionally, installing free SSLs may require root access and technical expertise, while paid certs are supported by popular servers.
Customer Support:
Free SSL vendors rarely offer customer support or provide limited assistance.
In summary, free SSLs may be suitable for non-commercial websites, blogs, or personal portfolios if you possess technical knowledge. For starting businesses or more developed enterprises requiring robust security, a trusted SSL provider is the optimal solution.
