What is SSL Service and Why is it important for your business?
SSL stands for Secure Sockets Layer. It is standard technology used to establish a secure and encrypted connection between a web server and a web browser. This connection makes sures that data transmitted between the server and the browser remains secure and private. SSL works by encrypting the information exchanged between the user's device and the server, making it difficult for unauthorized parties to intercept or tamper with the data. This is particularly important for sensitive information such as login credentials, personal details, and financial transactions conducted on websites.
Here are Three major reasons why your website can’t do without an SSL certificate:
Data Protection and Safety
When a web browser or a server interacts with a third party ( a visitor, another server, etc) and exchanges information (personal information, payment details, etc.) there is a good chance that this information can get stolen or reach the unintended misusers. Best SSL certificate provider ensures that the information is encrypted when being exchanged, so the data is protected and can be transformed safely.
Client Trust
Now that you understand SSL, how comfortable would you be in sharing your information with a website that doesn’t have a SSL certificate? You won’t be comfortable at all. This is exactly how your clients would feel in the absence of SSL certificate. So, to win your clients’ trust, SSL goes a long way. Also, the visual impact of “HTTPS” is higher than you’d imagine.
SEO Ranking
If you’ve been trying to get visitors on your website, you probably understand how SEO works. Basically, you want to make sure that your website meets all the criteria to start ranking on Google. And one of the basic yet most important things to do is to have a Top SSL certificate. The logic is simple, your website has a better chance of showing up for a search query if you have a secure website. It makes sense for you to buy cheap SSL certificates to safeguard your business from hackers and data leaks. It also helps to boost your SEO ranking, in turn increasing your business.
SSL Certification Validation Levels
-
Domain Validation (DV)
This is the easiest, quickest and automated way to receive an SSL certificate. Well suited for websites that don’t sell anything through their site such as blogging websites, informational sites, portfolio sites, etc. To receive this certificate, you need to prove that you own your domain. You can do this by altering your domain’s DNS record and sometimes even by just sending an email to the certificate authority.
-
Organization Validation (OV)
More trustworthy than a Domain Validation Certificate, this certificate is well suited for organizations, as suggested by the name. In addition to proving that the domain is yours, you need to prove the authenticity of your organization. To obtain this certificate, you need to write to the certificate authority expressing your interest. Next, their team will reach out to you requesting some information around your company and the domain. If everything is clear, a certificate will be issued to you with the details of the company - name, address, contact information etc.
-
Extended Validation (EV)
This validation certificate offers the highest level of security and therefore, the most trustworthy certification. This is most suited for e-commerce online stores, companies dealing with highly sensitive information such as banks, financial institutes, insurance companies and for large enterprises. To obtain this certificate, you need to write to the certificate authority. They will then carry out a detailed process to obtain the information of your company - your registered address, all legal documents etc. If you get this certificate, your website will have a green bar saying something like “Secure” in your website URL.
Pros and Cons of SSL services
Pros
Cost-effective:
Best SSL Provider encrypts data transmitted between the user's browser and the web server.
Simplified Management:
SSL helps guard against various cyber threats, including man-in-the-middle attacks, eavesdropping, and data tampering, enhancing overall security.
Suitable for Beginners:
Search engines, like Google, favor secure websites and may rank them higher in search results.
Many data protection regulations and standards, such as GDPR, require the use of encryption to protect user data.
Cons
Limited Resources:
Acquiring and renewing SSL certificates may involve costs, especially for organizations with multiple domains or subdomains.
Potential for Slower performance:
Configuring and installing SSL certificates can be challenging for individuals with limited technical expertise.
Cost-effective:
SSL encryption can introduce a slight performance overhead due to the additional processing required for encryption and decryption.
Managing and renewing SSL certificates can be time-consuming.
How can you choose the right SSL Certificate Provider for your business from our list?
We know you are convinced that your website needs an SSL certificate. What if we told you that you can have it for free? We have listed the best SSL certificate providers who offer not just paid SSL certificates but also FREE options! Choose one from our list based on the following criteria:
-
Compatibility
- Check the certificate authority that the SSL service provider has partnered with. Sometimes, they partner with certain authorities that make the process quick and easy. So, make sure that your hosting provider is compatible with the CA. With the right CA partner, you can get started with your SSL within a click - no kidding.
-
Level of Security
- The level of security will depend on the type of SSL certificate you select for your website. Check with your certificate provider to know the level of data that is encrypted by them. Also check if your sub domains will be secured as well or if you need to pay extra for them.
-
Free vs Paid SSL Options
- Most of the DV SSL certificates are free. They help you to tell visitors that your website is safe and secure. Definitely a better option compared to not having an SSL at all. For OV and EV, the SSL certificates will be paid but the price varies based on the provider.
-
Ease of Setup
- Consider the process of setting up - is it one click, or do you need to follow a lengthy process before you can get started? This ties back to our first point on compatibility. Also, check how fast the provider can issue the certificate.
-
Validity
- Check with the provider about the validity of your certificate. Sometimes, the provider might offer a free option but only for 180 days or so. Understand the renewal process in such a case. Choose the cheap SSL certificate providers that best suit your needs.
-
Support
- Just as your website security can’t be compromised, so can’t the security of your SSL certificate. If anything goes wrong, your website needs instant support so that your website is up and running safely in no time. So, choose a top SSL certificate providers that offers 24/7 support. Also, check the support with warranty.
