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Free SSL

Insiders: We’ll get basic idea about SSL and cover all possible free SSL certificates providers that will help you to choose the better provider that is perfect for your needs validation through pros and cons.

SSL (Secure Socket Layers) is basically a protocol which establishes encrypted link between web server and browser. It ensures secure web browsing via HTTPS protocol. A public HTTPS website contains SSL certificate signed by publically trusted certified authority. SSL works on the principle of cryptology where identities of websites and companies are bound by key pairs via digital X.509 certificates. Each pair consists of private and public key where private key is kept secured and public key is distributed via a certificate. Public key encrypts the message into cypher text which is send to receiver. And now the receiver decrypts it using private key. The holder of the private key can use it to sign other digital documents (such as web pages), and anyone with the public key can verify this signature. In this manner complete communication remains private and data is secured from theft and hacking.

All SSL certified websites’ address starts with “https://” and non-secured websites’ address starts with “http://”. We then can easily identify whether our channel is SSL secured or not. According to recent reports Google will wave off and remove all the non-secured websites which involve credit card or debit card or any sort of confidential transactions or form filling to prevent the stakeholders from attacks of intermediates or hackers. Hence whenever you enter into secure SSL certified website, you are assured of

  • Authenticity

The server presenting the certificate is in possession of the private key that matches the public key in the certificate.

  • Integrity

Documents signed by the certificate (e.g. web pages) have not been altered in transit by a man in the middle.

  • Encryption

Communications between the client and server are encrypted.

By now you must have understood the importance of SSL certificate. If you are thinking to have a website of your own then you must generate a pair of public and private keys, preferably on the server to be protected. The public key, along with the domain name(s) to be protected and (for OV and EV certificates) organizational information about your company is used to generate a certificate signing request (CSR). The CSR is sent to a publicly trusted CA (such as SSL.com). The CA will validate the information in the CSR and generate a signed certificate that can be installed on your web server.

The cost of SSL certificate varies. There are some domains who offer free or low cost certificate but the duration of that certificate is short and needs to be updated as when required. More the duration, more is the cost. We’ll now talk about forums where you can get free SSL of your choice to get started.

List of free SSL providers

Let's Encrypt

It is a Free, Automated and Open Certified Authority that is brought to you by the nonprofit Internet Security Research Group (ISRG). Let’s Encrypt mission is to create a more secure and privacy-respecting Web by promoting the widespread adoption of HTTPS.

Pros

  • Let's Encrypt SSL certificates are FREE.
  • Let's Encrypt only provides a normal SSL certificate, which is called a Domain Verified SSL certificate.
  • Let's Encrypt allows only 90 days to validate where you need to reissue a certificate every 90 days.
  • Let's Encrypt is highly recommended to regular informative or blogging websites. There's no risk involved using any of the SSL/TLS Certificates.
  • Let's Encrypt SSL certificates can be used to protect a single domain, all the subdomains.

cons

  • Let's Encrypt does not offer EV (Extended Validation) and OV (Organization Validation) SSL.
  • Community-based support.
  • You cannot protect E-commerce portals using these free certificates.
  • Let's Encrypt SSL certificates do not provide any warranty.

Cloudflare

Cloudflare SSL provides high-level encryption and lightning-fast performance. Cloudflare allows any internet property to become HTTPS-enabled. Global Anycast Network. Next-Generation CDN. 200+ Datacenters. 

Pros

  • Free plans come with $0/month
  • Cloudflare offers free SSL Certificates to personal and blogs websites.
  • Unmetered Mitigation of DDoS
  • Global CDN
  • Shared SSL certificate
  • 3-page rules

cons

  • Slow Server Response Time
  • Free SSL Not Working Properly
  • You have to Upgrade with SSL Certificates to unlock all features.

Zerossl

Zerossl free certificates issued instantly online, supporting ACME clients, SSL monitoring, quick validation and automated SSL renewal via Certbot or REST API. They are issued by the Let’s Encrypt Certificate Authority, and they are completely valid. Renewals are also seamless and unlimited. All significant routers and operating systems support certificates issued.

Pros

  • Free 90-Day Certificates
  • One-Step Validation ACME Integrations
  • SSL REST API Installation
  • Checks SSL Monitoring

cons

  • No Multi-Domain Certs
  • No REST API Access
  • No Technical Support
  • No Custom Solutions

GoGetSSL

GoGetSSL-branded certificates are the cheapest premium SSL certificates you can get on your hands. They support Elliptic Curve Cryptography and SHA256 hash, and they trust all major brasses in both desktop and mobile.

Pros

  • 90-day trial period
  • No Paperwork
  • Free Static SiteSeal
  • Free unlimited server licensing
  • Free Reissues
  • $50,000 Warranty

cons

  • No Green address bar
  • No Business validation
  • You have to Upgrade with SSL Certificates to unlock all features.

InstantSSL

InstantSSL certificates show your customers you’re employing the best-of-breed security measures to keep their transactions and information safe. A quick, cost-efficient, and effective solution to secure online transactions & Compatible with all popular browsers.

Pros

  • 90-day trial period
  • Domain Validation

cons

  • No Wildcard available
  • No Multi-domain available
  • No Warranty
  • No Technical Support
  • You have to Upgrade with SSL Certificates to unlock all features.

SSL

Cloudflare SSL provides high-level encryption and lightning-fast performance. Cloudflare allows any internet property to become HTTPS-enabled. Global Anycast Network. Next-Generation CDN. 200+ Datacenters. 

Pros

  • 90-day trial period
  • 99% Browser Compatibility
  • Unlimited Server Licenses
  • Unlimited Reissuances and Key Pairs
  • Business-class validation and encryption technology
  • Full Compatibility for all version of SSL and TLS

cons

  • You have to Upgrade with SSL Certificates to unlock all features.

Comodo

Comodo, the leading cybersecurity platform, offers users and organizations to the best antivirus, internet security, endpoint security and website security. It is in the business of creating trust online. … Comodo CA, Ltd. (now Sectigo) is the best verification authority in the world. With more than 42.5% of the SSL market share, most websites trust Comodo CA certificates more than other brands.

Pros

  • Free SSL Certificate for 30 Days.
  • No paperwork No Delays
  • 2048-bit RSA Signature Key.
  • $10,000 warranty.
  • Great Customer Support
  • Compatible with all platforms.
  • Trusted Certificate Authority

cons

  • You have to Upgrade with SSL Certificates to unlock all features.
  • Warranty Comes with purchasing the Certificates.

Geotrust

GeoTrust New Web PKI hierarchy aims to modernize and streamline our SSL/TLS certificate offerings. GeoTrust issues 256-bit encryption SSL certificates. This Advanced Encryption Standard even surpasses the minimum industry requirement.

Pros

  • 30-day trial period
  • Automated domain name validation
  • Fast issuance and easy installation
  • Up to 256-bit SSL encryption
  • Compatibility with most mobile and browsers

cons

  • You have to Upgrade with SSL Certificates to unlock all features.

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