Find the Best SSL Certificates for Your Website
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Updated 3/4/2020
These days, we live most of our lives online. We pay our bills online, we bank online, meet our friends online, shop online, etc. It’s easier, faster, and more practical for countless tasks. It's also more interactive and real-time. But did you know that there is a certain credential behind this e-commerce technology? It's called the SSL Certificate. This article will tackle some of the web's top providers for SSL Certificates, which include DigiCert, Symantec, and Thawte, among others.
What Is an SSL Certificate?
SSL is short for Secure Sockets Layer, which connects your computer to a server that is secure. SSL is typically used to transfer your credit card details, personal information, banking details, and tax information over to another business server.
Lauren Drell at Mashable writes that if you have an e-commerce website where you sell anything, then you should secure your site using an SSL certificate. This is to guarantee to your customers that their information won't be stolen and that they will not fall victim to identity theft.
The Top SSL Certificate Providers
Symantec
GeoTrust
Comodo
DigiCert
Thawte
GoDaddy
Network Solutions
RapidSSLonline
SSL.com
Entrust Datacard
Each of these top 10 SSL certificate providers offers numerous benefits and security features for your website. Learn more below to help you determine which is the best option for you based on your specific needs.
The thing with SSL certificate providers is that popularity matters. For example, if you have a customer who does not know what Symantec or DigiCert is, then chances are he would not care who’s doing the certifying. However, to a cautious customer, having his pages authenticated and verified by these recognizable companies will go a long way in assuring him that his site is safe.
Offerings from different providers are mostly similar to one another. Packages offered and the features included in these packages are largely similar as well.
Who are the best SSL certificate companies? This depends on your needs, the features that you want, how popular and trusted these providers are, as well as the prices and your budget. Also, a note of warning: You might think that certificate authorities are infallible, but they are not. Look at what happened with DigiNotar in 2011. On July 10, DigiNotar's certificates were found to be compromised, leading the company to eventually file for bankruptcy. Hackers made off with hundreds of certificates, including one for Google that was used for spying in Iran.
Customers for those using DigiNotar were freaked out, and their clients lost some sales until the company got another SSL certificate provider up and running. They not only wasted time in getting another certificate provider up but they also lost trust while seeing their reputation damaged. So be sure that you are getting real security by choosing an SSL certificate provider that really works hard to protect and secure the sites under their care.
Here are the best providers to consider.
1. Symantec
Symantec, now available through Broadcom, continues to offer high-end encrypted traffic management technology solutions. TLS 1.3 is now supported with the same world-class quality for which Symantec has made their name. If that quality comes with a price to match, it’s one that many are willing to pay for, given the security that it provides.
2. GeoTrust
If you think that Symantec is a bit too expensive, then take a look at the packages offered by GeoTrust. Basic encryption costs $149, while maximum security is guaranteed at only $344. Expert support, 256-bit encryption, and a warranty are available for all options.
3. Sectigo
Comodo’s SSL certificate solutions have been bought by Sectigo, and they have SSL certificate solutions for just about anybody: from home offices to businesses, from e-commerce to enterprises. The company also offers up to 256-bit encryption and is trusted by almost all browsers. They provide unlimited server licenses, expert phone support, and warranties starting at $500,000. The Sectigo SSL DV package starts at $79 per year and you can set it up in just minutes. Their Extended Validation package starts at $228 annually. While being one of the most reputable and trusted certification authorities in the world, you should note that Comodo once figured in a hacking incident, very much similar to the DigiNotar experience, where fake Comodo certificates were used to spy on some people in Iran.
4. DigiCert
DigiCert is trusted by a veritable "who's who" in the online world. It is being used by multinational companies such as IBM, Verizon, and the majority of the Fortune 100. They offer up to 4096-bit SSL certificates at very reasonable prices. For example, their Wildcard SSL certificates that protect your entire domain cost less than $700! You could get their cheapest package for as low as $207 per year.
5. Thawte
Thawte is another low-cost SSL certificate provider, with their cheapest plan going for $149 a year and offering up to 256-bit encryption, while their extended validation packages go for less than $350 (even less if you get a two-year contract for only $688).
6. GoDaddy
Most people know GoDaddy as the biggest domain registration company, but they also offer SSL certificates that go for $79.99 for the basic package and $199.99 for their managed package. Both packages can be customized to your needs. But what gives GoDaddy an edge is that you have access to competent support 24/7.
7. Network Solutions
Network Solutions offers competitive pricing for their SSL packages. Their most basic offering is Xpress, which is $59.99 per year with a two-year term. Network Solutions has support for 256-bit encryption, with 99% browser recognition, excellent round-the-clock support that includes online chat, fast issuance times, and free reissues. What's more, Network Solutions is a well-known and trusted brand.
8. RapidSSLonline
RapidSSLonline is one of the most inexpensive options when it comes to SSL certificate providers and has experience working with over 400,000 websites and 4 globally recognized brands. You can choose your certificate based on your individual needs, including protecting code, and one site, many sites, or all sub-domains. There are also options to search for your desired SSL certificate by brand name or type of SSL.
9. SSL.com
SSL.com offers the highest assurance protection for one site or multiple sites, as well as sub-domains. They work with 99% of all browsers, offer a 30-day no-questions-asked refund and 24/7 support, and provide free lifetime certificate reissues. You’ll also get a free SSL.com site seal and easy-to-use account manager, plus a padlock symbol and “https” domain so that visitors to your site will know that their information is secure.
10. Entrust Datacard
Entrust Datacard provides secure connections, safe identity and transaction technologies, and anywhere/anytime access. They offer solutions for both physical and online transactions and authentication. You can also check out use cases and the news center to stay up-to-date and informed of all available benefits. They can also help with financial, corporate, and government certifications.
Choose the Best SSI Provider for You
Choosing the most reliable and best SSL certificates available might be a matter of trust. You may be getting a provider that gives out inexpensive certificates but are not known. At the same time, some of the more inexpensive certificates are just as reliable as the expensive ones. Beyond that, you should take a look at the level of service that your provider is giving you. They may be hyping it all up but just cannot give you competent and efficient customer service. The certificate providers mentioned in this article are very well-known and trusted, with packages that allow you to get the level of security you need at a price you could afford.
Some SSL providers offer different site security badges, warranties, authentication options, and other great features that can have tremendous positive impacts on the conversion rates of your site. Use the list above to compare and contrast your favorite features and keep all of these great options in mind when choosing which SSL provider is the right one for you.
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