There is common wisdom that dictates that the more expensive a product, the better its quality. Sometimes this is true, but not when it comes to SSL certificates. In this piece, we’re going to give you three benefits of a cheap SSL.
1. It will secure your site just as well as a more expensive option
Let’s go back to basics a little before we dive into this first point. When you install an SSL certificate on your site, every time a user tries to explore it via their web browser, an encrypted connection will be created between the web browser and your web server. Encryption helps keep any information sent over this connection private.
Some people think that the more expensive an SSL, the stronger the encryption, however, this is not the case. Most modern SSLs on the market today offer 256-bit encryption strength, no matter what the price point. So, when it comes down to it, most SSLs offer the same encryption strength. What can really make a difference, too, are your server’s settings, not the SSL itself.
What differentiates SSL certificates and what can often impact price is validation level. For instance, Domain Validation certificates simply verify that the person requesting a certificate has control over a particular website and are usually the cheapest option. By contrast, Enterprise Validation certificates that perform a complete background check of an organization requesting an SSL are generally the most expensive. That being said, you can still get SSL with different validation levels for an affordable price.
Paying a higher price doesn’t guarantee a more secure experience, whatever your certificate’s validation level.
2. Many cheap SSLs are issued by trusted CAs
A CA (Certificate Authority) is an organization that issues and revokes SSL certificates, as well as verifying the people and organizations wishing to purchase them. Not all CAs are created equal, so it’s important that the CA you get your SSL from is trusted. Every web browser has a list of CAs it trusts. If your site has an SSL from a CA that it doesn’t trust, then your site may be flagged as “not secure”.
That’s why you need to do your research before buying an SSL. Make sure that the issuing CA is trusted by major browsers. Fortunately, many cheap SSL stores across the web actually work in conjunction with trusted CAs. Again, price is not an indication of an SSL’s reliability or the trustworthiness of the issuing CA.
3. You’ll save money
Perhaps an obvious point, but that makes it no less important. Why spend more than you need to on an SSL when cheap ones work just as well as their more expensive counterparts? This is especially the case if you’re just starting out, maybe launching a website and hoping to earn some cash on the side. Instead of spending way too much on an SSL certificate, you’ll be able to invest the money you save into other areas of your site, such as design or marketing.
By now, you’re probably convinced of the benefits of a cheap SSL. Whatever the case may be, having an SSL on your site is so important, so you should invest in one sooner rather than later.