It’s one thing knowing which SSL type to get for your site, it’s another thing entirely to decide where to get it. With thousands of SSL vendors online, how can you know which ones are legit and which are a waste of time and money? The following three tips should help.
1. Check the partner CA
Certificate Authorities (CAs) are the organizations in charge of creating, issuing, and managing SSL certificates across the industry. Reputable CAs include Comodo SSL. And reputability matters. The SSL industry operates on trust, so it’s incredibly important that the CA issuing your SSL is considered trustworthy by major web browsers like Chrome, Safari, and Firefox. Each one features its own list of trusted CAs that it will cross-check before fostering an encrypted connection with your site. If you choose an untrusted CA that has engaged in shady behavior in the past, the browser will decide not to encrypt the connection, making your certificate useless. So be sure to research CAs before you decide to buy.
2. Research the store’s customer support
SSL certificates can be a bit confusing for beginners, so it’s important that the store you purchase from can provide you with assistance every step of the way, from how-to guides and videos to a customer service team that replies to queries promptly. Take a thorough look at their site and read reviews from customers on third-party websites.
3. Avoid overpriced vendors
Some SSL stores are more expensive than others, and the main reason for this is simply that some stores want to charge more. The SSL certificates themselves are actually the same. And that’s not an exaggeration. All modern SSL certificates offer the same level of encryption strength. So whether you buy the cheapest or most expensive SSL available, you can be sure they’ll work exactly the same. Ignore any marketing that tells you their store has the strongest SSL around. Not possible – they’re all the same! So if you value your finances, there isn’t any benefit to going for an expensive SSL. Choose a cheap one and save your money for something else.
Conclusion
Hopefully, you now understand how to distinguish the different SSL stores and how to determine which is right for you. Ultimately, it comes down to the reputation of the CA, website reviews, and cost. Once you can evaluate whether these three factors suit your preferences, start securing your site!
