Having excellent security on every website is an absolute must. One of the most fundamental steps towards achieving this is by implementing SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) certificates.
In this post, we’ll explore the five best free SSL certificates for securing your website in 2024.
What’s an SSL Certificate?
An SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) certificate is a digital certificate that provides authentication and encryption for a website, ensuring secure communication between the web server and the user’s browser.
It functions as a digital “passport” that verifies the identity of the website and establishes an encrypted connection, thereby protecting sensitive information such as login credentials, payment details, and personal data from being intercepted by hackers or unauthorized parties.
SSL certificates use cryptographic keys to encrypt data transmitted over the internet, making it virtually impossible for malicious users to decipher or tamper with the information.
Simply put, an SSL certificate helps websites build trust, credibility, and security, making users feel confident and protecting against online dangers. An SSL is an essential tool for your website especially if you have an e-commerce store or handle any financial transactions.
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In addition to providing increased security, websites using the HTTPS protocol and SSL certificates also receive higher rankings in Google’s indexing.
Have you noticed the lock icon next to the URL in your browser’s address bar? When this lock appears, it indicates that the website is protected by SSL. If you don’t see the lock icon, it suggests that the website may be less secure.
Is Having an SSL Protocol Important?
Having SSL on your WordPress website offers numerous benefits.
It safeguards your site from potential data breaches, ensuring the security of sensitive information. Additionally, SSL improves your website’s search engine rankings and fosters trust among visitors who rely on you with their confidential data.
Moreover, enhancing website security doesn’t have to break the bank, as many excellent SSL certificates are available for free. These certificates come in three main types: Domain Validated (DV), Organization Validated (OV), and Extended Validated (EV).
DV certificates are suitable for blogs and business websites that don’t handle customer information. OV certificates offer a higher level of security and are intended for websites that collect and store customer data.
EV certificates provide the highest level of security and are ideal for websites engaged in frequent financial transactions and handling sensitive customer information.
It’s worth noting that while numerous options for free SSL certificates exist, each may have a slightly different installation process. However, detailed instructions are typically provided upon downloading the SSL certificate, facilitating a smooth installation process.
SSL Protocol Builds Trust
When users encounter websites without SSL protocols, their perception often skews towards concern and distrust. Without the reassuring presence of the padlock icon or “https://” in the URL bar, users may feel apprehensive about sharing sensitive information or engaging with the site further.
The absence of SSL encryption leaves their data vulnerable, raising doubts about the website’s legitimacy and security practices. Users may hesitate to input personal details such as passwords, credit card information, or other confidential data, fearing potential risks of data breaches or identity theft.
Overall, the lack of SSL protocols can significantly undermine users’ confidence in the credibility and safety of a website, ultimately impacting their willingness to interact with it.
1) Let’s Encrypt
Let’s Encrypt is a fantastic option for obtaining a free SSL certificate, making it an ideal choice for securing your website. This open-source solution provides robust security and integrates with all major platforms, ensuring hassle-free implementation.
What sets Let’s Encrypt apart is its widespread support, including from managed WordPress hosts, making it incredibly convenient for website owners utilizing this popular CMS.
Moreover, with Let’s Encrypt, you can rest assured knowing that your SSL certificate is valid for a generous duration of 90 days at a time, offering peace of mind and continuity in your website’s security measures.
2) WordPress HTTPS SSL Plugin
The WordPress Force SSL plugin by CreativeMinds facilitates automatic redirection from HTTP to HTTPS, enabling SSL communication. Administrators have the flexibility to configure SSL redirects for the entire domain or select specific pages for secure redirection through the settings.
A standout characteristic of this force SSL plugin is its ability to effortlessly produce an SSL certificate with a single click. There’s no requirement for a third-party platform or intricate installation guidelines. All SSL management can be seamlessly handled directly from the admin dashboard.
The SSL plugin comes equipped with a scanner that detects any mixed or unsecured content within your database, such as images, ensuring that it doesn’t interfere with SSL security. Identified issues are swiftly pinpointed and resolved with a single click of a button.
3) Cloudflare
Cloudflare is a Content Delivery Network (CDN) that works to block harmful malware and traffic as well as combat brute force attacks. There is also a single-click SSL feature to send your content through HTTPS.
By implementing Cloudflare alongside your website’s certificate and HTTPS plugin, you gain the ability to mirror your website’s data to an external server and deliver content via a more secure network using the HTTPS protocol.
With just a simple click, you can route all your traffic through Cloudflare, ensuring every page benefits from SSL encryption. This widely recognized option comes with top-notch 24/7 support, always on standby to assist you.
4) SSL For Free
This option is pretty self-explanatory. This is the free version of our force HTTPS plugin. It acts as a nonprofit certificate authority. The certificate is supported by all major browsers and websites, and the setup process is uncomplicated.
After generating the SSL certificate, the private keys generated in your browser, which are never transmitted, will be promptly deleted. This well-established and trusted option remains entirely free, without the need for continual renewals like other SSL alternatives.
5) GoGetSSL
GoGetSSL is a newer SSL option and a public SSL certificate provider. SSL certificates are available for 90 days at a time. In addition, the installation process only takes about five minutes and there is no face-to-face verification or text and call confirmation required.
It is fully compatible with all major browsers like Chrome, Safari, Opera, Internet Explorer, and Firefox, and offers better search engine rankings with built-in SEO with each certificate. This option protects websites, applications, and all online transactions.
What is more, GoGetSSL provides easy-to-use tools and comprehensive documentation, making it simple for website owners to secure their assets and establish trust with their users.
With a commitment to staying ahead of emerging threats and delivering cutting-edge security solutions, GoGetSSL continues to be a trusted partner for businesses seeking to protect their online presence.
Conclusion
Keeping your website safe is crucial in building a trustworthy online presence, and there are various methods to do so. One standout method for safeguarding your content is by using an SSL certificate, known for its simplicity and effectiveness.
It’s important to note that adding more security to your website doesn’t have to be costly. The free SSL options listed in this blog post are highly rated and popular choices.
You can easily secure all your web pages and data with SSL without paying a dime and not having to worry about information being transmitted insecurely online.
Moreover, the greater the number of websites you own and operate, the more SSL certificates you’ll require. It’s important to note that a free SSL certificate typically secures only one domain per certificate, including its sub-domains.
As cyber threats continue to evolve, investing in SSL certificates remains a fundamental step in safeguarding online assets and maintaining user confidence in the digital realm.
