Before you buy SSL certificates you should read and compare real SSL certificate reviews that are based on real people opinions on Twitter. Compare features, prices and ratings in our comparison chart and choose the best SSL certificate for your small business or startup website or online store.
| Company | Main features | Price | Rating | More |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 Comodo | Trusted by 99.9% of web browsers Up to $1,750,000 warranty Full 128/256 bit encryption Free 1 year PCI & vulnerability scanning 30-day money-back guarantee More features at comodo.com | From 12.99 /year | 40% score | Visit website Read reviews |
 GeoTrust | Up to 256-bit encryption Trusted by 99% of web browsers Up to $1,500,000 warranty Free SSL certificate management console Free 30-day trial plus money-back promise More features at geotrust.com | From 65.00 /year | 67% score | Visit website Read reviews |
 RapidSSL | 30-day money-back guarantee Up to 256-bit SSL encryption Trusted by 99% of web browsers Up to $10,000 warranty Free SSL reissue & competitor replacement More features at rapidssl.com | From 16.89 /year | 40% score | Visit website Read reviews |
 Symantec SSL | Up to $1,750,000 warranty ECC, RSA & DSA algorithm support Nearly 100% compatible with browsers & systems 30-day free trial Includes trust mark "Norton™" secured seal More features at symantec.com | From 274.00 /year | 67% score | Visit website Read reviews |
 Thawte | Trusted by 99% of web browsers Up to $1,500,000 warranty Full 128/256 bit encryption Free EV upgrader tool Free 21-day trial plus money-back promise More features at thawte.com | From 45.00 /year | 50% score | Visit website Read reviews |
So what is SSL?
According to InMotion Hosting:
SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) is a standard technology behind establishing an encrypted (secure) connection between a web server (host) and a web browser (client) and to provide privacy and data integrity to the connection between the two. To be able to create an SSL connection between a web server and a web browser, the web server requires an SSL certificate.
SSL certificates explained
All business owners need to understand that secure online transactions are essential. The last thing anyone wants is for hackers and other criminals to view payment details as they are entered into your system. That could result in lots of legal issues and a whole heap of bad press.
SSL or Secure Socket Layer is a protocol you can use to encrypt personal data between the user’s browser and your server. Most online consumers now recognize the secure connection, and many will refuse to go ahead with the transaction if it isn’t there. That is why you need to get your head around SSL certificates as soon as possible.
When a web page is protected by SSL online, users will see a padlock in the web browsers’s address bar. That tells them it is safe to go ahead with the payment, and their connection is now encrypted.
The importance of SSL certificates is not entirely clear to some business owners. However, the explanation on this page should help to set the record straight once and for all. If your company doesn’t use SSL, your sales levels will never reach their full potential.
Another reason to get an SSL certificate is that your Google rankings may see an improvement. Google has confirmed that SSL is an SEO ranking factor.
What are the dangers of un-encrypted connections?
Packet sniffing is a real problem webmasters face thanks to the number of hackers in the world. With a normal HTTP session, servers will send packets of information that are vulnerable. It’s easy for some hackers to gain access and snoop around if they have access to networks between your server and the user’s computer.
Attacks could come from compromised computers anywhere along the network. Some may have been infected with malware designed to cause disruption, and all customer details are at risk. The packets of information come in plain text format, so it’s easy for experienced hackers to find the numbers and names they require.
It’s even possible for some criminals to add new packets to return transmission to get even more personal info. Most hackers would have no trouble identifying business names, usernames, and passwords. Worst of all, it’s easy to get hold of the customer’s bank account information.
Who invented SSL?
SSL was created by Netscape, and it was designed to encrypt two specific machines no matter how many others are on the network. It helps to ensure secure communication, and it stops a lot of potential cyber crime. Third parties cannot intercept messages or information that is sent using the Secure Socket Layer.
Founded way back in 1994 under another name, Netscape is an American computer services company well known for their web browser. Alongside SSL, the developers at Netscape are also credited with the creation of JavaScript. That is the most popular coding language for client-side scripting of web pages.
How do people initiate a secure web session using SSL?
Initiating a secure session using SSL usually begins with the website request from web browsers. For instance, someone might type https://www.example.com. The extra “s” ensures web browsers try to make secure connections when sending and receiving information.
The browser will attempt to connect to the domain using the SSL port, and will then send info that is not confidential. The server should reply with a list of ciphers and all other data required.
That data will include a copy of the certificate and a public key. Web browsers will then validate the certificate and begin to complete the process.
The last step involves the generation of a secret key that is sent back to the client confirming the connection is now secure. After that moment, all information transfers are encrypted with the highest security measures.
So, what’s an SSL certificate?
SSL certificates hold information relating to a person or the company that sends them out. They include:
» Names
» Locations
» Email addresses
» Server names
» And dates for which the certificate is valid are also added.
The only downside to SSL certificates is that criminals can create dodgy ones that mask their true intentions. Thankfully, Certificate Authorities were created to overcome that serious issue.
Certificate Authorities organizations are in place to confirm the true identity of individuals or companies in question. Authorities will research the requester, and then sign the certificate if they are genuine. The server will then send the signed certificate directly to the client.
In most circumstances, the client will try to verify the signature from a list of good signers. Modern web browsers come with full lists of CAs they trust to identify credible hosts, and that makes the process fast.
For end users, SSL is the simplest and most effective encryption tool at their disposal. The padlock symbol lets them know they are safe to enter bank account information and browse without having to worry about hackers.
SSL certificates offer many advantages and benefits to your website. They help to ensure that all information passed between your server and computers on the network is confidential. On top of that, consumers will feel more confident when they see that little padlock in the corner of their screens. So, it should help to increase sales and guarantee the utmost satisfaction.
Most consumers refuse to enter their details without a valid SSL certificate these days, and you should now understand why. There are thousands of hackers in the world who make money from the sale of personal data. Unencrypted connections simply feed into that market and help it to grow.
Together we can all make a real difference to online security by using SSL certificates as much as possible.
What are the types of SSL certificates?
There are currently three different types of SSL certificate in use today.
Extended Validation (EV) SSL Certificates
Extended Validation SSL certificates are issued after the Certificate Authority (“issuer”) has validated the website. Extended Validation SSL Certificates are the first SSL Certificates to adhere to industry-wide certification guidelines established by leading Web browser vendors and Certificate Authorities.
The Certificate application process itself is more thorough and the validation criteria more rigorous for EV certification, whose applicants are limited to certain types of business entities and government agencies.
Websites secured with Extended Validation (EV) certificates will be displayed differently in modern browsers, highlighting a portion of the address bar in green.
Organization Validation (OV) SSL Certificates
Organization Validation SSL certificates ensure the company has the right to use the domain. This level of SSL website security validation assures the validity of a website by verifying that the applicant is a legitimate business.
Before issuing the SSL certificate, the Certificate Authority (“issuer”) performs a rigorous validation procedure, including checking the applicant’s business credentials (such as the Articles of Incorporation) and verifying the accuracy of its physical and web addresses.
Domain Validation (DV) SSL Certificates
Lastly, Domain Validation SSL certificates also check the right of a company to use the domain name. The validation procedure is less rigorous for a Domain Validated SSL Certificate.
When issuing a Domain Validated SSL Certificate, the Certificate Authority (“issuer”) checks only that the applicant’s name and contact information matches the registration information in the WHOIS database for the domain name associated with the applied for SSL Certificate.
