FREE SSL Certificate
How to get a FREE SSL Certificate
What is SSL?
SSL stands for Secure Sockets Layer. It is an internet protocol for securing data transfer between a user’s browser and the website they are visiting.
Every internet user transfers information when they visit websites. This information can often be sensitive like payment details, credit card information, or login credentials.
Using the normal HTTP protocol means this information can be hijacked by hackers. This is where SSL or HTTPS comes in.
Websites need an SSL certificate issued by one of the recognized certificate issuing authority. This certificate is verified and highlighted in the user’s browser address bar with a padlock sign and HTTPS instead of HTTP.
Do I Need a SSL Certificate for My Website?
SSL / HTTPS is recommended for all websites on the internet. However, it is absolutely required for all websites that collect user information like login details, payment information, credit cards, and more.
If you are running an e-commerce store, a membership website, or require users to login, then you need to get an SSL certificate right away.
Most online payment services require your website to use SSL/HTTPs before you can receive payments.
Apart from security, SSL certificate also creates a positive impression of your brand among your users. Google also recommends using SSL, and research shows that SSL-enabled websites rank slightly higher in search results.
Last but not least, if your website is not using an SSL certificate, then Google Chrome will show your users that your website is not secure.
How Can I Get a SSL Certificate for Free?
A lot of website owners are reluctant to use SSL due to the additional cost. This left many small websites vulnerable to data and information theft.
A non-profit project called Let’s Encrypt decided to fix this by establishing a free certificate authority.
The purpose of this certificate authority is to make it easier for website owners to get a free SSL certificate. Internet becomes a safer place if more and more websites start using SSL.
Due to the significance of the project, it quickly earned the support of major companies like Google, Facebook, Shopify, WordPress.com and many others.
The challenge is that installing the free SSL certificate by Let’s Encrypt for a beginner user is quite difficult because it requires coding knowledge and server systems knowledge.
Thankfully, all of the best hosting companies are now offering free SSL certificate with all their hosting plans (some are using Let’s Encrypt).
Choosing one of these providers will save you from the hassle of installing the free SSL certificate on your own.
Here are the top WordPress hosting companies that offer free SSL certificate with their hosting plans.
If you are already using one of these companies, then you can turn on your free SSL certificate from your hosting dashboard. Simply login to your hosting account’s cPanel dashboard and scroll down to the ‘Security’ section.
Depending on your hosting company, your web hosting control panel may look different. If you are having trouble locating the free SSL option, then you can ask your hosting provider to enable it for you.
If your web hosting company does not offer free SSL, you may want to consider to switch your hosting and move your sites to one of the companies above.
Of course, you can also get a SSL certificate of your choice installed by professionals to ensure that your website conforms to the highest security standards available in the market today!