SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) is a standard security technology used for establishing an encrypted link between a web server and a web browser. SSL certificates are used to encrypt data that is transferred between the web server and the web browser, ensuring that the data cannot be intercepted and read by anyone else.
There are two types of SSL certificates – free and paid SSL certificates. The main difference between these two types of certificates is the level of trust they offer.
Free SSL certificates are provided by certificate authorities such as Let’s Encrypt and ZeroSSL, and are valid for a limited period of time (usually 90 days) before they need to be renewed. These certificates offer basic encryption and are suitable for small websites or blogs that don’t require a high level of security. However, they may not be recognized by all browsers and may not provide the same level of trust as paid certificates.
Paid SSL certificates, on the other hand, are issued by trusted certificate authorities. These certificates offer higher levels of security and trust, and are suitable for e-commerce websites or other sites that handle sensitive data. They are also recognized by all major browsers and offer additional features such as extended validation (EV) and wildcard certificates.
In summary, while free SSL certificates can provide basic encryption for small websites, paid SSL certificates are recommended for sites that require a higher level of security and trust.