Where to buy an SSL certificate

These days, the web is becoming a secure web. Companies like Google are now using HTTPS as a ranking signal and new companies are popping up to help automate the hard stuff. As project planners, here's all you really need to know. ;-)


Free Option

Products

Positives

  • It's free.

Negatives

  • Requires super user access to a server.
  • You must install it yourself.
  • You must manage it every 3 months.

Low Cost Option

Products

  • ClickSSL offers SSL certificates for $12.

Positives

  • It's very affordable.
  • It's as simple as a GoDaddy account.
  • The certificates last up to a year.

Negatives

  • It cost money.

Familiar Option

Products

Positives

  • Good customer support.
  • Familiar brand.
  • The certificates last up to a year.

Negatives

  • It cost more money.

Enterprise Option

Products

Positives

  • Enterprise support
  • Well known and respected brand.

Negatives

  • It costs a lot of money.

Summary

If you're not in the business of making or managing websites or apps, then your best bet is ClickSSL. Even if you don't like it or your mess up, it's hard to complain about a $12 price point.