Free SSL Certificates VS Paid SSL Certificates: Differences, Advantages and Disadvantages

One of the big news of the year that has just begun is related to the secure https protocol.

As we know, for a few months (in reality there are more primitive attempts), Google has started to favor websites that use the HTTPS protocol.

The most common Internet browsers, such as Chrome and Firefox, have already taken a well-defined direction on the security of Internet users, reporting all websites that do not use the HTTPS protocol as NOT SECURE, especially in sections where information considered sensitive is requested, for example data entry fields such as login or contact forms.

The SSL Certificate is important not only for e-commerce sites. At this point we can say that both Google and Firefox believe it is essential that all websites sooner or later switch to the secure HTTPS protocol, to guarantee greater browsing safety for all users. Obviously the advantage for websites in switching to secure browsing in HTTPS is the improvement of performance and positioning on search engines.

Thanks to the activation of an SSL Certificate, the sending of data from our servers (from our website therefore) to our users (or customers) and vice versa is considered safe. Furthermore, an SSL Certificate protects the login intended as access both to the site by the user and to any administration panel of the CMS used (Joomla!, WordPress etc..); without forgetting that its activation is essential for the interaction of the apps connected to our website on social networks, such as Facebook.

Hosting and SSL Certificates Our Joomlahost and Dnshosting users have been able to activate an SSL Certificate for free with the Medium and Large Hosting products for over a year (i.e. with the release of SSD hosting), while for the Small Hosting products a small annual investment of €9.99 (+VAT) is required, the same investment that is required of our resellers and those who have purchased a Dedicated Server.

With the announced arrival of this innovation on the part of browsers, we at Colt Engine have decided to make the activation of a Let's Encrypt SSL Certificate available for ALL users, completely free of charge. With this initiative we obviously want to protect both our customers (and their websites) and all internet users who regularly browse the web.

The question arises spontaneously: which certificate to activate and why? You are surely wondering what the difference is between a Let's Encrypt SSL Certificate (free) and the SSL Certificates that can be activated with Medium and Large Hosting (included in the product) and with Small Hosting (extra to the plan). This is why we want to immediately clarify your doubts and respond to your needs.

Let's start with some useful information: Colt Engine is a partner of the company GMO GlobalSign, a well-known company that has been operating in the digital security sector since 1996. GlobalSign offers 3 types of SSL Certificates, which are characterized by the level of security they offer (a topic that we will address in a future article). Let's Encrypt is also a Certification Authority (as is GlobalSign) that automates the creation, validation, issuance and renewal of SSL Certificates for free and is based on Open Source software.

The SSL Certificates provided by GlobalSign and that of Let's Encrypt have the same characteristics, but they differ for 3 fundamental reasons:

on domains with an active SSL Certificate, an anti-phishing check is performed during activation, i.e. by checking a DNS record specifically inserted during certificate activation, domain ownership is validated. This is not the case with the Let's Encrypt certificate.

with GlobalSign certificates there is a cash guarantee (around €10,000) on the certificate itself and on the fact that there may be errors in generating the identity of the person or company who requested the certificate.

Let's Encrypt is a donation-based, non-profit organization with approximately 10 employees and cannot provide any assistance. While Globalsign has 24/7 global support, for us this is an added strength and security.

Tips! The Let's Encrypt SSL Certificate is an excellent solution for most websites as its purpose is to ensure a secure connection and security on the web. As for sites with specific needs, such as an e-commerce site where sensitive user data passes, it is preferable to activate a paid SSL Certificate, which offers greater guarantees and support for your website and your customers.

We remind all our Joomlahost and Dnshosting customers that it is possible to activate the GlobalSign Certificate in your Hosting Service through the control panel by following this path:

ACTIVE SERVICES – MANAGE – MANAGEMENT – PRODUCT MODIFICATION

We also remind you that for any information or clarification, you can contact our Customer Service at This email address is protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or This email address is protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.