Best cheap/free security certificate?

[Tonearm]

I've been using a Versign cert for a long time but it is currently expired. I don't have the $250 for a renewal right now but I'll probably shell it out eventually because I think people recognize their "seal". Anyway, for now which would be the best free or very inexpensive certificate to get?

- Grant

[ganderla]

I buy mine from godaddy and they are about 18 a year.

[henry0]

The real deal will be to use a shared certif if your ISP does provide one and if your system allows for.

[vincevincevince]

Very good question. I think it depends upon what you wish to achieve.

Is your priority encryption of your data? Trust in who you and your website are? Or just accessing https:// without generating security popups?

[moltar]

RapidSSL via EV1 is $14.95 / year

[Tonearm]

Vince I'd say the main thing I want is no security pop-ups. What do you suggest?

- Grant

[Tonearm]

moltar, how do you get a RapidSSL cert for $15 a year?

- Grant

[wheel]

I think it used to be cheaper there. last time I registered though it was in the range of $35-$40 pear year. Still a good deal.

[The Contractor]

Spend $49 a year on a GeoTrust QuickSSL certificate through EV1 and save $140 over what GeoTrust charges directly ;)

[herb]

QuickSSL certificate through EV1

Don't they require that you host with them to get a certificate? As I recall their VPS start at about $40.00. Where as you can get the same at many ISPs for $8-12.00.

[The Contractor]

Don't they require that you host with them to get a certificate?

No, you are not required to host with them (I certainly never have). I have been purchasing these for several years through them. When you renew it goes straight through geotrust and renewals are only $49.00 (through the link you are sent).

[moltar]

When you renew it goes straight through geotrust and renewals are only $49.00 (through the link you are sent).

Instead of renewing just get another one and let that one expire ;)

[Tonearm]

Ok, we have three contenders:

RapidSSL $15
GoDaddy SSL $20
GeoTrust QuickSSL $49

Is there a functional difference between them? I noticed that EV1's site says:

QuickSSL enables your web site to activate the browser's "LOCK" icon, indicating data will be protected from interception or tampering using secure sockets layer (SSL) encrypting technology.
[ev1servers.net...]

It doesn't say the same about RapidSSL. Is the same not true of a RapidSSL cert? I do like the GeoTrust seal better than the other two seals and I think they have a fairly well-known brand. I'm not sure I'd pay an extra $34 just for the seal though.

- Grant

[Tonearm]

Also, does anyone know of a way to get a cheaper Verisign cert through a reseller, etc?

[moltar]

RapidSSL works just fine and gives you the "lock" :) I think it was something like 99.7% of all the browsers, but I don't remember the exact number.