How to get a free ssl certificate for your web project

One of the most effective methods to guarantee this security is through an SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) Certificate. This certificate encrypts the communication between the web server and the user’s browser, which helps prevent data from being intercepted or modified by malicious third parties.

Fortunately, obtaining an SSL certificate is no longer a costly and complicated process, as there are free options available to anyone wishing to secure their website.

what is an SSL Certificate?

Before we dive into how to get a free SSL Certificate, it’s important to understand what it is and why it’s crucial to your website’s security.

An SSL Certificate is a small data file that is digitally bound to a domain-specific cryptographic key. This combination encrypts the information transmitted between the web server and the user’s browser, creating a secure connection.

When a website has an active SSL certificate, it can be easily identified by the prefix “https://” in the browser’s address bar, as well as by the icon of a closed padlock.

why is it important to have an ssl certificate?

• Data Security: An SSL certificate protects sensitive information, such as usernames, passwords, credit card data and other personal information, by encrypting it during transmission.
• User Trust: Website visitors trust a secure site, which can increase credibility and brand trust.
• Improved SEO: Search engines, such as Google, favor secure websites, which can result in better ranking in search results.

Obtaining a Free SSL Certificate

Fortunately, there are several certificate authorities (CAs) that offer free SSL certificates. Here are a few popular options:

Let’s Encrypt

Let’s Encrypt is a non-profit certificate authority that offers free SSL certificates. Their goal is to make the web more secure for everyone. Let’s Encrypt offers SSL certificates that are valid for 90 days and can be renewed automatically.

To get an SSL certificate from Let’s Encrypt, you can use tools like Certbot or use web hosting services that automatically integrate them.

Cloudflare

Cloudflare is an Internet infrastructure services company that offers an extra layer of security for websites. Their free plan includes a valid SSL certificate for your domain. In addition, Cloudflare offers protection against DDoS attacks and a content delivery network (CDN) to speed up the loading of your website.

ZeroSSL

ZeroSSL offers free SSL certificates that are valid for 90 days. The process of obtaining them is simple and can be completed in a few minutes. ZeroSSL also offers tools to generate SSL certificates and renew them automatically.

SSL For Free

SSL For Free is another service that offers free SSL certificates. Their process for obtaining them involves verifying the domain through a file or DNS validation method. Once verified, you can download your SSL certificate and set it up on your web server.

Steps to Obtain a Free SSL Certificate

Regardless of which option you choose, the general process for obtaining a free SSL certificate follows these steps:

1. Select a Provider: Choose one of the above options or any other free SSL certificate provider that fits your needs.
2. Register and Verify Domain Ownership: Follow the steps provided by the provider to register and verify that you are the owner of the domain for which you wish to obtain the SSL certificate.
3. Generate the SSL Certificate: Use the tools provided by the provider to generate your SSL Certificate.
4. Install the SSL Certificate on your Web Server: Follow the specific instructions from your provider or the web server you are using to install the SSL Certificate on your website.
5. Configure HTTPS Redirection: Configure your web server to automatically redirect HTTP traffic to HTTPS to ensure a secure connection at all times.
6. Renew SSL Certificate: Be sure to renew your SSL certificate before it expires to avoid disruptions to your website’s security.

Editorial Team