What disadvantages do we get if we decide to use a free SSL certificate, such as Let's Encrypt?
An SSL Certificate is critical to keeping your website safe from cyber criminals. A free product always comes with multiple disadvantage as well.
- Validity of SSL certificate. Let's Encrypt SSL certificates need to be renewed every 90 days. Paid SSL certificates need to be renewed once a year or once every two years.
- Validation types and trust seals. Let’s Encrypt SSL certificates available only for DV (Domain Validation). Paid SSL certificates use different validation levels: DV (Domain Validation), EV (Extended Validation) and OV (Organization Validation) and include trust seal.
- Warranty protection. Let’s Encrypt SSL certificates does not provide any warranty. Paid SSL certificates come with warranties starting at $10.000 and more (based on your certificate choice). That you can claim in case of misuse or a data leakage (read their legal terms).
There are 3 main scenarios that covered by these 'warranties' where they could pay out if something bad happened:- If the information in the certificate was not correct.
- If the CA discloses the associated private key for the certificate.
- If there is a financial loss due to incorrectly issued certificate.
- Technical support. Let's Encrypt provide community support only. Paid SSL certificate providers offer technical support via phone, live chat, email, etc.
By using Let's Encrypt you revoke your right to defend your Intellectual Property including Patent, Trademark, Trade Secret or Copyright against infringement by Internet Security Research Group (ISRG).
