Yes, you can get a free SSL for your WordPress Website. However, setting it up tends to be difficult, which is why it is advisable to sign up with a Web Host that offers free SSLs as part of the package.
If you do not already have an SSL certificate for your website, then your site is probably being flagged as insecure by browsers. This is something that you, as a website owner, do not want to have happen. With the gory tales of hacking and malware that are spreading around the glove on daily basis, having your website labelled as “Not Secure,” is probably going to cost you a lot in terms of traffic. That is particularly the case if you run a business website, such as an eCommerce site. Nobody in their right mind is going to trust their financial information with a website that is less than 100% secure.
What is an SSL Certificate?
SSL stands for Secure Sockets Layer, an internet protocol that is crucial for securing data as people visit websites.
Where can I get a SSL Certificate?
When choosing a web host, it is important for you to go for one that offers a Free SSL as part of the bargain. This is something that our own Web Host, Interserver, does. Most of the web hosts that are out there will also offer you SSL certificates as an extra paid service.
Can I get free SSL Certificates?
The SSL certificates that are offered by Web hosts as an added service tend to add to the costs of web hosting, particularly for beginners. The fortunate bit is that there are a number of ways through which you can get a free SSL certificate for your website.
Let’s Encrypt
Let’s encrypt is a none-profit project that was set up to help secure the internet by providing people with free SSL certificates. The unfortunate bit is that it can be quite difficult for an individual to install an SSL certificate on their site. That is the reason why it is highly recommended for you to choose a web host that offers the service free of charge.
How does it work?
If you wish to establish HTTPS on your website, you should, therefore, get an SSL from a Certificate Authority (CA). Let’s Encrypt is one such CA, which offers SSL certificates free of charge. To get a certificate for your website’s domain from Let’s Encrypt, you need to show that you are the owner of the domain.