SSL Whats the difference?

[dclamp]

Is there a big difference between SSL certs/keys from a company like Verisign that cost like 100 dollar and one that you generate yourself though WHM?

Why pay 100 dollars when you can generate it yourself?

[mendhak]

When using SSL certificates with other applications on the Internet (say, other web services that need to submit to you via an SSL connection, callback pages, etc.) then the issuing authority is sometimes called into question. For example when you use google checkout for a shopping cart application, google will only postback to your site with the transaction details if they trust the issuing authority of the SSL certificate.

There's nothing stopping you from generating one yourself and using it, it depends on how security oriented your application will be, especially if there's money involved.

[dclamp]

so it is just a trust issue? When you buy from a trusted site your site seems more reliable?

[RobDog888]

Would you buy from a site that doesnt have a trusted certificate? Would you trust them with your credit card information (if you have one). I think not.

[dclamp]

Would you buy from a site that doesnt have a trusted certificate? Would you trust them with your credit card information (if you have one). I think not.

your point makes sense, but if self generated certs are just as safe as trusted certs, then why purchase them...

[RobDog888]

They are not "just as safe". You are certifying yourself. Where is the trust in that?

[dclamp]

well if you are buying them that doesnt mean that you are safe either

[RobDog888]

Yes it does as you know the entity that is being represented on the website's domain is exactly who the issuing authority is. That is what the certificate from them is for.

[mendhak]

To illustrate the point, here is an analogy:

I'd rather buy a car from Ford or Honda than from Sony.

Anyone can make a car, and a car is just a car, it'll get me from Point A to Point B, and it may even work. So why should I be uncomfortable with the car from Sony? I'd have more trust in the car if it was from Honda/Ford than if it was from Sony. My friends would raise eyebrows at it when they saw the Sony car. And if I tried to pick up girls, they'd back away from it, very slowly and break into a mad run to get away as fast as possible.

[RobDog888]

But you forgot to mention that by buying the Sony car your identity was stolden from someone at the dealersip and now you have a leagal mess on your hands to clean up. Oh and your credit is jacked up for life.

[Fly by night website]"And I would have gotten away with it too if itwasnt for those damn VBF guys enlightening the public."[/Fly by night website]