Websites using Trustico

Okay, let s break down Trustico, covering its overview, revenue (where available), alternatives, pricing, and customer care details.

Overview of Trustico

Trustico is a Certificate Authority (CA) reseller and provider of SSL certificates and related digital security products. They don t issue SSL certificates themselves. Instead, they partner with major CAs like DigiCert (formerly Symantec), Comodo (now Sectigo), and others to offer a wide variety of SSL/TLS certificates. They also offer other security products like code signing certificates, email security certificates (S/MIME), and vulnerability scanning tools.

Their business model focuses on:

• Reselling: Buying SSL certificates in bulk from CAs and offering them to customers at competitive prices.
• Bundling: Creating packages of security products and services.
• Customer Service (Historically Controversial): Providing support and guidance to customers during the SSL certificate installation and management process (though this has been a point of contention – see below).

Revenue

• Private Company: Trustico is privately held, so exact revenue figures are not publicly available.
• Estimation is Difficult: Revenue would be based on the volume of SSL certificates they sell. The SSL certificate market is competitive, and margins can vary.

Alternatives to Trustico

There are many alternatives to Trustico for obtaining SSL certificates and related security products. Here s a list of some of the most popular and reputable options, categorized:

• Directly from Certificate Authorities (CAs):

  • DigiCert: (Often considered the premium, enterprise-focused option). Known for high validation standards and strong security.
  • Sectigo (formerly Comodo): A large and well-established CA with a broad range of certificates at various price points.
  • GlobalSign: Another reputable CA with a focus on enterprise solutions and identity management.
  • Entrust Datacard: Offers a variety of security solutions, including SSL certificates.

• SSL Certificate Resellers (Similar to Trustico but often with better reputation):

  • SSL.com: Well-regarded for its customer service, technical expertise, and competitive pricing.
  • Namecheap: Known for its domain registration services but also offers a wide range of SSL certificates.
  • GoDaddy: Another popular domain registrar that resells SSL certificates (note: GoDaddy s SSL practices have been criticized in the past).
  • The SSL Store: A dedicated SSL certificate reseller with a wide selection and helpful tools.

• Free Certificate Authorities:

  • Let s Encrypt: A free, automated, and open certificate authority. Ideal for basic website encryption and development environments. Requires some technical knowledge to set up, but there are many tools to automate the process.

Factors to Consider When Choosing an Alternative:

• Certificate Type: (DV, OV, EV). Domain Validation (DV) is the simplest and cheapest. Organization Validation (OV) requires verification of the organization. Extended Validation (EV) provides the highest level of trust and displays the organization s name in the browser address bar (though EV certs are becoming less visually distinct in some browsers).
• Warranty: The amount of financial protection offered by the CA in case of certificate mis-issuance.
• Customer Support: The quality and availability of support.
• Price: Compare prices across different providers.
• Reputation: Check reviews and ratings of the provider.
• Ease of Use: Consider the ease of ordering, installing, and managing the certificate.
• Compatibility: Ensure the certificate is compatible with your web server and other systems.

Pricing

• Variable: Trustico s pricing, like other SSL resellers, varies greatly depending on:
  • Certificate Type: DV certificates are the cheapest, EV certificates are the most expensive.
  • Validity Period: Certificates can be purchased for 1, 2, or more years.
  • Discounts and Promotions: Resellers often offer discounts and promotions.
• Comparison is Key: Always compare prices from multiple providers before making a purchase. Factor in the level of support and features offered.

Customer Care Details

• Historical Concerns: Historically, Trustico has received significant criticism regarding its customer service. There have been reports of:
  • Slow Response Times: Delays in responding to support requests.
  • Unhelpful Support: Lack of technical expertise and difficulty resolving issues.
  • Difficult Refunds: Problems obtaining refunds for unused certificates.
  • Controversy regarding private keys: There was a significant incident where Trustico claimed to have compromised thousands of SSL certificates, which led to major CAs revoking certificates and severing ties with the company.
• Current Status: It s important to check recent reviews and feedback before relying on Trustico s customer service. While they may have made improvements, the past issues remain a significant concern.
• Contact Methods: Typically, Trustico provides customer support through:
  • Email: Support tickets submitted via email.
  • Live Chat: Online chat support (availability may vary).
  • Phone: Phone support (may be limited or only available during certain hours).
  • Knowledge Base: A collection of articles and FAQs to help customers resolve common issues.

Important Considerations and Warnings

• Research Thoroughly: Before purchasing from Trustico (or any SSL provider), conduct thorough research and read recent reviews.
• Be Aware of the History: Understand the past controversies surrounding Trustico and their handling of SSL certificates.
• Consider Alternatives: Explore the many reputable alternatives available. You may find better service and more competitive pricing elsewhere.
• Understand Certificate Validation: Be prepared to complete the necessary validation steps required by the CA to obtain your SSL certificate.
• Secure Your Private Key: Protect your private key at all costs. Never share it with unauthorized individuals or store it in insecure locations. You are responsible for the security of your private key.

In summary: Trustico is an SSL certificate reseller with a history of customer service issues. While they may offer competitive pricing, it s crucial to weigh the potential risks against the benefits and carefully consider alternatives before making a purchase. Always prioritize reputable providers with a proven track record of reliable service and strong security practices.