Websites using Geotrust

Okay, let s break down GeoTrust, covering its overview, revenue information (where available), alternatives, pricing considerations, and customer care aspects.

GeoTrust Overview

• What it is: GeoTrust is a well-established Certificate Authority (CA) that provides digital certificates primarily for website security (SSL/TLS certificates). They are a subsidiary of DigiCert, Inc., a leading global provider of digital security solutions. This means DigiCert ultimately owns and operates the GeoTrust brand.

• Core Products:

  • SSL/TLS Certificates: Their primary offering. GeoTrust issues certificates that encrypt communication between a website s server and a user s browser, securing data and building trust. They offer a range of certificate types, including:
    • Domain Validated (DV): Quickest and cheapest, verifies domain ownership.
    • Organization Validated (OV): Verifies domain ownership and the organization s identity.
    • Extended Validation (EV): Highest level of validation, displays the organization s name prominently in the browser address bar (though this visual cue is less common now).
    • Wildcard Certificates: Secure a domain and all its subdomains.
    • Multi-Domain (SAN) Certificates: Secure multiple different domain names with a single certificate.
  • Code Signing Certificates: Used by software developers to digitally sign their code, assuring users that the software is legitimate and hasn t been tampered with.
  • Email Security Certificates (S/MIME): Used to encrypt and digitally sign emails.

• Key Focus: GeoTrust is generally positioned as a provider of reliable, cost-effective SSL certificates, particularly for small to medium-sized businesses (SMBs). They offer a balance between security and affordability. They are less focused on highly specialized or niche certificate types compared to some other CAs.

Revenue Information

• Private Company: DigiCert, the parent company, is privately held. Therefore, specific revenue figures for GeoTrust are not publicly released. DigiCert as a whole generates hundreds of millions of dollars annually.
• Market Share: GeoTrust holds a significant share of the SSL certificate market, but precise figures are subject to constant change based on market dynamics.

Alternatives to GeoTrust

The SSL/TLS certificate market is competitive. Here s a list of well-regarded alternatives to GeoTrust, grouped by category:

• Major Players (Like GeoTrust, part of larger security companies):

  • DigiCert: Since they own GeoTrust, this is the most direct alternative. They offer a wider range of certificates and security solutions than GeoTrust alone. They focus on high-end security.
  • Sectigo (formerly Comodo CA): A large CA with a broad range of certificate types and security products. Sectigo is known for its competitive pricing and various security solutions.
  • Thawte: Another brand owned by DigiCert. Thawte s pricing is similar to GeoTrust, but tends to have fewer features.
  • Entrust: A long-standing provider of digital security solutions, including SSL certificates, PKI (Public Key Infrastructure), and identity management.
  • GlobalSign: Offers a comprehensive suite of digital certificate solutions, including SSL, code signing, and document signing certificates. They are known for their strong security practices.

• More Affordable/Developer-Focused:

  • Let s Encrypt: A free, automated, and open Certificate Authority. Excellent for basic SSL/TLS encryption, especially for personal projects or non-critical websites. It is domain-validated only.
  • ZeroSSL: Offers free and paid SSL certificates with easy ACME protocol integration.

• Managed SSL Services (Bundled with Hosting/Platforms):

  • Many web hosting providers (e.g., SiteGround, Bluehost, GoDaddy) and cloud platforms (e.g., AWS, Google Cloud, Azure) offer integrated SSL certificate management as part of their services. This simplifies the process for users.

Pricing Considerations

• Varies by Certificate Type and Validation Level: As noted earlier, DV certificates are the cheapest, OV are mid-range, and EV are the most expensive.
• Wildcard and Multi-Domain Certificates Cost More: These certificates offer greater flexibility and, therefore, come at a higher price point.
• Subscription Length: You can typically purchase certificates for 1, 2, or 3 years (longer terms sometimes available). Longer terms may offer a slightly lower annual rate.
• Vendor-Specific Pricing: Pricing can differ between GeoTrust and its competitors. It s essential to compare quotes from multiple providers.
• Promotions and Discounts: Keep an eye out for promotional offers and discounts, especially during certain times of the year (e.g., Black Friday).
• Bundling: Sometimes you can get better deals if you bundle an SSL certificate with other services (e.g., web hosting).
• Price Range (Estimates - Subject to Change):
  • DV Certificates: $5 - $50 per year
  • OV Certificates: $50 - $200 per year
  • EV Certificates: $100 - $400+ per year
  • Wildcard Certificates: $70 - $300+ per year

Important Considerations:

• Automatic Renewal: Most certificate providers offer automatic renewal options. Be sure to understand the renewal terms to avoid unexpected charges.
• Warranty: SSL certificates often come with a warranty that covers losses incurred due to certificate-related failures (e.g., if the CA makes a mistake in issuing the certificate). Check the warranty terms carefully.

Customer Care Details

• DigiCert Support: Since GeoTrust is part of DigiCert, you ll likely be interacting with DigiCert s customer support channels.
• Support Channels:
  • Online Knowledge Base: A comprehensive collection of articles, FAQs, and troubleshooting guides.
  • Email Support: A standard method for submitting support requests.
  • Phone Support: Phone support is usually available, with hours of operation depending on your region and the service level you ve purchased. Look for the phone numbers on the DigiCert or GeoTrust websites.
  • Live Chat: Many CAs offer live chat support for quick assistance with technical issues.
• Support Quality: Customer reviews on support quality can vary. Some users report positive experiences, while others have experienced delays or difficulties resolving complex issues. Check recent reviews before committing.
• Response Times: Response times for support requests can vary depending on the channel (phone is usually fastest) and the complexity of the issue.
• SSL Installation Services: Some providers offer SSL installation services for an additional fee if you need help installing the certificate on your server.
• Revocation Support: If you need to revoke a certificate (e.g., due to a compromised private key), ensure the provider has a clear and efficient revocation process.
• 24/7 Support: DigiCert offers 24/7 support. This is a significant benefit for businesses that operate around the clock. Confirm that this 24/7 support covers GeoTrust-branded certificates.

To get the most accurate and up-to-date information:

• Visit the official GeoTrust website.
• Compare pricing from multiple SSL certificate providers.
• Read customer reviews of both GeoTrust and its alternatives.
• Contact the sales teams of different CAs to discuss your specific needs and get personalized recommendations.

I hope this comprehensive overview is helpful!