As a website owner, we often wonder whether it is actually worth using the services of SSL certificate issuers. Considering all the benefits that come with an SSL certificate, it is undoubtedly a very sensible choice. When we decide to use the services of a particular company issuing SSL certificates, we want a professional provider to handle our website from A to Z. If the certificate issuer fulfills its duties and, in accordance with the agreement, can provide 24/7 support, respond to phone calls and emails, and fix any SSL-related issues, we can enjoy a smooth experience.
Scope of responsibility
The company that issues our SSL certificate is merely its issuer and acts as an intermediary in the purchase of the certificate. It guarantees the security of data transmission, which is extremely important because customers often leave their important and confidential data—such as when making online purchases or booking a hotel room using their credit card details. This is precisely why business owners should consider an SSL certificate. As for the guarantee provided by the certificate issuer, they usually specify the amount of compensation that would be paid out in the event of a security breach.
What if the certificate is compromised?
If it turns out that an SSL certificate is compromised and an online fraudster gains access to our website (obviously due to an error on the part of the SSL certificate issuer), then the responsibility lies with the SSL certificate issuer. The representative of the company issuing various types of SSL certificates would then be responsible for paying the agreed-upon compensation to the client. The maximum amount that can be received from the issuer depends on the chosen certificate and on the compensation coverage offered by that company.
Where to look for the certificate issuer’s liability?
However, if the negligence falls on the website owner themselves or on the company responsible for the site’s maintenance, no compensation is due. To find out exactly how the SSL certificate issuer’s liability is defined, you need to check the terms of service or user agreement for their services. This document indicates the guaranteed compensation amount. Since the law is becoming more consumer-friendly each day, it is worthwhile to take advantage of consumer protection in the event of any problems (which, unfortunately, do sometimes occur).
Where to seek help if the issuer fails to meet its obligations?
Fortunately, such instances are extremely rare. Sometimes, however, you may see a note in the terms and conditions of a particular SSL certificate issuer stating that the company “does not provide any financial guarantees.” In that case, it is best to look online for information about that company to avoid potential problems down the road. Even despite such a clause, the client may still have the right to seek compensation. The extent of the SSL certificate issuer’s responsibility varies depending on the type of certificate chosen for your website. The more expensive and advanced the SSL certificate, the higher the issuer’s liability should be in principle. In practice, however, this can vary, so before deciding to purchase an SSL certificate, consider carefully all the pros and cons of each provider, because the damage caused by an improperly installed SSL certificate can be considerable.