We know that this SSL is free and almost each persons like free! I must admit it too. But, there are some disadvantages using Let’s Encrypt, we know it is free but there will be some disadvantages.
With Plesk Control Panel, you can easily install Let’s Encrypt. With only few clicks, your site will secure automatically.
In this article, we will show you some disdvantages using Let’s Encrypt and you might consider it again if you want to use this SSL.
Top Reasons Not to Use Let’s Encrypt
1. Validation Issue
The biggest issue is that, although Let’s Encrypt provides the modern standard of website encryption, it doesn’t offer Extended Domain Validation (the green bar beside the URL, displaying the company name next to the padlock). There’s a difference. Not only does this mean that the identity of the website is not verified to the same extent as a website with Extended Domain Validation but, to the user (no matter how clueless), they may place less trust in websites that do not have the full “green bar” displaying the company name. As it is just domain validation, there are no additional checks on the owner of the domain or website.
What’s more, if Extended Domain Validation SSL certificates (EVs) or Organisation Validation SSL certificates (OVs) are important to you, you should be aware that Let’s Encrypt have no plans on making OVs and EVs available.
2. Compability Issue
There are also compatibility issues with some platforms such as older versions of Blackberry, Windows XP, Nintendo 3DS, PS3, and so on… For the majority of website owners, this is a non-issue. You might even let slip a giggle at the thought. But it’s still worth a mention, because you never know.
If you’re a large website, you may also need to rely upon frequent customer support… As you can expect from a non-profit, they do lack strong customer support. Commercial providers, on the other hand, have the resources to dedicate more time to their paying customers. If you don’t have a tonne of experience with SSL certificates, the customer support alone could be well worth the higher price.
3. “Color” of padlock
As a side note, and another aspect of the point 1 above. There is a special type of certificates – so called Extended Validation certificates, or EV certificates. When a server presents an EV certificate, browsers tend to show the company name, rather than a web address. You can see the difference below – a Let’s Encrypt certificate (top) and an EV certificate (bottom).
4. Phising Issues
This is more a problem of a perception and expectations. SSL certificates are not a silver bullet solution. It only provides a particular function, i.e., encryption of traffic between your browser and a web server.
Let’s Encrypt has naturally become a go-to CA for phishers as it fully automates the issuance process and doesn’t ask any questions.. Let’s Encrypt also argues that it is not its job to stop malicious sites from using its certificates. While it is factually correct, it goes against expectations that many people have. Expectations that helped Let’s Encrypt become successful and expectations that lead to a massive increase of the HTTPS use.
This meant that phishers and malware distributors were free to use Let’s Encrypt without any risk of being banned or having their certificate revoked
5. No Warranty
As explained on point no. 4, if there is any issues with your website, no warranty provided by Let’s Encrypt.
Conclusion
When Let’s Encrypt is installed correctly, then there will be no issue. But if there is any issue with your Let’s Encrypt, then you mus contact their team but honestly their support team is not too good and it will take days to answer your issue.
So, if you have large sites or you have run your business many years, it is not too wise to use Let’s Encrypt. You better spend little money to get reliable service. Most hosting providers offer SSL at an affordable rate, for example ASPHostPortal offer paid SSL start from $48/year.
