119 | Beyond Let's Encrypt: Overview of the Best Free SSL/TLS Alternatives

2025-10-10

Thanks to Let’s Encrypt HTTPS has become the standard for the entire internet. This project made it possible for any site administrator to get a free SSL certificate in just a few commands. But other players have appeared on the market, offering more convenience, integrations, and flexibility.

If you want to try something besides Let’s Encrypt — below is an overview of the most reliable and popular alternatives.

1. ZeroSSL — same automation, but with a friendly interface

ZeroSSL (Austria) — the main competitor to Let’s Encrypt. It is fully compatible with the same ACME protocol, but emphasizes convenience.

107 | Battle for Security — FTPS vs SFTP

2025-09-24

Introduction

After we figured out insecure FTP, it’s time to meet its secure successors. Here’s where confusion often arises: many people think FTPS and SFTP are the same thing. In reality, these are two completely different protocols — with different histories and principles of operation.

What is FTPS? (FTP + Security)

FTPS (FTP over SSL/TLS) is a direct evolution of classic FTP. It takes standard FTP and “wraps” its connections in the cryptographic protocol SSL/TLS (the same one that protects websites via HTTPS).