What are the differences between self-signed and CA-signed certificates?

What are the differences between self-signed and CA-signed certificates?

Self-signed certificates are created and signed by the entity that owns the certificate, while CA-signed certificates are issued by a trusted Certificate Authority. This means CA-signed certificates are generally more trusted by browsers and systems.

Why would someone choose a self-signed certificate?

Self-signed certificates are often used for internal testing, development, or in environments where trust can be established without a CA, as they are free and easy to create.

Are there any security risks with self-signed certificates?

Yes, self-signed certificates can pose security risks, such as man-in-the-middle attacks, since they are not verified by a trusted authority.

How can I create a self-signed certificate?

You can create a self-signed certificate using tools like OpenSSL. The command typically involves generating a private key and then creating a certificate using that key.