As the world of the internet evolves, so too does the technology used to secure it. Wildcard SSL Certificates are the latest way to keep your website, applications, and networks secure. This guide will provide you with the most up-to-date information on Wildcard SSL Certificates for the year 2023.
As per Statista Cyber Security report, the global cost of cybercrime is going to skyrocket in the next coming decade, the surge in the cybercrime cost is from $8.44 trillion in 2022 to $23.84 trillion by 2027.
And after watching and reading the numbers of these cyber report, it’s critical to online businesses to set up the data security within the organization to ensure that they are safe for the customers.
We’ll discuss everything from what Wildcard SSL Certificates are and why they are important, to how to purchase and use them. By the end of this guide, you’ll have the knowledge and confidence to make the best decision when it comes to protecting your website, applications, and networks. So, let’s get started!
What are Wildcard SSL Certificates?
Wildcard SSL Certificates are digital certificates used to secure websites, applications, and networks. They offer the same level of encryption as traditional SSL Certificates, but they are more versatile and cost-effective.
Cheap Wildcard SSL Certificates are ideal for large organizations that have multiple websites or subdomains. Unlike regular SSL Certificates, which require a unique certificate for each domain or subdomain, a Wildcard Certificate can cover an entire domain and all of its subdomains.
Wildcard SSL Certificates are issued by Certificate Authorities (CAs). A CA is a trusted third-party organization that verifies the identity of the organization requesting the SSL Certificate.
Once the request is verified, the CA will issue a unique SSL Certificate that can be used to authenticate and encrypt data sent between the server and the client.
The Certificates can be purchased from most major CAs. These certificates typically cost more than standard SSL Certificates due to the added benefits they provide.
Why are Wildcard SSL Certificates Important?
They are important because they help to secure your website, applications, and networks. It protects the data that is sent between the server and the client. Without an SSL Certificate, data can be intercepted and read by an unauthorized third-party. This can lead to stolen data, identity theft, and other malicious attacks.
Wildcard Certificates helps website owners to build an additional layer of security. With a Certificate, you can secure all of the subdomains associated with your main domain. This can be especially useful if you have a large network with multiple subdomains.
Finally, they provide a higher level of trust and credibility. Having SSL Wildcard Certificate installed on your website or application can give your visitors and customers peace of mind knowing that their data is secure.
How to Purchase a Wildcard SSL Certificate
Purchasing a Wildcard SSL Certificate is relatively straightforward. The first step is to choose a CA that you trust. Most major CAs offer these Certificates, but it is vital to make sure that the CA you choose is reputable and has a good track record.
Once you’ve chosen a CA, you’ll need to provide them with information about your domain or subdomain. This includes your domain name, the type of server you’re using, and the number of subdomains you need to secure. You’ll also need to provide contact information so the CA can reach you if there are any issues.
Once the information has been provided, the CA will generate a unique certificate for your primary website or subdomain. The certificate will be emailed to you, and you’ll need to install it on your server.
How to Use a Wildcard SSL Certificate
Once obtain the Certificate, you’ll need to install it on your server. Most CAs provide detailed instructions on how to install the certificate, so it’s important to follow these instructions carefully.
Once the certificate has been installed, you’ll need to configure your web server to use the certificate. This involves setting up the server to use the certificate and to encrypt data sent between the server and the client.
Finally, you’ll need to configure your domain or subdomain to use the certificate. This involves setting up the DNS records to point to the certificate and to force all traffic to use HTTPS instead of HTTP.
Different Types of Wildcard SSL Certificates
It comes in a variety of types, all of which provide different levels of security. The type of certificate you choose will depend on your needs and budget.
The most common types of Wildcard Certificates are:
• Standard Wildcard SSL Certificates: These are the most basic type of Wildcard SSL Certificate and offer the same level of encryption as a traditional SSL Certificate.
• Organization Validated (OV) Wildcard SSL Certificates: These provide an even higher level of encryption and also display the organization’s name in the address bar.
• Multi-Domain Wildcard SSL certificates: These certificates can be used to secure multiple domains and subdomains, making them ideal for large organizations with multiple websites.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Wildcard SSL Certificates
Wildcard Certificates offer a number of advantages over normal SSL Certificates. The most notable advantages are cost savings, increased security, and ease of use.
The main disadvantage of Wildcard SSL Certificates is that they are not as secure as standard SSL. The certificates cover all of the subdomains associated with a domain, which means that if one subdomain is compromised, all of the others are at risk as well.
Best Practices for Using Wildcard SSL Certificates
When it comes to using Wildcard Certificates, there are a few best practices you should follow:
• Make sure to purchase your Wildcard SSL Certificates from a trusted CA like Comodo Positive SSL Wildcard and Comodo Essential SSL Wildcard.
• Install the certificate on your server and configure your web server and domain or subdomain to use it.
• Regularly check the expiration date of you’re the certificate and renew it before it expires.
• Use a secure protocol such as TLS or SSL to ensure the data being sent between the server and the client is encrypted.
• Monitor your website and applications for any signs of malicious activity.
• Use a web application firewall to protect your website and applications from malicious attacks.
• Make sure to keep your server up to date with the latest security patches.
How to Troubleshoot Wildcard SSL Certificate Issues
If you encounter any issues with your Certificate, there are a few steps you can take to troubleshoot the problem:
• Make sure the certificate is properly installed on the server.
• Check the server logs to see if there are any errors related to any certificate.
• Check the expiration date of the certificate and make sure it is still valid.
• Make sure the web server is configured properly to use the Wildcard Certificate.
• Check the DNS records to make sure they are pointing to the correct server and that the domain or subdomain is configured to use the installed certificate.
• Check the browser settings.
Conclusion
Wildcard SSL Certificates are a great way to secure your website, applications, and networks. They provide a higher level of encryption and trust than normal SSL Certificates, and they can be used to secure multiple domains and subdomains. Additionally, it’s important to keep your certificate up to date and to monitor your website and applications for any signs of malicious activity. By following these best practices, you can rest assured that your digital assets are secure.
