Online website security is a top priority for website owners. One of the most effective ways to secure your website is through SSL certificates. SSL (Secure Socket Layer) certificates are digital certificates that establish a secure connection between the website’s server and the visitor’s browser. This secure connection ensures that any data transmitted between the server and the browser is encrypted and cannot be intercepted by hackers.
A wildcard SSL certificate is a type of SSL certificate that can secure all subdomains under a single domain name. If you have multiple subdomains, you don’t need to purchase separate SSL certificates for each one. Instead, you can purchase a single wildcard SSL certificate to secure all your subdomains. It is one of the cost-effective SSL solutions for businesses that have multiple subdomains.
In this ultimate guide, we’ll take a look at the top providers of wildcard SSL certificates and their features. We’ll also cover the benefits of using a wildcard SSL certificate, how to choose the right one for your business, the installation process, management, renewal, and cost.
Why Use a Wildcard SSL Certificate?
Wildcard SSL certificates are an excellent choice for businesses that have multiple subdomains. For example, if you have a domain like www.example.com and you have several subdomains like blog.example.com, shop.example.com, and support.example.com, a wildcard SSL certificate can secure all of them with a single certificate.
It is one of the reliable website security solutions as you don’t need to purchase individual SSL certificates for each subdomain, which can be expensive. Additionally, managing multiple SSL certificates can be a time-consuming and hassle task, especially if you have a large number of subdomains.
A wildcard SSL certificate can also simplify the SSL installation process, as you only need to install one certificate on web server instead of multiple TLS certificates. It can save time and reduce the risk of errors during the SSL installation process.
Types of SSL Certificates
Before we dive into the top providers of wildcard SSL certificates, it’s important to understand the different types of SSL certificates available.
1. Domain Validated SSL Certificates: DV SSL certificates are the most basic type of SSL certificate. They only verify the domain name of the website, and the verification process is quick and straightforward.
2. Organization Validated SSL Certificates: OV SSL certificates provide a higher level of validation. They verify the domain name and the organization behind the website. It is ideal for businesses that want to establish trust with their customers.
3. Extended Validation SSL Certificates: EV SSL certificates provide the highest level of validation. They verify the domain name, the organization behind the website, and additional information such as the physical location of the organization. This type of SSL certificate is ideal for businesses that require the highest level of security and trust.
4. Cheap Wildcard SSL Certificates: Wildcard certificates can secure all subdomains under a single domain name. This is a cost-effective solution for businesses that have multiple subdomains.
Top Wildcard SSL Certificates from The Best Certificate Authority
Now that you understand the different types of SSL certificates, let’s take a look at the top wildcard SSL certificates and their features.
5. Comodo Positive SSL Wildcard: It is one of the best options in wildcard certificates, and it offers up to 256-bit encryption including 2048-bit CSR key. It is 99.99% compatible with all major browsers, mobile devices, and OS. It involves a 30-day money-back guarantee along with unlimited server license, and FREE re-issuance.
6. Comodo Essential SSL Wildcard: It is another highly recommended wildcard SSL option, and it also contains high-end encryption up to 256-bit encryption including standard 2048-bit CSR key. It supports all major browsers and mobile devices. It comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee and unlimited free re-issuances.
7. Comodo Wildcard SSL: It is the best seller wildcard certificates, and it offers the great range of SSL security features to encrypt all subdomains on multiple servers. It supports all major web browsers, web servers, control panel, email servers, and more. Its provides 100% money back assurance and a 30-day money-back guarantee.
How to Choose the Right Wildcard SSL Certificate for Your Business
When choosing a wildcard SSL certificate for your business, there are several factors to consider.
8. Level of Encryption: The scale of encryption is an important factor to consider when choosing a wildcard SSL certificate. The higher the level of SSL encryption, the more secure your website and the data will be.
9. Web Browser Compatibility: It’s decisive to choose a SSL certificate that is compatible with all major web browsers, web servers, control panel, email servers mobile devices. It ensures that your website will be accessible to all visitors on HTTPS.
10. Management Tools: Look for a provider that offers multiple certificate management, installation, and SSL checker tools to help you manage your SSL certificates. It can include tools for monitoring and renewing your SSL certificates.
11. Price: The cost of a wildcard SSL certificate can vary depending on the provider. It’s important to choose an SSL provider that are the best and the popular, so they can serve maximum discount on your purchase.
Wildcard SSL Certificate Installation Process
The installation process for a wildcard SSL certificate is similar to the installation process for a regular SSL certificate. However, instead of installing multiple certificates for each subdomain, you only need to install one certificate for all subdomains.
The installation process will vary depending on the provider and the server that you are using. Generally, the process involves generating a certificate signing request (CSR) for wildcard certificate, submitting the CSR to the certificate authority by third-party vendor, in case you are using re-seller channel to purchase the certificate, receiving the wildcard SSL certificate on successful completion of validation, and then installing the certificate on your server.
Note: Add *.yourdomain.com as a common name while generating your wildcard certificate CSR.
Wildcard SSL Certificate Management and Renewal
Managing and renewing a wildcard SSL certificate is essential to ensure that your website remains secure on HTTPS protocol. The Most providers offer certificate management tools and SSL tools to help you monitor and renew your certificates.
Renewing a wildcard SSL is similar to renewing a regular SSL certificate. However, instead of renewing multiple certificates for each subdomain, you only need to renew one certificate for all subdomains.
Wildcard SSL Certificate Cost
The cost of a wildcard SSL certificate can vary depending on the provider, like from which channel you want to obtain the certificate. Generally, if you go with re-seller then you would have higher discounted price for wildcard SSL certificate, but at the same time if you choose the certificate authority (SSL brands) like Sectigo, Comodo, and Certera then it will be more expensive.
However, a wildcard SSL certificate can be a cheap SSL certificate solution for businesses that have multiple subdomains. Instead of purchasing separate SSL certificates for each subdomain, you only need to purchase one wildcard SSL certificate.
Conclusion and Recommendations
In conclusion, a wildcard SSL certificate is an excellent choice for businesses that have multiple subdomains. It’s a reliable solution that can simplify the installation process and reduce the risk of errors.
