If you are looking for the best wildcard certificate, you can buy it from www.sectigostore.com at a considerable discount of up to 87%. SectigoStore has in its store a wide selection of wildcards to choose from. You can select the best wildcard certificate that suits your requirements and is friendly to your pocket. Wildcard SSL certificates are an excellent option due to their ability to secure an infinite number of subdomains and your main domain under one single certificate – this offers immense convenience and long-term affordability. However, not all wildcard SSL certs are created equal. There are slight differences and benefits depending on the CA, brand, type and validation level.
That is why we complied this list – to give you the top 5 best wildcard SSL certificates of 2020 and explain how they can help you in their own unique ways.
The reason the PositiveSSL Wildcard SSL certificate is on this list is largely due to one key word – affordability. At the price of $78.32 per year, this certificate is a steal. This classic wildcard cert will secure your main domain and an unlimited number of subdomains with 256-bit encryption and a 2048-bit key. Throw in a site seal, $50k warranty and the fact that this cert can be issued in just minutes, and this truly is a great deal.
The PositiveSSL Multi-Domain Wildcard SSL certificate is perfect for the web admin/business owner who is looking to build out multiple web properties/websites. This certificate secures 3 domains and an unlimited number of subdomains for the flat fee of $159.20 per year. In addition to this, you can add up to 1,997 more domains to the certificate and secure an unlimited number of subdomains for each new domain you add.
This benefits you in a few ways:
You can build out a heck of a lot of web properties and secure them with one SSL cert.
This gives you the convenience of being able to handle SSL lifecycle tasks (issuance, renewal, etc.) for all of your secured domains/subdomains.
You are saving money as securing all these subdomains individually will get very expensive very fast.
For the buyer looking for a higher level of validation, this is the one for you. There are no extended validation (EV) wildcards but lucky for us, there are organizational validation (OV) options. With an OV cert, this means that your main domain and your subdomains will feature an SSL cert that carries a higher level of trust and prestige. You will need to go through light business vetting to obtain this cert but after that, users will be able to verify your company details to ensure you are legit and the correct website they are looking for in your certificate details found by clicking on the padlock icon next to your URL.
This way, you get the wildcard functionalities AND a higher level of validation.
The Sectigo OV Multi-Domain Wildcard SSL certificate is certainly a special certificate – maybe the most special on this list as it combines all the features of the certificates above.
You get the wildcard functionality (securing an unlimited number of subdomains).
You also get the multi-domain function with 3 domains and the ability to add up to 2,000 domains total (and their subdomains).
It’s OV, so you get a higher level of validation and trust from the users who visit your site.
And a $1,000,000 warranty!
This is truly a special certificate that can serve many purposes!
For enterprises looking to manage enormous internal infrastructures and secure an unlimited number of subdomains, the EnterpriseSSL Pro Wildcard SSL certificate is the best option for you. Backed by $1.5M warranty, OV validation and 256-bit symmetric encryption, this is the type of SSL certificate that is sure to make an enterprise feel secure and confident in their web security! Not to mention, at $1,143.12 per year this is an excellent price range for a certificate like this.
Don’t get caught trying to manage what will seem like an endless amount of expiration dates and renewals – rather secure your domain or IP address (and an unlimited number of subdomains) all with one single cert!
SectigoStore.com Is the Place for a Wide-Range of Trusted Wildcard SSL Certificates
Looking for the best wildcard SSL provider? When buying from SectigoStore.com, you will also receive 24/7 customer support and some of the best prices on the market in addition to access to the best wildcard SSL certificates of 2020.
Ensure you find the right SSL option for you by understanding wildcard SSL vs standard SSL…
In the world of SSL certificates, where there seems to be endless types, brands, validation levels, CAs and so on, it’s easy to feel lost or confused. But don’t worry, we got your back! We assume you’re here because you’re deciding between wildcard SSL vs standard SSL. These two SSL certificates help satisfy different needs. They both secure an HTTPS connection, but they don’t secure the same number of domains or type of domains. Here is what you need to know…
Wildcard SSL vs Standard SSL in a Nutshell
The quickest and to-the-point way of explaining standard SSL vs. wildcard SSL is:
a wildcard SSL certificate secures your domain and an unlimited number of first-level subdomains
Keep on reading for a more in depth look at a standard ssl certificate vs wildcard ssl certificate…
What Is a Standard SSL Certificate?
Standard SSL is better known as a single domain SSL certificate that offers the lowest level of validation. This particular type of SSL certificate secures your domain name (i.e. www.whateveryourdomainnameis.com or whateveryourdomainnameis.com). The single domain SSL certificate ensures that when a user communicates with www.whateveryourdomainnameis.com, the information/data traveling from their browser (client) to the website (web server) does not get intercepted by a hacker.
Image caption: An example of a standard SSL certificate (non-wildcard).
In addition, you receive the following benefits from an SSL certificate:
The coveted padlock icon in your URL
Eliminates unwelcoming messages such as “not secure” next to your URL
A small boost to your SEO
The appearance of a safer, more trustworthy and professional brand/website
The wildcard SSL certificate provides all the same things and more…
PositiveSSL EV Certificates from $79.84/year!
Get the lowest prices on trusted SSL/TLS certificates from Sectigo brands.
As mentioned above, a wildcard SSL certificate provides your users with a secure connection to your website as well as the other benefits of having an SSL certificate. What makes it different is that you can secure an unlimited number of subdomains with a wildcard SSL certificate. During the issuance process, all you have to do is put an asterisk, such as *.whateveryourdomainnameis.com, in the Fully Qualified Domain Name (FQDN) field to signify you want all of your subdomains secured in addition to your domain name.
Image caption: An example of a wildcard SSL certificate. Note the * at the beginning of the domain name. That’s how you can tell the difference between a wildcard SSL vs standard SSL.
This is what a subdomain looks like: subdomain.domainname.com. A subdomain basically acts as a mini website or subsection to your main website. Here are a few ways you can use a subdomain:
A blog site or login page
Sub-brand mini website, such as what Air Jordan is to Nike
Product sections (maybe you want each product to have its own look and feel without feeling out of place)
A media gallery or portfolio for photos or videos
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Wildcard SSL vs. Standard SSL: A Quick Technical Overview
Now that we have a grasp of the basics, let’s take a few moments to quickly compare some of the similarities and differences between standard and wildcard SSL certificates:
Feature
Standard SSL Certificates
Wildcard SSL Certificates
Encryption Strength
Offers 256-bit encryption strength.
Provides 256-bit encryption strength.
Coverage
A standard SSL certificate covers non-WWW and WWW versions of a single domain.
A wildcard SSL certificate covers non-WWW and WWW versions of a single domain and unlimited first-level subdomains.
Additional Coverage
Standard SSL certificates provide a basic level of authentication without thorough company evaluation.
A wildcard SSL certificate is ideal for securing a server and unlimited subdomains, suitable for SMEs, eCommerce websites, and large enterprises.
Who or What This Best Serves
Ideal for bloggers and small websites that don’t have subdomains to secure and don’t collect sensitive customer information.
A wildcard certificate warranty offers assurance to a brand in the event of an SSL certificate failure on the CA’s end. Warranties for standard SSL certificates range upwards of $500,000.
A wildcard certificate warranty protects a brand in the event that the SSL certificate the CA issued fails. Warranties for wildcard certificates range upwards of $1.5 million.
Encryption Protocols & Algorithms
It uses the SHA-2 algorithm, delivering up to 256-bit encryption and a 2048-bit RSA signature code.
It uses the SHA-2 algorithm, delivering up to 256-bit encryption and a 2048-bit RSA signature code.
Key Length
RSA 2048-bit and ECC 256-bit keys.
RSA 2048-bit and ECC 256-bit keys.
Cost
Standard SSL certificates have a lower cost (starting at approximately $8.78 per year).
Wildcard SSL certificates are relatively more expensive (starting at approximately $78.32 per year) due to the additional coverage of unlimited subdomains.
A Closer Look at Wildcard SSL and Standard SSL Use Cases
Regular/Standard SSL Certificates
SingleDomain Websites: Regular SSL certificates are tailored to safeguard websites operating on a single domain. These certificates deploy robust encryption mechanisms, ensuring secure and confidential communication between users and the website.
Blogs and Personal Websites: Individual bloggers and small websites with straightforward structures and no subdomains find regular SSL certificates to be an ideal fit. These certificates offer ample protection for their primary domain, fostering trust among visitors.
Small Informational Websites: For small business websites that mainly provide information and have a basic online presence, a standard SSL certificate suffices for securing their domain. However, if they collect customer data, it’s prudent to upgrade to an organization validation (OV) SSL/TLS certificate as a minimum. This is because getting one requires a more rigorous validation process, which can further instill customer trust in your brand.
If you have subdomains to secure, then you’ll want to consider switching to a wildcard SSL/TLS certificate instead.
Wildcard SSL Certificates
Multiple Subdomains: Wildcard SSL certificates cater to websites with multiple subdomains. Be it blog.example.com, shop.example.com, or mail.example.com, a wildcard certificate efficiently secures all subdomains under a single certificate. This helps to streamline your certificate management efforts and reduce certificate expiration-related risks.
Content Management Systems (CMS): Websites built on CMS platforms often employ subdomains for distinct functionalities like blogs or members’ areas. Wildcard SSL certificates simplify security by providing comprehensive protection for all subdomains under one certificate, warranting a seamless and secure user experience.
Large Enterprise Websites: Enterprises with extensive online infrastructure featuring numerous subdomains benefit from wildcard SSL certificates. Covering the main domain and all associated subdomains with a single certificate simplifies administration and reinforces security.
eCommerce Sites with Subdomains: Wildcard SSL certificates prove invaluable for online stores that utilize many subdomains for various sections, such as product categories or regional sites. They extend robust security across all first-level subdomains without requiring multiple certificates.
Web Hosting Companies: Web hosting providers offering wildcard SSL certificates enhance their service offerings. Customers can secure all hosted domains and subdomains with ease, strengthening security for their users and simplifying certificate management.
NOTE: For websites that collect sensitive personal data, you should use an organization validation (OV) certificate as a minimum. This validation requires your organization to undergo more stringent vetting before a publicly trusted CA will issue the certificate. This digital identity verification helps to provide greater peace of mind to customers because they’ll have greater confidence in your organization’s digital identity.
In summary, standard SSL/TLS certificates suit single-domain websites, while wildcard SSL certificates excel in securing websites with multiple subdomains on a single level. Evaluating a website’s structure and security requirements is vital in selecting the most appropriate SSL certificate for optimal protection.
Does Using a Wildcard SSL Certificate Have Any Drawbacks?
Are wildcard SSL certificates perfect? No. While wildcard SSL certificates offer numerous advantages, it’s essential to be aware of certain drawbacks when making your decision.
Shared Private Key: The use of a shared private key among subdomains poses a risk. If compromised, all subdomains could be vulnerable to security breaches.
No Extended Validation (EV) Option: By their very nature, wildcard certificates aren’t compatible with extended validation. This may be important for organizations requiring a higher level of validation and trust indicators.
Single Point of Failure: A wildcard SSL certificate covers all subdomains on a single level via a single certificate, streamlining management. However, this centralization also means if the certificate’s private key is compromised, then any connections to the potentially unlimited subdomains it’s used to secure will be compromised. (This is why it’s imperative to securely store and manage all of your PKI private keys.)
Certificate Installation Complexity: Managing certificates on multiple servers can be challenging, requiring careful handling of private keys and potential security risks during the installation process.
SectigoStore.com: A Trusted Source for Wildcard SSL Certificates: When purchasing your wildcard SSL certificate from SectigoStore.com, rest assured that you are choosing a reliable and reputable provider. SectigoStore.com is known for delivering top-notch security and unmatched customer support, ensuring your website’s protection.
Top-Tier Website Security Solutions: Sectigo Standard & Wildcard SSL Certificates
So, right from the jump (not including validation level or other considerations), you are looking at roughly a $70 difference. However, the investment pays off if you anticipate using multiple subdomains.
Having multiple single domain SSL certificates can get confusing as you have to go through the issuance process every time you need a new cert and not to mention, they will have different expiration dates.
With a wildcard SSL certificate, you can go through the entire SSL lifecycle for your domain and all of your subdomains in one swoop.
Streamline the process of managing multiple single domain SSL certificates with different expiration dates with a wildcard SSL certificate.
At SectigoStore.com, we offer both wildcard SSL certificate and standard SSL certificate options, providing top-tier security at affordable prices. Trust in our highly respected and longstanding CA to safeguard your online presence with SSL certificates that deliver peace of mind.
Choose SectigoStore.com for exceptional SSL solutions tailored to meet your website’s security demands.
Your step-by-step directions for how to install a wildcard SSL certificate on Apache
Most of you reading this article probably
know that Apache is a widely used web server distributed under the open-source
license that is maintained by the Apache Software Foundation. It’s used to host
one or more HTTP-based websites and has built-in support for shared/virtual
hosting. To make your websites accessible over a secure connection (i.e. HTTPS),
you will need to install an SSL/TLS certificate on your web server. A wildcard
SSL certificate secures your domain along with all its accompanying first-level
subdomains. This is why we think it’s important to cover how to install a
wildcard SSL certificate on your Apache web server.
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If you’ve already purchased a wildcard SSL certificate, you can skip ahead to the installation instructions. If not, you can get a wildcard certificate at an affordable price from SectigoStore.com.
Now that we know what these terms mean, let’s discuss how to install wildcard SSL in Apache! Note that regardless of the type of SSL/TLS certificate you are trying to configure on your Apache server, the installation steps remain unchanged.
Install a Wildcard SSL Certificate in Apache Web Server: a Step-by-Step Guide
After generating
the certificate signing request (CSR) for your wildcard SSL and placing
your order, you can follow the steps below to install the certificate on your
Apache server. (Or, if you don’t want to manually install the certificate
yourself, you can pay a minimal amount to have our installation
service take care of it for you.)
Ideally, the CSR should be generated from
the server. If not, ensure that the private key is saved on the Apache server.
How to Install Wildcard SSL in Apache
If you are looking at how to install wildcard SSL on Apache, you have come to the right place. This article is your comprehensive guide to install a wildcard SSL certificate on Apache.
Begin by downloading all the certificates — your primary server certificate as well as the intermediate certificates that are provided by your CA — and save them in the folder that contains your private key.
Navigate to the /etc/httpd directory, which usually contains the config file titled httpd.conf, and open it with the text editor. Near the bottom of the file, you’ll usually find the <VirtualHost> block. You might also find it in a file named ssl.conf or under directories such as /etc/httpd/vhosts.d/ or /etc/httpd/sites/.
If your site needs to be available over both non-secure (HTTP) and secure (HTTPS) connections, you will need a virtual host for each. Make a copy of the original non-secure virtual host and change the port number from 80 to 443.
In the <VirtualHost> block for the SSL enabled site, change the settings to point to the correct paths for the certificate files and website. The certificate files are usually found within the /etc/ssl/crt/ directory. Alter the settings and adjust the names based upon your sites’ information.
Here’s a bit of context about what each of these components entails:
SSLCertificateFile is the primary certificate file for your server.
SSLCertificateKeyFile is the private key generated when you created the CSR.
SSLCertificateChainFile is the intermediate certificate file (if any) provided by your certificate authority. If there are multiple Intermediates, you may be required to concatenate the files. If this file does not work, try using SSLCACertificateFile.
Ensure that there are no syntactical errors, save the changes, and close your editor.
Execute the following command to check your Apache server for configuration errors:
/usr/local/apache/bin/apachectl configtest
Using one of the following options Restart your Apache web server:
SSL/TLS certificates play a significant role in web
security. Most business owners are moving their websites to HTTPS in part due to Google’s initiative to flag
sites not using SSL/TLS certificates as “not secure,” and because they see the
benefits of installing an SSL/TLS certificate on their web servers.
With cyber-crime on the rise, using SSL/TLS certificates is integral to building trust with users and taking a step toward improved digital security. SSL/TLS certificates ensure that the communication channel between your client browser and the server you’re connecting to is encrypted. Over an encrypted channel, if an attacker tries to sniff your traffic, they would end up with garbled information that is unintelligible and practically useless.
A multi domain SSL certificate is a single certificate that
you can use to secure multiple domains (or subdomains if you list them as SANs).
A wildcard SSL certificate, on the other hand, secures only your primary domain
and unlimited subdomains at a single level.
Multi Domain SSL/TLS Certificates
Multi
domain SSL/TLS certificates, also called unified
communications certificates (UCC) or subject alternative name (SAN) certificates,
secure multiple fully-qualified domain names (FQDNs).
Consider the following example:
Bob is a serial entrepreneur with multiple lines of
business. He has a different website for each of these businesses, and he wants
to use HTTPS on all of them without the hassles of managing multiple SSL/TLS
certificates. Suppose he wants to secure the following websites:
www.site1.com
www.site2.net
www.site3.org
www.site4.com
With a SAN certificate, he can secure all of these sites by citing
them as SANs on a single certificate.
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With a wildcard SSL
certificate, you can secure unlimited subdomains using one certificate at a
single level. Consider Bob from our previous example. Let’s say he purchased a
domain named www.site5.com. Now, suppose www.site5.com has multiple sub-domains:
music.site5.com
order.site5.com
collection.site5.com
dev.site5.com, etc.
With a wildcard SSL certificate for *.site5.com, Bob can secure music.site5.com, order.site5.com, collection.site5.com, dev.site5.com, etc. The asterisk is used to specify one particular level that it can secure, not multiple levels. For example, a certificate for *.site5.com will not secure test.dev.site5.com. You would need a separate wildcard SSL certificate to secure second-level subdomains (*.dev.site5.com).
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The table below highlights the differences between multi domain
(SAN) SSL certificates and wildcard SSL certificates:
Multi Domain SSL
SSL Wildcard Certificate
A single certificate for multiple domains and subdomains.
A single certificate for an unlimited number of subdomains at a specific level.
Limitations on the number of domains covered are defined by the issuing certificate authority.
No limits on the number of subdomains covered.
Example: www.website.com,
blog.website.com, www.website.org, www.example.com, etc. can all be secured using one certificate.
Example: *.site.com secures every subdomain at that level such as order.site.com, blog.site.com, etc.
The different domain names to be secured must be defined and added at the time the certificate is purchased.
Additional subdomains can be added or removed at any time.
Available for all levels of validation – DV, OV, and EV.
Available for DV and OV levels of validation only. EV is not an option for wildcard certificates.
As far as making a choice between the two certificates is
concerned, it depends on your business needs. If you need to secure multiple
domains, a multi-domain (SAN) SSL certificate would be a good fit. If, on the
other hand, your business has numerous subdomains all at the same level on your
primary domain, you could choose a wildcard SSL certificate instead.
There is a third option: using a multi domain wildcard SSL
certificate, which combines the utility of both types of certificates. With
this option, you can choose to secure multiple domains and an unlimited number
of multi-level subdomains.
