How to Install a Wildcard Certificate on FortiGate?

Keeping your network safe can be stressful, especially when you have to handle multiple subdomains. Your data becomes exposed to interception and unauthorized access when you don’t use proper security measures. A wildcard certificate can help you secure your web portfolio with a single certificate; it can secure your main domain and all its primary-level (e.g., *.example.com) subdomains.

If you use a FortiGate firewall, adding a wildcard SSL certificate can make your network safe and trusted. This installation guide will walk you through a simple step-by-step process on “How to Install a Wildcard Certificate on FortiGate.” 

Understanding a Wildcard Certificate

A wildcard SSL certificate is a digital security certificate that protects the main domain along with their first-level subdomains with a single certification. The asterisk (*) symbol shows that the domain has an unlimited number of subdomains secured by a wildcard SSL certificate.

This cost-effective solution eliminates the need for multiple individual certificates while maintaining robust encryption. However, the management of wildcard certificates becomes crucial since the compromise of the private key affects all subdomains because a breach of the private key exposes every associated subdomain to risk.

Wildcard SSL Certificate Installation Steps on FortiGate

Follow this step-by-step breakdown of how to install wildcard SSL certificate on FortiGate:

Step 1: Get a Wildcard SSL Certificate

1. First, get a wildcard SSL certificate from a Trusted Certificate Authority (CA) or reputed resellers.
2. The Certificate Authority verifies domain ownership through its validation process.
3. Choose a provider who uses industry security standards for browser compatibility.
4. The first phase of Wildcard Certificate Management needs to be carefully considered in terms of validation requirements.
5. The certificate should pass through all web browsers without any security warnings.
6. Do validation properly so that it is recognized all over the various platforms and doesn’t raise any security alerts.
7. Choose the Certificate Authority that aligns with your security needs and budget.

Step 2: Export Certificate Components

1. Once you’ve received the certificate, export both the certificate file and private key off-site.
2. The export options offered by most Certificate Authorities are simple, providing PFX or PEM formats. These are the foundational elements to install Wildcard SSL Certificate on FortiGate so store these files safely.
3. Never share the private key, as it is important for secure encrypted communication.
4. The Certificate Authority has specific export guidelines to follow. The export process can vary depending on the operating system and the Certificate Authority platform.
5. Before proceeding with the installation, create secure backups of all certificate components. Keep certificate documentation for further use.

Step 3: Access FortiGate Interface

1. Log into the FortiGate web interface using administrator credentials.
2. Make sure the installation process is done after stable network connectivity.
3. The web interface is necessary for certificate implementation and management.
4. Get an overview of the available configuration settings by exploring the dashboard.
5. Clear browser cache and cookies to prevent possible interface loading problems.
6. To run the FortiGate interface best, use a supported web browser version, as outdated versions may cause display issues.
7. Finally, document all network settings and configurations for future reference.

Step 4: Import Certificate Files

1. Click on Certificate Management from the FortiGate interface.
2. Place the wildcard certificate and private key files on the system and upload them.
3. When prompted, enter details such as certificate name and type. This is a big step in implementing Wildcard Certificate Management.
4. Don’t forget to check all information before the process to avoid configuration errors.
5. Also, look at file format requirements and naming conventions.
6. It’s a good idea to assign certificate names that make sense.
7. Proceed to the next step only if you’ve verified a successful upload.
8. Take note of any error messages or warnings during the import process.

Additional Steps for Installing a Wildcard Certificate on FortiGate

1. Configure Security Settings

   1. Put the imported wildcard certificate on services that need SSL/TLS protection.
   2. Depending on the security requirements of different applications, the encryption settings must be adjusted.
   3. The Wildcard Certificate Management system is flexible for the configuration of different network services.
   4. Confirm that the security configurations align with your organization’s policies while maintaining optimal performance.
   5. If additional such parameters are required, configure them too.
   6. Default settings at a review and edit them according to security policies.
   7. If you are considering implementing the best security practices that FortiGate documentation recommends, back up the configuration before making big changes to settings.
   8. Apply new security parameters to each service and test them individually.

2. Verify Installation

   1. Access protected subdomains by HTTPS connections and test installation.
   2. Then, check browser security indicators to verify that the certificate is recognized and trusted.
   3. To evaluate the installation of the Wildcard SSL Certificate on FortiGate, you can use specialized tools such as SSL Labs.
   4. Verify SSL certificate functionality across multiple browsers and devices to check for trust errors.
   5. Continuous protection depends on regular testing which can spot potential configuration issues early.
   6. Document test results and the steps performed. Get into a monitoring schedule to measure ongoing certificate performance.
   7. Create alerts for expiration and certificate renewal reminders.
   8. Establish emergency procedures for certificate-related issues.
   9. Lastly, automated monitoring tools for continuous security validation should be implemented.

Tips and Warnings for Certificate Installation

Proper certificate installation is crucial for securing digital communications and preventing security breaches. Follow these guidelines carefully for successful implementation and avoid potential vulnerabilities.

1. Stay Updated

   It is recommended that Wildcard SSL Certificate be installed on FortiGate with FortiGate firmware version maintained to avoid compatibility issues and security vulnerabilities. Schedule updates during off-peak hours to minimize disruption.

2. Regular Monitoring

   Do Wildcard Certificate checks on all protected subdomains consistently. Implement automated monitoring tools to track certificate performance and security.

3. Access Control

   Make sure that only authorized person can handle certificates. Store private keys in Hardware Security Modules (HSM) or encrypted storage with strict access controls.

4. Update Schedule

   Once you install Wildcard SSL Certificate on FortiGate, create a structured timeline for updates. Updating certificates on a regular basis keeps consistent security and optimal performance.

5. Expiration Notices

   Wildcard Certificate Management system can configure automated alerts for the expiry dates of certificates. Set multiple reminder points at 90, 60, and 30 days before expiration.

6. Subdomain Protection

   For highly sensitive subdomains, consider using the FortiGate traffic logs and SSL inspection as it helps you monitor subdomain traffic for unusual patterns or security threats.

Conclusion

When you install Wildcard SSL Certificate on FortiGate, you strengthen the network security. Through a streamlined implementation process, this guide helps organizations protect multiple subdomains. Follow these installation steps to achieve complete network infrastructure security coverage.

Regular maintenance and monitoring keep levels of protection regularly at their optimum for all connected systems. Now, network administrators can confidently manage SSL certificates while maintaining high security standards.