Where to Buy Wildcard SSL Certificate: A Quick Guide

In an age where online security is non-negotiable, businesses must make sure that their websites are safe from possible attacks. The easiest way to get this is by using an SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) certificate. They come in various types, including the versatile Wildcard SSL certificates. With these certificates, securing multiple subdomains under a single domain is simplified, making them a nice option if the organization has a huge web presence.

Let’s take a look at everything you need to know about Wildcard SSL Certificates, starting with why they matter and some tips for selecting a good provider.

What is a Wildcard SSL Certificate & Its Importance

A Wildcard SSL certificate is a digital certificate designed to secure a main domain and all associated subdomains with a single certificate. As an example, a Wildcard SSL certificate for *.example.com can protect www.example.com, mail.example.com, and store.example.com, among others. This feature is vital for organizations that operate multiple subdomains, as it allows them to manage security more efficiently.

Wildcard SSL certificates have their own significance as they help improve website security and create trust in the client on the website. These certificates transmit information between users and servers remains encrypted, and therefore protected, from malicious actors. Having one certificate for multiple subdomains simplifies certificate management and reduces administrative complexity.

Key Features to Look for Before Buying Wildcard Certificate

Before purchasing a Wildcard SSL certificate, consider the following key features:

Domain Coverage and Scope

Make sure that the certificate covers all necessary subdomains. Wildcard SSL certificates generally secure all first-level subdomains tied to a primary domain but do not cover second-level subdomains (e.g., sub.mail.example.com). Confirm this detail with the provider before making a purchase.

Level of Validation

Wildcard SSL certificates come with varying validation levels like Domain Validation (DV) and Organization Validation (OV). Select the level appropriate to your business needs. While DV certificates are almost immediately issued, OV certificates require more documentation and provide higher trust levels.

Assured Coverage

Check if the certificate includes a warranty that covers potential mis-issuance or security flaws. Reputable Certificate Authorities (CAs) usually provide a warranty but always verify this before purchasing a certificate.

Go with a Trusted CA

Choosing a reputable Certificate Authority (CA) like PositiveSSL, EssentialSSL, Comodo, Sectigo, Thawte, RapidSSL, and GlobalSign is important. They are known for being reliable and supporting customers. Having a trusted CA will surely make your website more credible.

Private Key Security

Confirm that the provider follows strict security measures for private key management. It must be kept secure to prevent unauthorized access to your certificate.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

There are some usual oversights made by individuals who buy Wildcard SSL Certificates for the first time, which include:

Ignoring Validation Levels

When selecting an SSL certificate, it’s important to know the difference between validation types, like Domain Validation (DV) and Organization Validation (OV). If you handle sensitive data or are into e-commerce, choosing something like OV can help build trust with your customers. By picking the right type of validation level for your business, you’ll make sure you’re giving the right level of security and credibility.

Overlooking Compatibility

Before purchasing a Wildcard SSL certificate, make sure it is compatible with your server environment, web applications, browsers, and devices. Some servers and web platforms have specific SSL requirements, and compatibility issues with certain browsers or devices could lead to security warnings. In such cases, installation becomes problematic or insecure.

Neglecting Support Options

When selecting a provider for your Wildcard SSL certificate, consider the level of support they offer. Some providers may offer extensive resources, including installation guides, troubleshooting assistance, and customer service channels like live chat or phone support.

Underestimating Renewal Costs

Renewal costs can sometimes exceed initial investment as brands provide discounts when purchasing SSL certificates for the first year. Make sure to check pricing details with your certificate provider early to avoid any surprises.

Exploring Wildcard SSL Certificate Providers

When it comes to purchasing Wildcard SSL certificates, several providers stand out in terms of features, pricing, and customer support. At CheapSSLShop, we provide Wildcard certificates from reputable CAs at competitive prices.

Comparison of Top Wildcard SSL Providers

	Features	Pricing
ClickSSL Wildcard SSL Certificate	Affordable prices with strong encryption standards	$29.00/yr.
EssentialSSL Wildcard Certificate	High assurance levels with fast issuance	$39.00/yr.
PositiveSSL DV Wildcard Certificate	SHA-2 algorithm for better protection	$49.00/yr.
Sectigo DV WildcardSSL Certificate	Advanced RSA & ECC encryption standard	$65.00/yr.
RapidSSL Wildcard Certificate	256-bit encryption for robust security	$70.00/yr.
EssentialSSL OV Wildcard Certificate	Automatic validation for fast setup	$90.00/yr.
Sectigo OV Wildcard SSL Certificate	Easy and quick certificate renewal	$90.00/yr.
Thawte SSL Webserver Wildcard OV Certificate	USD 1,250,000 warranty in case of mis-issuance	$270.00/yr.
GeoTrust TBID OV Wildcard SSL Certificate	Global trust with industry-standard validation	$310.00/yr.
GlobalSign Wildcard SSL Certificate	Unlimited server licensing	$350.00/yr.

Tips for Ensuring You Buy the Best Wildcard Certificate

To ensure you make the best purchase decision regarding a Wildcard SSL certificate, consider these tips:

Choose the Right Validation Level

Evaluate your business needs carefully when selecting a validation level. If you are handling sensitive transactions or customer data get the OV wildcard SSL certificates for enhanced trust.

Evaluate Key Management

Check how the provider manages private keys. They should offer secure storage, 2048-bit RSA key length, and 256-bit encryption for strong protection against unauthorized access.

Warranty & Refund

Check if the provider gives a warranty against mis-issuance and breaches in case of unexpected issues. Also, check if they offer a refund option, if the certificate doesn’t work out for your specific needs.

Multi-Year Purchase Options

Seek out multi-year options if you can, which can often save you money in the long run while continuing to give you the coverage you need.

Look for Installation and Configuration Support

Pick a provider who provides all or most of the installation support or guides for configuring your certificate appropriately on your server.

Check for Additional Features

Wildcard certificates that support SAN (Subject Alternative Name) are offered by some CAs so that you can have the additional domains secured on top of your primary domain. Using a Wildcard Multi-Domain certificate allows you to cover multiple domains and wildcard domains using a single certificate. Some of the popular multi-domain wildcard certificates are Comodo OV Multi-Domain Wildcard SSL Certificate and Sectigo OV Multi-Domain Wildcard SSL Certificate.

Recognizing the Cheapest Wildcard SSL Without Compromising Quality

While cost is an important factor, it should not be the only factor when choosing a Wildcard SSL certificate. With so many providers to choose from, you should get the one that offers affordable prices but still meets your needs. It is always important to check the compatibility levels, validity levels and other important factors rather than considering only on the grounds of mere cost.

Steps to Buy a Wildcard Certificate

1. Research Providers: Compare features, pricing, and customer reviews.
2. Select Your Certificate Type: Decide on DV or OV based on your needs.
3. Generate CSR: Create your own Certificate Signing Request from your server to submit to the provider.
4. Purchase Online: Complete the transaction on your chosen provider’s website.
5. Complete Validation Requirements: Provide necessary documentation as required by the CA. Once the documents are received by the CA, they will initiate the process of issuing you a Wildcard SSL certificate.
6. Download Certificate: After your verification is completed by the CA, you will receive your Wildcard SSL certificate file in either .crt or .pem format.

Installing and Managing Your Wildcard SSL

After purchasing your Wildcard SSL certificate:

1. Installation Process:
   1. Log into your dedicated hosting server.
   2. Install the certificate using your server’s SSL/TLS configuration settings.
   3. Test the installation using SSL checker tools.
2. Management Tips:
   1. Regularly check your certificate to make sure it hasn’t expired.
   2. Renew the certificate using automation tools.
   3. Make sure subdomain mappings are updated if required.

Where to Buy the Best Wildcard SSL Certificate?

CheapSSLShop is a reliable provider for buying cheap Wildcard SSL certificates without compromising quality. Offering competitive prices, trusted brands, and robust encryption, CheapSSLShop delivers HTTPS security for your domain and its subdomains. With excellent customer support and discounts on premium SSL options, it’s the go-to destination for cost-effective website security.

Conclusion

Wildcard SSL Certificates are a must-have to secure your online presence if you manage several subdomains. Knowing the features to look for, the top providers to explore, and best practices from purchase to installation will help you choose the right solution that meets your business’s needs.  If you’re running a small blog or a huge e-commerce platform, investing in a quality Wildcard SSL Certificate will give you good security and improve your trust with the users.