Discover the benefits of cheap wildcard SSL certificates. Learn how they work, their cost-effectiveness, and why they’re essential for securing multiple subdomains under one SSL.
Introduction
In the world of online security, an SSL (Secure Socket Layer) certificate is crucial to safeguarding your website and data. With the growing importance of online privacy and the need to build user trust, investing in SSL certificates is more vital than ever. However, not all SSL certificates are created equal. For website owners with multiple subdomains, a wildcard SSL certificate offers both security and flexibility. Finding a cheap wildcard SSL that doesn’t compromise on quality or security is a smart choice for many businesses, especially those on a budget. This article breaks down the essentials of cheap wildcard SSL certificates, including what they are, their benefits, and how to choose the best option.
What is a Wildcard SSL Certificate?
A wildcard SSL certificate is designed to secure a primary domain and all of its subdomains. For instance, if you have a website like example.com with multiple subdomains like blog.example.com, shop.example.com, and support.example.com, a single wildcard SSL certificate can secure all these subdomains under one certificate.
This type of SSL is represented by an asterisk (*) in the domain name. For example, a wildcard SSL for *.example.com will protect any subdomain of example.com.
Why Choose a Cheap Wildcard SSL?
SSL certificates vary in cost depending on the level of validation, brand, and type (standard vs. wildcard). A wildcard SSL generally costs more than a single-domain SSL because of its extended functionality. However, numerous providers offer cheap wildcard SSL certificates that are both budget-friendly and reliable. Opting for an affordable wildcard SSL can help you secure multiple subdomains without straining your budget.
Key Benefits of Choosing a Cheap Wildcard SSL:
- Cost-Effectiveness: A cheap wildcard SSL provides a single solution for securing multiple subdomains, saving costs on individual certificates.
- Ease of Management: With a wildcard SSL, you manage one certificate for all subdomains instead of handling several certificates, reducing administrative work.
- High Security: A low-cost wildcard SSL still offers robust encryption and security standards, making it a great option for small to medium-sized businesses.
- Scalability: As your business grows, you can add more subdomains under the same wildcard SSL without incurring additional SSL certificate expenses.
Types of Wildcard SSL Certificates
There are three main types of wildcard SSL certificates based on the validation level:
- Domain Validation (DV) Wildcard SSL: This is the simplest and most affordable wildcard SSL. It verifies domain ownership, and it’s ideal for smaller websites or businesses looking for quick and inexpensive SSL solutions. DV wildcard SSL certificates are the most common type when searching for a cheap wildcard SSL.
- Organization Validation (OV) Wildcard SSL: This certificate provides a higher level of validation by verifying the domain and the organization’s details. OV certificates are ideal for medium-sized businesses seeking more customer trust through organization authentication.
- Extended Validation (EV) Wildcard SSL: Although rare and more expensive, EV wildcard SSL certificates provide the highest level of validation, offering enhanced user trust through strict verification. They are commonly used by large organizations that require maximum customer trust.
Where to Find Cheap Wildcard SSL Certificates
Many reputable providers offer affordable wildcard SSL options without compromising on security. Here’s a list of popular providers known for their competitive pricing:
- Comodo/Sectigo: Known for its affordable and secure SSL certificates, Comodo (now Sectigo) provides a range of DV and OV wildcard SSL options that are highly popular for budget-conscious users.
- RapidSSL: RapidSSL is another affordable provider offering DV wildcard SSL certificates. Their solutions are straightforward, cost-effective, and offer good encryption for smaller websites.
- SSL2BUY: A reseller offering various SSL certificates at discounted rates from providers like GeoTrust, Comodo, and Thawte, SSL2BUY offers a range of cheap wildcard SSL certificates.
- Namecheap: Namecheap is a well-known domain registrar that also provides affordable wildcard SSL certificates. They have DV and OV options suitable for small businesses.
- GoGetSSL: GoGetSSL is a lesser-known yet highly affordable SSL provider, offering DV and OV wildcard SSLs that are ideal for budget-friendly websites.
What to Look for in a Cheap Wildcard SSL Certificate
When choosing a cheap wildcard SSL, it’s important to ensure that it meets essential security standards without compromising on encryption. Here are key factors to consider:
- Encryption Level: A good wildcard SSL should offer 256-bit encryption and SHA-2 hashing for maximum security.
- Trusted Brand: Choose a reliable and trusted brand. Well-known providers like Comodo, RapidSSL, and GeoTrust offer credibility and customer trust.
- Warranty: Many SSL certificates come with a warranty, which provides financial protection if the certificate is improperly issued or fails to protect.
- Compatibility: Ensure that the SSL certificate is compatible with most browsers and devices to avoid security warnings for users.
- Customer Support: Look for a provider that offers good customer support. This is especially important if you’re not tech-savvy or if you run into issues during installation.
How Much Does a Cheap Wildcard SSL Cost?
The price for a wildcard SSL can range widely based on factors like the provider, validation level, and any additional features. Generally, a DV wildcard SSL is the most affordable, with prices starting as low as $30 to $60 annually, while an OV wildcard SSL can cost between $100 and $300. If you’re opting for an EV wildcard SSL, expect to pay more, as these certificates come with higher validation standards.
Opting for a cheap wildcard SSL does not mean sacrificing security; it simply means you’re choosing a more budget-friendly option without extra features that might be unnecessary for your website.
Pros and Cons of Cheap Wildcard SSL Certificates
Pros:
- Affordable: Ideal for businesses on a budget, cheap wildcard SSLs allow you to secure multiple subdomains without hefty costs.
- Comprehensive Security: Even a low-cost wildcard SSL provides robust encryption and security standards.
- Ease of Installation and Management: A single installation can cover all subdomains, streamlining SSL management.
Cons:
- Limited Features: Some cheap wildcard SSLs may lack advanced features like malware scanning or vulnerability assessment.
- Lower Validation: DV wildcard SSLs don’t offer the same level of organizational assurance as OV or EV certificates.
- Basic Support: Some low-cost providers may not offer in-depth customer support.
Steps to Install a Cheap Wildcard SSL
Installing a cheap wildcard SSL is similar to installing a standard SSL certificate. Here’s a quick guide:
- Purchase the Certificate: Choose your provider and buy the wildcard SSL suitable for your domain and subdomains.
- Generate a CSR: Create a Certificate Signing Request (CSR) from your hosting account or server for the domain you want to secure.
- Validation: Complete the necessary validation steps, which will vary based on your SSL type (DV, OV, EV).
- Install the SSL: Upload the certificate files provided by the SSL provider to your server. This step may require technical assistance if you’re unfamiliar with SSL installation.
- Verify Installation: Once installed, verify that the SSL certificate is active and working across all subdomains by using an SSL checker tool.
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Conclusion
Securing your website and its subdomains with a cheap wildcard SSL certificate is a practical choice for small to medium businesses and budget-conscious website owners. Not only does a wildcard SSL provide comprehensive coverage for multiple subdomains, but it also simplifies SSL management and reduces costs significantly. By choosing the right provider and ensuring adequate validation, you can enjoy the benefits of an affordable wildcard SSL without compromising on security.
