As an online business owner, you know that security is paramount. With more and more customers turning to online shopping, you cannot afford to have a website that is anything less than secure. That’s where SSL Wildcard Certificates come in. They are the ultimate solution for securing your eCommerce website, providing a single certificate that covers all subdomains of your domain name. It encrypts the data on every page of your website using high-end encryption algorithm, from the checkout page to the login page.
In this article, we’ll delve into the importance of SSL Wildcard Certificates and why they are a must-have for any online business. We’ll explore the benefits of having a secure website, the risks of not having one, and how SSL Wildcard Certificates can help you build trust with your customers.
So, let’s get started and see why SSL Wildcard Certificates are a vital digital security element for your eCommerce website.
What is an eCommerce website?
An eCommerce website is an online platform that allows businesses to sell their products and services to customers over the internet. These sites are designed to be user-friendly, allowing customers to browse, select, and purchase products with ease.
eCommerce websites can range from small, single-page stores to large, multi-page platforms with thousands of products. Regardless of size, however, all eCommerce websites have one thing in common: they handle sensitive customer information such as names, addresses, and credit card details. As such, they are a prime target for cybercriminals.
Why is SSL security important for eCommerce websites?
The importance of SSL security for eCommerce websites cannot be overstated. Cybercriminals are increasingly targeting online businesses, looking to steal customer data and financial information. A data breach can have devastating consequences for a business, both financially and in terms of reputation. Customers are more aware than ever of the risks of online shopping and are unlikely to trust a website that doesn’t take security seriously. By purchasing and installing SSL Wildcard Certificates on a website, eCommerce businesses can demonstrate their commitment to protecting customer information and build trust with their customers.
The basics of SSL Wildcard Certificate
An SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) Wildcard Certificate is a type of digital encryption certificate that provides secure, encrypted connections between a server and a client. It is called a “wildcard” SSL certificate because it covers all subdomains of a domain name. A single certificate can be used to secure multiple subdomains, making it a affordable and convenient solution for businesses with complex websites.
For example, if your eCommerce website has multiple subdomains such as shop.example.com, login.example.com, and checkout.example.com, a single cheap Wildcard SSL Certificate can be used to secure all of them.
How SSL Wildcard Certificate works
When a customer visits an eCommerce website secured with an SSL Wildcard Certificate, their browser will establish a secure, and encrypted connection with the web server. The SSL Wildcard Certificate verifies the identity of the server and encrypts all data that is transmitted between the server and the client (web browser). The information that travels between the customer and the website, such as login credentials or credit card details, is protected from unbreakable encryption algorithm.
Additionally, SSL Wildcard Certificates use the latest and robust 256-bit SSL encryption standards, making it virtually impossible for cybercriminals to intercept or decrypt the data being transmitted.
Benefits of using SSL Wildcard Certificate
Installing an SSL Wildcard Certificate provides several benefits for eCommerce business websites. Here are some of the most important ones:
1. Improved Security
An SSL Wildcard Certificate provides robust 256-bit symmetric encryption and verification, ensuring that customer data is protected from cybercriminals. Additionally, it helps prevent phishing attacks by verifying the identity of the website and ensuring that customers are not directed to fake websites.
2. Increased Trust
A website secured with an SSL Wildcard Certificate displays a padlock icon in the browser address bar, indicating to customers that the site is secure. This helps build trust with customers and encourages them to make purchases on the site.
3. Better SEO
Google and other search engines prioritize secure websites in their search results. By investing in an SSL Certificate, eCommerce businesses can improve their search engine rankings and attract more customers to their site.
4. Cost-Effective
An SSL Wildcard Certificate covers all subdomains of a domain name, making it a cheap SSL solution for businesses with complex websites. This eliminates the need to purchase multiple certificates for each subdomain, saving businesses time and money.
5. Compliance
Many industries, such as healthcare and finance, are subject to strict regulations regarding data privacy and security. An SSL Wildcard Certificate helps eCommerce businesses comply with these regulations, protecting them from legal and financial penalties.
Factors to consider when choosing an SSL Wildcard Certificate
When choosing an SSL Wildcard Certificate, there are several factors to consider:
1. Validation Type
There are two types of SSL Certificates: Domain Validated (DV) and Organization Validated (OV),. DV wildcard certificates are the most basic and are suitable for small, low-risk eCommerce sites. OV Wildcard SSL certificates offer higher levels of validation and are suitable for larger, more complex eCommerce sites.
2. Encryption Strength
Encryption strength is measured in bits, with higher bits providing stronger encryption. It is important to choose Wildcard Certificate with strong encryption, preferably 256-bit.
3. Certificate Authority
The Certificate Authority (CA) is the organization that issues Wildcard SSL Certificates. It is important to choose a reputable CA that is recognized by major browsers and operating systems.
4. Price
It vary in price, with more expensive certificates offering higher levels of validation and stronger encryption. It is important to choose a certificate that fits within your budget but still provides adequate security.
How to install SSL Wildcard Certificate on your eCommerce website
Installing an SSL Wildcard Certificate on your eCommerce website is a relatively simple process. Here are the basic steps:
1. Purchase an SSL Wildcard Certificate
Choose an SSL Certificate from a reputable Certificate Authority and purchase it.
2. Generate a CSR
A Certificate Signing Request (CSR) is a message sent from the server to the CA, containing information about the website and the public key that will be used for encryption. Generate a CSR using your server software.
3. Submit the CSR
Submit the CSR to the CA for verification. The CA will verify the information and issue the Certificate.
4. Install the SSL Wildcard Certificate
Install the Certificate on your server using your server software. Once installed, your eCommerce website will be secured with SSL encryption.
Common mistakes to avoid when using SSL Wildcard Certificate
While SSL Certificates provide robust security for eCommerce websites, there are some common mistakes to avoid:
1. Using an outdated SSL protocol
Make sure that your server is using the latest SSL protocol to ensure maximum security. Older protocols, such as SSLv2 and SSLv3, are vulnerable to attacks and should be disabled.
2. Not renewing the SSL Wildcard Certificate
SSL Wildcard Certificates have an expiration date, typically one or two years from the date of purchase. Make sure to renew your certificate before it expires to ensure uninterrupted security.
3. Not configuring the SSL Wildcard Certificate correctly
Improper configuration of the Certificate can lead to security vulnerabilities. Make sure to follow the instructions provided by the Certificate Authority and your server software carefully.
Conclusion – Why SSL Wildcard Certificate is a must-have for online businesses
In conclusion, SSL Wildcard Certificates are a vital investment for any eCommerce business. They provide robust encryption and verification, building trust with customers and protecting sensitive data from cybercriminals. By investing in an Wildcard SSL Certificate, eCommerce businesses can improve their search engine rankings, comply with regulations, and save time and money. When choosing Wildcard Certificate, it is important to consider factors such as validation type, encryption strength, and price.
