DEV Community: Jessica howe

eMudhra Certificate Security Incident: 8 Weak CA Keys Identified

Jessica howe — Thu, 22 Oct 2026 09:59:03 +0000

The Certera blog, published on October 21, 2026, discusses a major cybersecurity incident involving eight intermediate Certificate Authority (CA) certificates associated with eMudhra, the Indian certificate authority operating under the emSign brand. The incident highlights the importance of secure cryptographic key generation and effective certificate lifecycle management.

What Happened?

On October 17, 2026, a security researcher reported that the private keys associated with eight eMudhra intermediate CA certificates could be recovered because they were generated with insufficient randomness. The issue affected six intermediates used for TLS certificates and two used for code signing. The vulnerability was publicly disclosed on October 20.

Private keys are essential to the trustworthiness of digital certificates. If an attacker obtains an intermediate CA's private key, they could potentially issue fraudulent certificates that appear legitimate. This could allow them to impersonate websites, intercept encrypted communications under suitable conditions, or sign malicious software so that it appears to come from a trusted publisher.

The incident resulted from a key-generation failure rather than a fundamental weakness in TLS encryption itself.

Which Certificates Were Affected?

All eight affected intermediate CA certificates were revoked and blocked. The issue involved certificates associated with eMudhra BV in the Netherlands and eMudhra Inc. in the United States.

According to the blog, no fraudulent TLS certificates from the affected intermediates were found in Certificate Transparency logs before the blocks were implemented. eMudhra also stated that the affected intermediates had not issued end-entity certificates and that only one had been deployed in production. However, the possibility of misuse outside publicly logged TLS certificate issuance could not be entirely ruled out.

How Did Technology Companies Respond?

Major technology companies responded quickly to reduce the risk. Google Chrome blocked the affected TLS intermediates through a Certificate Revocation List Set (CRLSet) update, while Mozilla used its OneCRL mechanism to block the affected certificates. Apple, Microsoft, and Cloudflare also implemented protective measures.

The blog highlights an important limitation: browser updates alone may not protect every application. Servers, API clients, programming language runtimes, containers, and embedded devices may use separate certificate trust stores that require individual updates.

Additionally, Chrome was scheduled to remove the emSign ECC Root CA – G3 from its root store on October 27, 2026. This could cause legitimate certificates chaining to that root to stop working.

What Should Website Owners and Businesses Do?

The blog recommends that organizations take several practical steps:

Inspect certificate chains: Identify whether website certificates depend on the affected emSign root or intermediate authorities.
Replace affected certificates: Obtain replacement certificates from a different trusted certificate authority before the relevant distrust deadline.
Update software and trust stores: Patch operating systems, programming language runtimes, server environments, and container images.
Review code-signing certificates: Check whether software signing relies on either affected code-signing intermediate.
Avoid disabling certificate verification: Fix certificate-chain errors instead of bypassing security checks.
Maintain a certificate inventory: Track issuing authorities, expiration dates, and certificate dependencies to respond quickly to future incidents.

Key Lessons for the PKI Industry

The incident demonstrates that even strong cryptographic algorithms cannot compensate for weak key generation. Certificate authorities need reliable random-number generation, thorough key-ceremony validation, and continuous security monitoring. Organizations must also recognize that certificate revocation does not automatically reach every application.

Ultimately, the eMudhra incident reinforces the need for proactive certificate monitoring, automated certificate lifecycle management, and the ability to switch certificate authorities quickly. Businesses that maintain accurate inventories and prepare replacement procedures can reduce security risks and avoid unexpected service interruptions.

Read Full Article - https://certera.com/blog/emudhra-certificate-compromise-8-weak-ca-keys-exposed/

How to Find a Low Cost SSL Certificate Without Sacrificing Security

Jessica howe — Mon, 19 Oct 2026 09:45:23 +0000

Securing a website with HTTPS is essential for protecting data exchanged between a website and its visitors. However, choosing an SSL/TLS certificate can be confusing, especially when different providers offer certificates at significantly different prices.

The good news is that you do not always need to spend a lot to secure your website. A low cost SSL certificate can provide strong encryption when you choose a suitable certificate for your domain and security requirements.

In this guide, we will explain how to compare affordable SSL certificates, what features to check before buying, and when a cheap wildcard SSL certificate might be a better option.

1. Understand What You Actually Need

Before comparing prices, identify how many domains and subdomains you need to secure. The right certificate depends on your website setup, not just its price.

Here are the main types to consider:

Single-domain SSL: Protects one fully qualified domain name, such as example.com. Depending on the certificate, coverage may or may not include the www version.
Wildcard SSL: Protects a main domain and its first-level subdomains, such as blog.example.com and shop.example.com.
Multi-domain SSL: Protects multiple specified domain names under one certificate, depending on the certificate's coverage and limits.

If you operate a single website, a basic single-domain certificate may be sufficient. If you manage several subdomains, compare the total cost of individual certificates with a cheap wildcard SSL certificate.

Choosing the right coverage can help you avoid paying for features you do not need.

2. Compare Prices Without Ignoring Security

SSL certificate prices vary depending on the Certificate Authority (CA), validation level, certificate type, support, and additional services.

A low cost SSL certificate is not necessarily less secure than a more expensive certificate. Standard SSL/TLS certificates can provide strong encryption regardless of whether they are free or paid, provided they are properly issued, configured, and supported by modern protocols.

When comparing providers, check the following:

Encryption and compatibility: Confirm that the certificate supports your server environment and modern TLS configurations.
Validation requirements: Domain Validation (DV) verifies domain control, while Organization Validation (OV) includes additional organization checks. Extended Validation (EV) involves more extensive verification.
Certificate coverage: Check whether you need single-domain, wildcard, or multi-domain protection.
Support: Determine whether technical assistance is available if installation or renewal problems occur.
Renewal pricing: Review recurring costs rather than comparing only introductory prices.
Additional features: Check whether the package includes features you actually need.

Paying more does not automatically mean receiving stronger encryption. Compare the certificate's actual features and the provider's services before making a decision.

3. When Is a Cheap Wildcard SSL Certificate Worth It?

A wildcard certificate can be useful when your website operates several subdomains under the same main domain.

For example, a business might use:

example.com for its main website
shop.example.com for its online store
blog.example.com for its blog
support.example.com for customer support

A wildcard certificate issued for *.example.com generally covers first-level subdomains such as these. However, it does not automatically cover the root domain example.com, unless that domain is also included in the certificate.

A cheap wildcard SSL certificate may simplify certificate management by covering multiple first-level subdomains with one certificate. Before buying, verify its coverage, renewal process, and compatibility with your hosting setup.

Wildcard certificates also require careful private-key management because the same certificate and key may be used across multiple services. If one private key is compromised, all systems relying on that key could be affected.

For websites with only one domain and no subdomains, a single-domain SSL certificate may be the more economical choice.

4. Check the Total Cost Before Buying

The advertised price is only one part of the decision. Review the total cost over the period you expect to use the certificate.

Consider these questions:

What is the renewal price?
Does the price include the certificate type and domain coverage you need?
Will you need separate certificates for additional domains or subdomains?
Is installation support included?
Can the certificate be renewed automatically, and does your server support that process?

For example, buying separate certificates for several subdomains may involve more renewal tasks. A wildcard certificate may reduce that administrative work, although it is not always cheaper than individual certificates.

Compare the complete cost and management effort rather than choosing the lowest advertised price alone.

5. Do Not Confuse Certificate Price With Website Security

An SSL/TLS certificate helps authenticate a website and establish encrypted connections. However, it does not protect a website against every cybersecurity threat.

Even after installing a low cost SSL certificate, you should:

Use modern TLS versions and secure cipher configurations.
Keep your web server, framework, and software updated.
Redirect HTTP traffic to HTTPS where appropriate.
Monitor certificate expiration dates.
Protect private keys and restrict access to them.
Maintain backups and use appropriate application security controls.

These practices help ensure that your certificate is part of a broader security strategy rather than your only security measure.

6. Automate SSL Certificate Renewal

An expired certificate can cause browser warnings, disrupt API connections, and interrupt services that depend on trusted HTTPS connections.

To reduce this risk, use an automated renewal process where your certificate type and hosting environment support it. ACME-compatible tools, such as Certbot, can help automate certificate issuance and renewal for supported certificate services.

After configuring renewal, test the renewal process, verify that the server reloads the updated certificate correctly, and monitor expiration dates. Automation should include failure alerts so that you know when a renewal needs attention.

For organizations managing certificates across many domains and services, centralized certificate lifecycle management can make monitoring and renewals easier.

7. Where to Find an Affordable SSL Certificate

When comparing SSL providers, look for transparent pricing, clearly defined certificate coverage, reliable technical support, and straightforward renewal options.

Certera offers SSL/TLS certificates from established Certificate Authorities, including options for single-domain, wildcard, and multi-domain requirements. Compare the available products and pricing to determine which certificate fits your website.

You can explore the available options at https://certera.com/.

Final Thoughts

Finding an affordable SSL certificate does not mean compromising website security. The key is to understand your domain coverage requirements, compare renewal costs, verify the provider's services, and configure TLS correctly.

For a single website, a basic single-domain certificate may be sufficient. If you manage several first-level subdomains, compare the cost and management benefits of a cheap wildcard SSL certificate before deciding.

Choose a certificate based on your actual requirements, and combine it with secure server configuration, private-key protection, and automated renewal monitoring to maintain reliable HTTPS connections.

Comodo vs Sectigo Code Signing Certificate: Which One Should You Choose?

Jessica howe — Tue, 13 Oct 2026 05:14:15 +0000

When distributing software, applications, or executable files, establishing trust is just as important as developing a reliable product. Users want to know who created the software and whether the code has been modified since it was signed. A code signing certificate helps software publishers establish that trust through a verifiable digital signature.

If you are comparing a Comodo code signing certificate with a Sectigo code signing certificate, you may be wondering which option best suits your business. You may also be considering Sectigo EV code signing if you need stronger identity assurance for your software publishing process.

In this guide, we will explain the differences between these options, how standard and EV code signing work, and what to consider before choosing a certificate.

What Is a Code Signing Certificate?

A code signing certificate is a digital certificate used to sign software, scripts, applications, drivers, and other executable files. It connects a software publisher's verified identity to a digital signature, helping users and operating systems check who signed the code and whether it has changed since signing.

Code signing is useful for businesses that distribute software through websites, application downloads, enterprise deployment systems, and other distribution channels.

A code signing certificate can help you:

Verify publisher identity: Show information about the verified software publisher.
Protect code integrity: Help detect changes made to signed code after signing.
Build user confidence: Give users a way to verify the software's digital signature.
Support software distribution: Sign compatible software packages and executable files according to the relevant platform's requirements.

However, code signing does not prove that software is completely free of malware. Users and security tools must still assess the software's behavior and reputation.

Comodo vs Sectigo Code Signing Certificate: Understanding the Difference

Before comparing certificates, it is important to understand the relationship between the two names.

Comodo CA changed its name to Sectigo in 2018. The Comodo CA certificate business and its product portfolio subsequently transitioned under the Sectigo brand. As a result, references to Comodo code signing and Sectigo code signing may reflect legacy product names, reseller listings, or differences in how products are marketed. They should not automatically be treated as two independent certificate authorities.

You can confirm this history in Sectigo's official explanation of the Comodo CA rebrand.

For buyers, the more useful comparison is between the specific certificate offerings, validation levels, key-storage methods, signing workflows, support arrangements, and prices available through the seller.

Comodo Code Signing Certificate

A Comodo code signing certificate is a term still used by some buyers and resellers when searching for code signing products associated with the former Comodo CA brand.

It is intended for software publishers who need to digitally sign their software and establish a verifiable publisher identity.

Before purchasing, check the current product issuer, certificate type, validation requirements, supported signing methods, and key-protection options. If a listing uses the Comodo name, confirm whether it refers to a current Sectigo-issued product or a legacy product description.

This is particularly important when comparing prices, because two listings with similar names may not offer identical validation levels or signing arrangements.

Sectigo Code Signing Certificate

A Sectigo code signing certificate serves the same core purpose: digitally signing software to help establish publisher identity and code integrity.

It can be appropriate for software developers, independent publishers, IT companies, and organizations distributing applications to customers or employees.

When evaluating a Sectigo code signing certificate, consider the following:

Whether standard or EV validation is required for your use case.
The documentation needed to verify your identity or organization.
Whether the signing key will be stored on supported hardware or through an approved signing service.
Compatibility with your development and release workflow.
The certificate's current price, validity period, and renewal arrangements.

These factors will help you choose a certificate that fits your software distribution process rather than relying on the brand name alone.

Sectigo EV Code Signing: What Makes It Different?

Sectigo EV code signing is an option for organizations that need Extended Validation (EV) code signing. EV involves more extensive identity verification than standard code signing, subject to the applicable certificate issuance requirements.

The main distinction is the level of validation and the associated issuance process, not a completely different purpose. Both standard and EV certificates are used to digitally sign software.

EV code signing may be worth considering if your organization has formal software release controls, distributes applications widely, or needs the additional assurance associated with EV validation.

Key Benefits of Sectigo EV Code Signing

Stronger organizational verification

EV issuance involves more extensive checks of the applicant's identity and eligibility. This helps establish confidence in the identity of the software publisher.

Support for secure signing workflows

Code signing private keys must be protected against unauthorized use. Current industry requirements specify approved hardware-based or cloud-based key-protection methods, including compliant signing services. Confirm the available options with your certificate provider before ordering.

Useful for established software publishers

Businesses distributing commercial applications, enterprise software, or other executable products may find EV appropriate when their identity-assurance and signing requirements justify the additional process.

Important: EV code signing does not guarantee that Windows SmartScreen or another security product will stop displaying warnings. Software reputation, distribution history, application behavior, and platform-specific policies can also affect user warnings.

Comodo vs Sectigo Code Signing: A Comparison

Feature	Comodo Code Signing	Sectigo Code Signing	Sectigo EV Code Signing
Primary Purpose	Digitally sign software	Digitally sign software	Digitally sign software with EV validation
Brand Context	Legacy Comodo CA naming may appear in listings	Current Sectigo branding	Sectigo EV offering
Validation	Depends on the specific product	Depends on the specific product	Extended Validation (EV)
Publisher Identity	Verified according to issuance requirements	Verified according to issuance requirements	More extensive identity verification
Private Key Protection	Must meet applicable requirements	Must meet applicable requirements	Must meet applicable requirements
Best Suited For	Buyers evaluating a Comodo-branded listing	Developers and organizations seeking Sectigo products	Organizations needing EV validation

The exact certificate features, issuance process, supported signing methods, and price depend on the product and provider. Compare the actual product specifications before making a decision.
The exact certificate features, issuance process, supported signing methods, and price depend on the product and provider. Compare the actual product specifications before making a decision.

How to Choose the Right Code Signing Certificate

The right option depends on your software distribution requirements, validation needs, and budget.

Choose a Standard Code Signing Certificate If...

You need to sign applications, executables, or scripts.

Standard validation meets your organization's requirements.

You want to establish publisher identity and help users verify code integrity.

Your current signing workflow supports the certificate's key-storage and signing requirements.

A standard Sectigo code signing certificate may be a suitable option for software publishers who do not specifically require EV validation.

Consider Sectigo EV Code Signing If...

Your organization needs Extended Validation.

Your software distribution process requires the additional identity checks associated with EV.

You have a suitable hardware-backed or approved cloud signing workflow.

Your team is prepared to meet the additional verification and issuance requirements.

EV is not automatically the best choice for every publisher. Assess whether its additional validation meets a real business or technical requirement.

Compare Price and Support Before Buying

Price is important, but it should not be the only deciding factor. Check what is included in the offer, how the private key will be protected, which signing methods are supported, and whether technical assistance is available when you need it.

Also confirm the current validity period. Under the CA/Browser Forum's code signing requirements, certificates issued on or after March 1, 2026, cannot have a validity period exceeding 460 days. See the official Code Signing Baseline Requirements.

A certificate that fits your signing workflow and security requirements can save time and prevent avoidable problems during software releases.

Final Thoughts

When comparing a Comodo code signing certificate with a Sectigo code signing certificate, start by understanding the relationship between the brands. Comodo CA became Sectigo, so the product's current issuer and specifications matter more than the name used in a listing.

For most buyers, the key decision is whether standard code signing meets their needs or whether Sectigo EV code signing offers the additional validation their organization requires.

Compare validation, private key protection, signing compatibility, support, and total cost before making your choice. This approach will help you select a certificate that supports a reliable and trustworthy software distribution process.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is a Comodo code signing certificate the same as a Sectigo code signing certificate?
Comodo CA changed its name to Sectigo in 2018, and the certificate business subsequently transitioned under the Sectigo brand. However, product names and specifications can vary across listings. Verify the current issuer and product details before purchasing.

2. What is the difference between a Sectigo code signing certificate and Sectigo EV code signing?
The main difference is the validation level. Standard code signing verifies the publisher according to the applicable issuance requirements, while EV code signing involves more extensive identity verification. Both provide digital signatures that help users verify the signer and detect changes to signed code.

3. Does Sectigo EV code signing remove Windows SmartScreen warnings?
No certificate can guarantee the removal of all SmartScreen warnings. EV validation provides additional identity assurance, but warnings can still depend on software reputation, application behavior, and Microsoft's security policies.

4. Who should buy a Comodo code signing certificate?
Developers and organizations searching for a Comodo-branded product should verify whether the listing refers to a current Sectigo offering or a legacy product description. They should then compare the certificate's validation level, supported signing methods, and key-protection options with their requirements.

5. Is a code signing certificate required to distribute software?
Not every type of software distribution universally requires a publicly trusted code signing certificate. However, code signing is strongly useful for establishing publisher identity and software integrity, and some platforms or distribution channels may impose specific signing requirements.

6. How should I choose between standard and EV code signing?
Choose standard code signing when its validation level meets your needs. Consider EV when your organization requires more extensive identity verification or has specific business or platform requirements. In either case, check the supported signing workflow and private key protection requirements before purchasing.

Attackers Hijack 3 Country-code Registries, Obtain Google Certificates

Jessica howe — Thu, 08 Oct 2026 11:46:29 +0000

A recent certificate-security incident has highlighted how compromised DNS infrastructure can be used to obtain unauthorized SSL/TLS certificates. Attackers reportedly gained control of administrators associated with three country-code registries and manipulated DNS records to pass domain validation and obtain certificates for Google-related domains.

The incident did not involve a breach of Google's systems, but it demonstrates the risks organizations face when domain, DNS, and certificate management are not adequately protected. Certificate Transparency logs played an important role in detecting the suspicious certificates, allowing affected certificates to be identified and blocked.

The incident is a reminder for businesses to monitor certificate issuance, secure DNS accounts, configure CAA records where appropriate, and investigate unexpected certificates quickly.

Read the full analysis here

Automate SSL Certificate Renewal in Kubernetes with cert-manager

Jessica howe — Tue, 06 Oct 2026 09:33:38 +0000

If you run anything on Kubernetes, you've probably had this moment: a certificate quietly expires, an Ingress starts throwing browser warnings, and someone has to dig out the one person who knows how it was set up.

You can stop that from ever happening. cert-manager is a Kubernetes add-on that issues certificates, stores them as Secrets and renews them before they expire. In this post, we'll set it up so you can automate SSL certificate renewal for good.

Why SSL automation matters more every year

Certificate lifetimes keep getting shorter. Publicly trusted certificates are capped at 200 days now, 100 days from March 2027 and 47 days from March 2029. Free certificates are moving too, with Let's Encrypt shortening its default lifetime from 90 days to 64 in February 2027 and 45 in February 2028.

Renewing by hand at that pace doesn't scale. SSL automation is how teams keep up.

What you'll need

A running Kubernetes cluster and kubectl access
Helm 3
An Ingress controller (the examples use NGINX)
A domain pointing at your cluster
About 15 minutes

Step 1: Install cert-manager

helm repo add jetstack https://charts.jetstack.io
helm repo update
helm install cert-manager jetstack/cert-manager \
--namespace cert-manager \
--create-namespace \
--set crds.enabled=true

Pin a chart version with --version in production so upgrades are deliberate. Then check that the pods are running:

kubectl get pods -n cert-manager

You should see three pods in Running state: cert-manager, cainjector and webhook.

Step 2: Create an Issuer

An issuer tells cert-manager where to get certificates. We'll use a ClusterIssuer, which works across all namespaces. Start with the staging server so you don't hit rate limits while testing:

apiVersion: cert-manager.io/v1
kind: ClusterIssuer
metadata:
name: letsencrypt-staging
spec:
acme:
server: https://acme-staging-v02.api.letsencrypt.org/directory
email: you@example.com
privateKeySecretRef:
name: letsencrypt-staging-key
solvers:
- http01:
ingress:
ingressClassName: nginx

Apply it:

kubectl apply -f clusterissuer-staging.yaml

When it works, create a second issuer named letsencrypt-prod with the production server URL: https://acme-v02.api.letsencrypt.org/directory.

Step 3: Request a certificate from an Ingress

The simplest way is to add an annotation and a tls section to your Ingress:

apiVersion: networking.k8s.io/v1
kind: Ingress
metadata:
name: my-app
annotations:
cert-manager.io/cluster-issuer: letsencrypt-staging
spec:
ingressClassName: nginx
tls:
- hosts:
- app.example.com
secretName: app-example-com-tls
rules:
- host: app.example.com
http:
paths:
- path: /
pathType: Prefix
backend:
service:
name: my-app
port:
number: 80

cert-manager sees the annotation, creates a Certificate, completes the validation challenge and stores the result in the secret named app-example-com-tls. Your Ingress controller picks it up automatically.

Prefer explicit control? Create the Certificate yourself:

apiVersion: cert-manager.io/v1
kind: Certificate
metadata:
name: app-example-com
namespace: default
spec:
secretName: app-example-com-tls
duration: 2160h # 90 days
renewBefore: 360h # renew 15 days before expiry
dnsNames:
- app.example.com
issuerRef:
name: letsencrypt-staging
kind: ClusterIssuer

The renewBefore field is what makes renewal automatic. If you leave it out, cert-manager chooses a sensible default and renews when about two thirds of the lifetime has passed.

Step 4: Check that it worked

kubectl get certificate
kubectl describe certificate app-example-com

Look for Ready: True. If it's stuck, trace the chain of resources:

kubectl get certificaterequest,order,challenge

You can also read the expiry date straight from the Secret:

kubectl get secret app-example-com-tls -o jsonpath='{.data.tls.crt}' \
| base64 -d | openssl x509 -noout -dates

Once staging works, switch the issuer name to letsencrypt-prod, delete the old Secret and let cert-manager reissue it.

Wildcard certificates with DNS-01

HTTP-01 can't issue wildcards. For *.example.com, use the DNS-01 solver. Here's a Cloudflare example:

solvers:

dns01: cloudflare: apiTokenSecretRef: name: cloudflare-api-token key: api-token

Create the token Secret first, with permission to edit DNS records for your zone only. Other providers, such as Route 53 and Google Cloud DNS, are supported too.

Using a commercial certificate authority

You don't have to use a free CA. cert-manager works with any CA that supports ACME. Many commercial CAs require External Account Binding (EAB), which links your cert-manager account to your CA account:

spec:
acme:
server: https://YOUR-CA-ACME-DIRECTORY-URL
email: you@example.com
privateKeySecretRef:
name: commercial-ca-account-key
externalAccountBinding:
keyID: YOUR_KEY_ID
keySecretRef:
name: eab-hmac-secret
key: secret
solvers:
- http01:
ingress:
ingressClassName: nginx

A commercial CA typically adds things free certificates don't: OV or EV validation, a warranty and a support team. [Add: Certera's ACME or API details, if supported, and a link to the setup guide.]

Don't skip monitoring

Automation can still fail silently, for example when DNS changes or an API token expires. cert-manager exposes Prometheus metrics, including certmanager_certificate_expiration_timestamp_seconds. This alert fires when a certificate has less than 7 days left:

alert: CertificateExpiringSoon expr: (certmanager_certificate_expiration_timestamp_seconds - time()) < 7 * 24 * 3600 for: 15m labels: severity: warning annotations: summary: "Certificate {{ $labels.name }} expires in under 7 days"

Treat this as your safety net. If it ever fires, something in your SSL automation broke and needs a human.

Common problems and quick fixes

Challenge stuck in pending: check that the domain's DNS points at your Ingress and that port 80 is reachable from the internet.
Wrong Ingress class: make sure ingressClassName in the solver matches your controller.
Rate limit errors: use the staging issuer while testing.
Certificate stays False: run kubectl describe on the Order and Challenge resources. The error message is usually clear.
Need to force a renewal: cmctl renew app-example-com

Wrapping up

With cert-manager you declare what you want, and the cluster handles issuing and renewing. That's the point of SSL automation: you set it up once and stop thinking about expiry dates.

If you're managing certificates across many domains or clients and want OV/EV validation, a warranty and a support team, take a look at what we offer at Certera.

Have questions or a setup that doesn't fit this guide? Drop a comment and I'll help.

Wildcard vs Multi-Domain SSL for Agencies: Which Certificate Fits Your Client Sites?

Jessica howe — Tue, 29 Sep 2026 04:59:34 +0000

Picture an agency managing 25 client websites. Some clients have one domain, others have a domain plus a dozen subdomains, and a few have several brands under separate domains. Buying a certificate for each one gets expensive and messy fast. That's where wildcard and multi domain SSL come in, and choosing the wrong one creates its own problems.

How each one works

A wildcard certificate covers one domain and all its first-level subdomains. A certificate for *.example.com secures shop.example.com, blog.example.com, and any other subdomain you add later.

A multi domain SSL certificate (also called SAN or UCC) covers a list of different domain names on a single certificate, such as example.com, another-brand.com, and client-three.net.

There's also a hybrid, the multi-domain wildcard, which covers several domains plus their subdomains.

Which one fits which situation

One client, many subdomains: wildcard.
Many different domains, few subdomains each: multi-domain.
Several domains that also need subdomains: multi-domain wildcard.

The limits nobody mentions

Wildcards cover only one level. *.example.com secures shop.example.com but not eu.shop.example.com. Most providers include the bare domain as a free extra name, though it's worth confirming. And EV certificates can't be issued as wildcards at all.

Multi-domain certificates have their own quirks. Every domain on the certificate is visible to anyone who inspects it, and issued certificates are logged in public Certificate Transparency records. If you put Client A and Client B on the same certificate, each can see the other's domain. Adding or removing a domain also means reissuing the certificate, and if one client leaves you'll need to reissue for everyone else.

A wildcard adds a different risk: the same private key often ends up on several servers, so a single leak affects every subdomain.

Comodo wildcard SSL, Sectigo wildcard SSL, and DigiCert wildcard SSL compared

Comodo wildcard SSL and Sectigo wildcard SSL both come from the same CA, since Comodo's certificate business became Sectigo, so the practical differences are product tiers, validation level, and packaging. A DigiCert wildcard SSL is typically sold with organization validation and higher warranty levels, and is aimed at businesses that want that extra assurance. Check the validation type on each product page, because it decides both the price and the paperwork.

What to expect from a cheap wildcard SSL

A cheap wildcard SSL is usually a domain-validated certificate, issued quickly with no company paperwork. For most agencies' client sites that's enough for encryption. If a client needs a verified company identity or higher warranty, plan for organization validation and a higher price.

Buy wildcard SSL or buy multi domain SSL? A quick decision guide

Ask four questions:

How many domains, and how do they change? Frequent additions favor a wildcard for subdomains and separate certificates for unrelated clients.
Do clients share a certificate? If privacy between clients matters, use separate certificates.
How sensitive is the key? The more servers hold a wildcard key, the higher the exposure.
What validation do you need? DV is fastest; OV takes documentation.

Renewal and automation

Both types can be automated. Wildcards need DNS validation for ACME, while multi-domain certificates need each name validated separately. With short certificate lifetimes arriving, set up automation early, especially if you're managing dozens of client sites.

FAQs

1. Is a wildcard SSL better than a multi-domain SSL?
Neither is universally better. A wildcard is useful when one domain has multiple subdomains, while a multi-domain certificate is useful when you need to secure several different domains.

2. Can a wildcard SSL certificate secure multiple domains?
No. A standard wildcard certificate covers one domain and its first-level subdomains. If you need multiple unrelated domains, a multi-domain certificate is generally more appropriate.

3. What is the difference between wildcard and multi-domain SSL?
Wildcard SSL protects one domain and its subdomains, while multi-domain SSL protects multiple specified domain names on a single certificate.

4. Is a multi-domain SSL certificate suitable for agencies?
It can be, especially when an agency manages several domains. However, putting multiple clients on one certificate can create privacy and management considerations if domains need to remain separated.

5. Can wildcard and multi-domain SSL certificates be automated?
Yes. Both can be automated. Wildcard certificates commonly use DNS validation for ACME-based automation, while multi-domain certificates require validation for each domain.

How to Check the TLS Version of your Website? Steps to Know

Jessica howe — Fri, 21 Feb 2025 05:06:29 +0000

Introduction

The Secure Sockets Layer, SSL, has evolved into Transport Layer Security or TLS and is essential for the establishment of secure connections between web browsers and servers.

A website owner should remember their TLS version to ensure the best protection of the website furthered by enhanced performance. In this guide, we will then look at several ways that you can use to check the TLS version of your website so that you can determine the security standard of your site.

Ways to Check Website TLS Version

There are several ways to check the TLS version of your website:

Using Online Tools:

Go To SSL Labs Server Test (https://www.ssllabs.com/ssltest/).
Visit the website you are testing, paste the URL of your website, and wait for the analysis report to show up.
Reading the “Protocols” part in the results you can find supported TLS versions.

Browser Developer Tools:

Load your website in a current browser that is either Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, or Apple Safari.

To open Developer Tools press F12 on your keyboard.

For Chrome, click on the ‘Security’ tab while for Firefox go to the ‘Network’ tab.

Refresh the page and SERPS will show the TLS version in connection details.

Using Command Line Tools:

Use OpenSSL (available on most Unix-based systems) and run below command: openssl s_client -connect yourwebsite. com:443 -tls1_2

You need to use ‘yourwebsite.com’ with your domain and try different TLS versions (tls1, tls1_1, tls1_2, tls1_3).

Important: When checking your website’s TLS version, it’s important to understand what you’re looking for:

TLS 1. 0 and 1. 1: These versions were released in 1999 and 2006, and they are now old and vulnerable to attacks.
TLS 1. 2: This version was released in 2008 and can be now found in most applications, and it is considered to be secure.
TLS 1. 3: This came out in 2018, and it is the newest version, more secure and performs better than the previous version.

From the point of view of ensuring security, ideally, your website should support TLS 1. 2 and 1. 3 in order to meet the highest level of security and compatibility.

Steps to Check TLS Version of Website

Follow these steps to check your website’s TLS version:

Prepare Your Browser:

The strongest recommendation is to work in Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, or Safari with its latest versions.

You need to clear the browser cache if you do not want to review the results that are stored in the cache memory.

Visit Your Website:

Type ‘https://’ added to the beginning of your domain to make sure that you are in the correct secured section.

Check the Security Indicator:

The first way of checking the security is to find the padlock icon at the lower end of the address bar.
You can click it to find some basic information about security.

Use Developer Tools:

To access the Developer Tools, you may use your mouse and right-click on the webpage and then click “Inspect” or you can use your keyboard and press the F12 key.

On Chrome go to the “Security” tab, on Firefox go to the “Network” tab.

Connect to the site and search for the words “Protocol” or “Version” in the connection details.

Analyze the Results:

If your browser shows “TLS 1. 2” or “TLS 1. 3”, then your website is safely operating on the latest security protocol.

If it contains the earlier versions such as the ‘TLS 1. 0’ or the ‘TLS 1. 1’, then, it would be advisable to upgrade the server configurations.

If you want to read it in a more details then visit detailed guider on Check the TLS Version of your website

Conclusion

It is always important to conduct periodic checks of your website’s TLS version in order to ensure optimal security on the internet. By following these methods, you can also guarantee that your site is configured to use the latest TLS protocols and make your sites more secure from the possible threats out there.

CheapSSLWEB is the best place for getting all types of SSL/TLS and professional advice to apply them properly. We offer various types of SSL certificates that are available for you to secure your site in the best way possible. Check out the products and protect your online identity using the best TLS versions.

15 Most Common SSL Issues on Python Its Solutions to Know

Jessica howe — Wed, 12 Feb 2025 08:47:48 +0000

The Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) is an integral component in securing communication over the internet. Python, being a versatile and widely-used programming language, heavily depends on SSL in securing interactions with APIs, databases, and web services.

However, during implementation, developers are often challenged by various SSL-related problems that may disrupt operations and jeopardize security.

This article covers the most common issues encountered with SSL in Python, from verification failures to errors in module compatibility, and provides solutions.

Such knowledge of challenges and fixes will help developers enhance security and reliability in their Python applications. Whether you are troubleshooting expired certificates or just trying to fix a handshake, this guide has you covered.

Most Common 15 SSL Issues on Python Its Solutions

1. SSL Certificate Verification Failure

An SSL certificate verification failure is a very simple case where Python’s SSL library was unable to verify the authenticity of an SSL certificate that was presented by a server.

It most commonly arises while working with any of the services such as MySQL databases, web servers, or APIs and mostly stems from problems within the CA trust chain. Most of the problem, however, is due to missing a trusted Certificate Authority in a CA trust store.

A trust store is actually what Python uses to verify certificates for server-side and if one of the trusted CAs is missing it simply causes the whole verification process to fail.

Not to mention errors that come from using certificates issued by an untrusted CA or even self-issued certificates which are quite common in the development environment. The other is the certificate that has either expired or even revoked.

Its legitimacy has been brought into question through the issuing Certificate Authority, though it was once trusted. To deal with SSL certificate verification failures, solutions exist.

2. SSL Certificate_VERIFY_FAILED Error

CERTIFICATE_VERIFY_FAILED is undoubtedly the most common SSL-related error in a Python application.

It arises from an inability to verify the authenticity of an SSL certificate issued by a server from the SSL module within Python, which indeed is supposed to make secure connections.

It is more often experienced with libraries like urllib and requests especially while the certificates are self-signed or issued by unknown Certificate Authorities (CAs).

All typical development environments use self signed certificates, where a certificate that is valid and therefore trusted is not implemented at all; however, it failed in a Python SSL module when the selfsigned certificate entered because such identification is not found for a Certificate Authority.

In most cases, it is due to the fact that there are not enough root CA certificates required by the trust store of the local environment.

This could be because the environment might have an outdated bundle or is trying to connect to a server whose certificate is not known to the system.

Python raises this error when it has a certificate that cannot be validated; hence it will not allow safe communication and will raise security concerns.

3. Module Not Found SSL

If the SSL module is not available, this implies that Python’s installation does not support SSL. Most of the time, this arises when OpenSSL is missing from your system or when Python has been compiled without SSL capabilities.

The solution to this problem is to ensure OpenSSL is installed by downloading either the libssl-dev or openssl-devel package on Linux.

For Windows users, reinstalling Python using an installer that includes SSL support will most of the time solve the problem and make the SSL module available.

4. SSL: CERT_COMMON_NAME_INVALID Error

This error happens because the COMMON_NAME of the server certificate does not match with the domain accessed. For example, accessing https://api.example.com using a certificate issued for https://example.com will cause this mismatch to throw this error.

One can resolve this issue by checking whether the hostname matches with the CN or the SAN of the certificate. Then, if possible, you can request for issuance of a certificate that contains all the necessary subdomains on your server.

Customizing the SSLContext to disable hostname verification would have addressed the problem, although this is not recommended in production.

5. Older SSL/TLS Protocols

Most modern servers disable older protocols like SSL 2.0 and 3.0. To upgrade your connection from older protocols like TLS 1.2 or TLS 1.3 would serve as a solution to this problem.

Now in your Python code, configure your SSLContext to one of the more secure protocols like the ones available: ssl.PROTOCOL_TLSv1_2 and ssl.PROTOCOL_TLSv1_3.

Then your connection would be allowed in most secure servers which may deny your connection through other less secure protocols with them.

6. SSL: CERTIFICATE_EXPIRED Error

This would make the connection insecure as it is an expired server certificate, and it results in an SSL error. If it is in your team’s control, renew it as soon as possible. If not, ask the administrator to renew SSL Certificate or change the endpoint.

For now, one can bypass verification using Python by setting verify=False but that should be avoided in sensitive data handling or during the production process.

7. Hostname Mismatch Errors

SSL certificates should match the hostname used by the client for verification purposes. In case of a mismatch, the SSL library will raise an error. This can be fixed by ensuring that the hostname is covered by the SSL certificate.

Wildcard or SAN certificates should be used if connecting to multiple subdomains. For added flexibility, configure SSLContext carefully if connecting to multiple hosts, but proceed with caution since this reduces security.

8. SELF-SIGNED CERTIFICATES ERROR

Python, by default, does not trust self-signed certificates. Due to this, it brings SSL errors. The problem may be solved by adding the certificate to your system’s CA store. Or, you pass the path to the requests library with the verify parameter.

You may choose to skip verification using verify=False if this is allowed in your application. It is not recommended as it will compromise connection security.

9. SSLContext Configuration Problems

SSL Connections Fail Most Likely Due To Errors, Incomplete Setup Of the SSLContext Use ssl.create_default_context() when generating a secure context for the SSL and make sure there is a trusted CA bundle.

Fine-tune as necessary the SSLContext configurations. For example, select only modern protocols and establish explicit certificate paths when calling databases or other external services.

10. Handling SSL Warnings

Python often produces SSL warnings indicating an insecure configuration or outdated protocol.

Warnings like this can be overcome by updating your SSL/TLS libraries to the latest version and configuring SSLContext properly. If these warnings do not pose a security risk, they can be suppressed with care if they continue.

11. SSL Error in Requests Library

Requests for Python strictly validate certificates; hence, in most cases, this causes SSL errors when certificates have expired, self-signed, or don’t have a trusted CA.

This can be rectified by setting the verify parameter to a valid bundle of CAs or path to a specific certificate. It is sometimes used temporarily for false bypass verification in production usage majorly because of security threats.

12. Issues with Proxy SSL Certificate

Sometimes, a proxy’s place to intercept SSL traffic can cause verification errors through the use of an SSL certificate that isn’t trusted. Either way, adding an SSL certificate of a proxy to a trusted CA bundle of Python or asking for suitable and necessary certificates from a network administrator is appropriate.

13. Insecure and Weak Cipher Suites for SSL/TLS

This means weak cipher suites will allow for attacks to come in through the door. The door can be left open by creating a context set_ciphers containing modern options which set an SSLContext to only permit a secure cipher suite. OpenSSL must be upgraded so that it holds the latest possible secure ciphers.

14. SSL: UNABLE_TO_GET_ISSUER_CERT_LOCALLY

UNABLE_TO_GET_ISSUER_CERT_LOCALLY is the error message which says python is unable to find the issuer in the CA store.

This is due to either wrong permission or incorrect address for the certificates. An issuer certificate must be there inside a CA bundle, and certifi should be applied to have trusted CA certificates.

15. SSLHandshakeException

Failures in SSL/TLS handshake are most times due to incompatible protocols and configuration mistakes from certificates.

In a bid to resolve and perhaps eradicate such issues, it would make much sense if the SSLContext were to support certain versions of the TLS protocol in question while having the facility of disabling some cipher suites suspected to be the reasons of the issues in question.

To really pinpoint what exactly is the cause of failure in handshakes one has to use some kind of debugging tools like, for instance, openssl or ssldump because such tools diagnose the issue and ensure the server-side configuration and the client side get perfectly in sync.

Top 10 SSL Certificate Providers Featured: Buy SSL Certs in 2026

Jessica howe — Thu, 06 Feb 2025 09:41:37 +0000

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What is SSH Key? Know SSH Security Risks & Best Practices for Securing SSH

Jessica howe — Thu, 30 Jan 2025 05:51:39 +0000

What are SSH Keys?

SSH (Secure Shell) keys are a group of cryptographic keys used in the SSH (Secure Shell) protocol for secure authentication and encrypted connection between a pair of computing devices (such as the internet) over a network.

SSH keys comprise the public key, as well as the private key. The public key is distributed to all other parties while the private key is strictly kept securely with the user’s storage. An individual is requested to provide a public key of the remote system when they want to establish a safe connection with another element.

The remote system receives a public key corresponding to the user and after that encrypts a message with the help of this key and sends it back to the user. This key is employed to decrypt the message and thus syndicate the remote system’s identity to the user’s identification.

Types of SSH Keys

RSA (Rivest-Shamir-Adleman) Keys

The RSA (Rivest Shamir Aldeman) is a public-key cryptography that commonly produces those SSH keys (Secure Shell). Private and Public keys are being taken as pairs; keys are referred to as keys.

The public key is meant to be widely distributed to anyone who wants to be in contact with the owner of the private key, which has to be kept secret and only available for the person who owns it.
When a user wants to make an SSH connection to a particular server, he/ she provides their public RSA key to the server. In the next stage, the server accesses the user’s public key and uses it to encrypt an interesting message.

This can only be made possible with the user’s private key that is held only by them. This mechanism of this asymmetric encryption gives secure authentication of the client and setups a strong connection between client and server in the process. RSA keys are strong and are often used by SSH for strong communications.

DSA (Digital Signature Algorithm) Keys

DSA stands for the Digital signature Algorithm used for generating SSH keys (another asymmetric cryptographic service). DSA keys are similar to RSA keys with the only difference being that a pair of keys (public key and private key) are also generated.

The public key being the shared one, the private key then remains confidential. DSA keys are the most typical SSH keys used to authenticate or encrypt, especially on outdated SSH versions.

Meanwhile, they are the second choice for SSH implementations, surpassed only by RSA. DSA keys offer secured authentication and data encryption, but there are some drawbacks about these keys, like key length restrictions, and potential susceptibility of various attacks.

Consequently, RSA keys have become the common choice which many people use for SSH key generation.

What are the Risks of SSH?

SSH (Secure Shell) formerly has been known as a secure protocol for performing remote access, file transferring, and command execution, anything seen through one’s network.

Nevertheless, it acts as any other technology, although there are also some risks associated with it.

Some of the potential risks associated with SSH include:

Weak Authentication:

Another one of the major risks of SSH (Short Name for Secure Shell) security is related to poor authentication strategies like using basic or predictable passwords.

The case when hackers can simply guess or “bruteforce” the SSH credentials can lead to unauthorized access to the computer systems and consequently to the sensitive data exposure or malicious activity performance.

Man-in-the-Middle (MitM) Attacks:

MitM attacks involve the insertion of an attacker into an ongoing connection of two parties and maneuvering to intercept and tamper the communication between them.

In SSH, if the server’s public key is only verified by the client during the fist connection, it may leave a gap for hackers who act as the server to intercept or sniff the secrets which are exchanged between client and server.

Unauthorized Access:

If you do not apply proper SSH configurations, it can be used by an attacker to infiltrate your information systems and retrieve sensitive data.

For instance, open ports of SSH can be dangerous to the public internet if there are not proper access restrictions or firewall rules.

In such a case, access to servers can be gained by hackers, and commands are executed to violate the integrity of the system.

Weak Encryption:

Traditional SSH scripts (sometimes not updated/outdated) or applications with misconfigurations might use weak encryption algorithms or protocols that are subject to cryptographic attacks.

The lack of encryption or weak setup can put classified data, passwords, or other keys to malefactors’ eyes or decryption by attackers.

Vulnerabilities in SSH Software:

Just like any other software, SSH may be vulnerable to bugs or flaws that the attackers’ exploitation will cause.

These flaws can allow attackers to access device administrator accounts, execute arbitrary code, or cause harm to devices exposed to such software.

What is the Most Secure way to SSH?

The most secure way to use SSH (Secure Shell) involves implementing a combination of best practices and security measures to protect against potential threats and vulnerabilities.

Here are some key aspects of a secure SSH configuration:

Disable Password Authentication:

Usernames and passwords should not be used for providing access anymore but rather SSH keypairs.

SSH keys are based on asymmetric cryptography that is considered to provide an easier security level than password-based access.

Through the creation of SSH keys, a pair of keys- public and private- that is essential for the successful implementation of SSH is generated.

A public key is saved to the server, and a private key is used for the client machine protected with the highest level of security. This technique helps to prevent dictionaries attacks against the weak passwords.

Use Strong Passphrases for SSH Keys:

SSH keys should be generated by users with a really strong phrase as a passphrase in order to protect the private key.

Passphrase is another protective shield in this process by entangling the private key with password. This substantially increases the challenge especially for the attackers to take over the key.

It does not matter whether the attacker has gained access to the client machine, the key can still be kept safe.

Keep SSH Software Up-to-Date:

Software update on a routine basis, particularly SSH software and libraries, is as equally important as patching to address any known vulnerabilities and shield against potential cyber attacks.

The SSH protocol encrypts communication to prevent eavesdropping but it opens up an opportunity for the attackers who can use the SSH implementation vulnerabilities to gain unauthorized access or execute malicious commands on systems.

Therefore patching the security updates becomes important functionality to maintain a secure SSH environment.

Limit SSH Access:

Confine SSH accessing only to the trusted persons and networks. Put edges in place (e.g. firewall rules or networking access controls) that limit SSH connections to particular IP addresses or subnetworks.

Through this method, a smaller area where the vulnerabilities could be exposed is now possible. Therefore, unauthorized access is restricted, and threats are lowered.

Monitor SSH Access Logs:

Conduct an active control of access logs of SSH to find out the abnormal behavior. Observe the signals, for instance, the many login failures, the unusual connection patterns or password cracking attempts.

SSH mechanism must be implemented with logging and auditing advantages so that it will be able to promptly identify and promptly respond to any Security issues.

Implement Two-Factor Authentication (2FA):

Make 2FA for SSH keys mandatory as security risk is real and threats are coming from all sides.

Through 2FA, users are led to provide an extra proof of entry, counting on OTP tokens or biometric authentication, besides their SSH credentials.

The additional security produced by this shield increases the reliability of the system as unauthorized access will not matter even if the SSH keys or passwords are misused.

Harden SSH Configuration:

Configure SSH server settings for security adhering to the best practice rules.

This will include all the aspects like disabling root access, limiting users privileges and applying the strong encryption algorithms and key exchange methods.

Consequently, think of applying defenses like these, for example, SSHGuard or Fail2Ban that are capable of automatically blocking IP addresses for hosts that behave suspiciously.

Regularly Rotate SSH Keys:

Regularly refresh SSH keys and frequently change passwords to reduce the possible chances that would happen due to key compromise or cases of insider threats.

Develop a key management policy that directs revocation of keys when employees terminate their contracts with the firm or there are risks of key compromise

SSH Security Best Practices

With the aim of providing protected SSH connections between the endpoints, securing encrypted sessions will be one of the most important factors to ensure the integrity and confidentiality of sensitive data transfer.

Many SSH practices designed to elevate security would include them. First of all, try SSH keys which are based on key-based authentication not password especially.

SSH keys provide a more secure method of authentication by using a pair of cryptographic keys: an element which is public and another element which is private.

Apart from that, having strong passphrases is also recommended for guarding private keys during generation. Additionally, replacing and updating the SSH software and libraries used regularly is necessary for exposing and addressing common vulnerabilities and security issues.

Make it a routine to gather and process alerts on security incidents as well as new trends on their prevention in the digital realm.

Learn How to Generate a CSR in Debian

Jessica howe — Thu, 23 Jan 2025 10:22:00 +0000

CSR generation on Debian has been vital when it comes to installing an SSL certificate to secure your website. Here is a step by step procedure to help you understand the entire procedure thoroughly to enable you to generate your CSR code within the shortest time possible.

Step 1: Log into Your Server

To begin, one has to establish a connection with the server through Secure Shell (SSH). This can be from your terminal or command line interface. Enter the following command:

ssh your_username@your_server_ip

Replace the username part in the code with your actual server username and replace ‘your_server_ip’ with your server’s IP address. You will then type in your password. Once signed in you will be redirected to your server.

Step 2: Create the CSR File and Private Key

To proceed to subsequent activities, the CSR and the private key should be generated and the next requirement is access to a server. This is done by typing the OpenSSL command in the above format. In the command prompt, the following command should be typed:

openssl req -new -newkey rsa:2048 -nodes -keyout mywebsite.key -out mywebsite.csr

Note: Here, mywebsite is used as the domain name, replace it with the proper domain name you are using on your website. For example, suppose the domain name of a website is an example.com, the command should be.

openssl req -new -newkey rsa:2048 -nodes -keyout example.key -out example.csr

This command regenerates a new 2048-bit RSA private key and a CSR corresponding to it.

Step 3: Enter the Required Information

The next step is to run the command on OpenSSL – OpenSSL will request the information that will have to be included in CSR.

Here is a breakdown of what each of the fields looks like which you are required to complete:

– Country Name: Kindly insert the two letters of the country code of your organization’s legal registration.

For instance, if the country of interest is the United States of America, the abbreviation to type in is ‘US.’ For Canada, the abbreviation to type in is ‘CA.’ You can check a directory for all country codes if you are still deciding what country code to use.

– State or Province Name: Either key in the total name of the state or province where your organization is situated or just the code. Do not use abbreviations.

– Locality Name (City): Please fill in the name of the entire city where your organization is situated.

– Organization Name: This field is mandatory for Business and Extended Validation certificates. Please provide your organization’s legal name. One may enter a personal full name to foil the open phishing attempt for a Domain Validation certificate.

– Organizational Unit Name: Provide the name of the department of your online platform, whether it be IT or Web Administration, etc. Including this field is not mandatory, but it is highly advised.

– Common Name: Type the FQDN that you would like to encrypt with the SSL certificate. For example, example. com. For a wildcard certificate, an asterisk should come before the name of the domain in question, for example, *.example.com.

– Email Address: They should give a valid email address. This is used for writing letters, invites, and notification of issuance of certificates.

– A Challenge Password: On this one, filling in the blank with any value of any data is optional. If you decide to create the password to the secret key, remember it since it will be used at the certificate installation.

– An Optional Company Name: This field can be left blank or contain your brand name or any name you intend to use online for your brand.

Here’s an example of the process:

Country Name (2 letter code) [AU]:US
State or Province Name (full name) [Some-State]:California
Locality Name (eg, city) []:San Francisco
Organization Name (eg, company) [Internet Widgits Pty Ltd]:Example Inc
Organizational Unit Name (eg, section) []:IT
Common Name (e.g. server FQDN or YOUR name) []:example.com
Email Address []:admin@example.com

Please enter the following ‘extra’ attributes to be sent with your certificate request

A challenge password []:
An optional company name []:

Step 4: Verify Your CSR and Private Key Files

When all the given fields have been completed OpenSSL will create the CSR along with the private key files.

These files will reside in the working directory – the folder that will contain all temporary or intermediate material used during analysis and should be deleted upon the analysis completion. To confirm the creation of these files, run the ls command.

You should see two new files in your directory: The actual Web address that the client of the hosting company wants people to type in their browser is their mywebsite.key and mywebsite.csr (or example.key and example.csr if you used the example domain name).

Step 5: Submitting the CSR to Your Certificate Authority

After you have created your CSR, you have to send the data that you have generated to the CA of your preference. The procedure normally entails going to the web site of the CA and pasting the content of the CSR file into a special form. Make sure that you have closed all the tags at the appropriate places.

—–BEGIN CERTIFICATE REQUEST—–
[Your CSR content]
—–END CERTIFICATE REQUEST—–

Once you receive your SSL Certificate, you can follow our guide to Install SSL Certificate on Debian Server.

Conclusion

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SSL Statistics and Facts 2026 for Secure Browsing in 2027

Jessica howe — Thu, 16 Jan 2025 09:43:42 +0000

Today, online interaction plays a crucial role in communication and business. Security is a matter of the utmost importance.

SSL certificates have become the backbone of safe browsing and protecting sensitive information while keeping the trust between the websites and the users.

While approaching 2027, knowing the statistics of SSL and what it means can provide useful information about the growth of online security and why it matters more and more.

Key Insights of SSL Usage/Statistics 2026

More than 90% of the phishing sites currently in use employ HTTPS.

Data from the Anti-Phishing Working Group (APWG) showed that more than 90 percent of the phishing sites in 2023 nearly doubled that in 2019 using the HTTPS protocol.

HTTPS though means secure connections phishers and fraudsters take advantage of the free SSL certification to lure internet users hence the more emphasis on awareness.

The study also reveals that 93.2% of Chrome browsers’ time is used on HTTPS pages.

According to a Google report on transparency that was conducted in October this year, users have been spending 93.2% of their time browsing using Chrome on HTTPS-secured pages.

However, Chromecast visitors are most secure, using HTTPS as often as every second Google website, at 98%; Mac users are close behind at 97%.

Among the websites, 82.9% of web sites on the web have valid SSL certificates.

According to W3Techs, 82.9% of websites require valid SSL certificates as of 2023, though it increased to only 18.5% five years ago. However, to this date, 17.8% of sites are still not encrypted, which can be a security threat for people.

Google shows that 95% of the websites that are being used today use https.

Currently, 95% of Google-Indexed websites support HTTPS, making it a normal practice in secure web communication.

Half of websites around the world enable the HTTP/2 protocol.

There has been observed an increased implementation of HTTP/2 at 54.4%, which is a sign of faster and more efficient ways of informing and a boost caused by further development of SSL/TLS.

SSL/TLS Usage: A Secure Future

SSL/TLS is the prime protocol that provides a basic infrastructure for secure communication on the web.

The primary reason SSL/TLS exists is to encrypt the messages between a user and web servers, so information cannot be accessed without permission or through cyber attacks.

As our lives are becoming more digital, even its usage is growing in proportion and will remain critical for security systems to keep us secure.

The importance of using SSL/TLS has grown a lot in recent years for keeping websites, email communication, and apps secure. By 2024, over 85 percent of all websites worldwide will use HTTPS.

This shows that more people care about browsing security. Website owners are getting SSL/TLS if Chrome or Firefox warn users about sites that do not have HTTPS.

Daily, individuals get more conscious about the hacking that occurs during the process in terms of data breach, phishing attacks, man-in-middle attacks.

Thus, by using the SSL/TLS protocol, data becomes secure as it proves that a website’s server exists and makes it a secure website for connecting; consequently, both parties become confident regarding their security with respect to the websites.

By using this, people perform e-commerce, financial transactions, or medical sites handling crucial information. This is proof that technology has enhanced safe communication online.

Continuous growth in the digital world will make it a basic requirement for having trust, reliability, and security supporting business as well as individuals for future protection.

State of the TLS/SSL Certificate Market

SSL certificates are the backbone of internet security. They make communication safe and make users trust websites and their respective users.

How SSL certificates are used changes with time, new rules, and what the user wants.

1. More People are using HTTPS

Now more than 85% of websites use SSL/TLS for making their connections secure. The big web browsers like Google Chrome and Mozilla Firefox show a warning saying “Not Secure” for sites that do not use HTTPS, so businesses need to think about using SSL in order to keep the users’ trust and avoid problems.

2. Evolutions of TLS protocol

TLS protocol is a version of SSL and is being improved in its present form. The major websites use TLS 1.3 these days, and it has many features that give security in terms of better performance than the old versions, quicker handshakes, and overall good performance. It saves a website from problems caused by old encryption methods.

3. Multi-Domain and Wildcard Certificates need monitoring

It has become easier to manage SANs and wildcard certificates, which large websites take advantage of to allow their businesses to protect many domains or subdomains with a single certificate, thus decreasing administrative work while maintaining tight security.

4. Integration with New Technologies

SSL certificates are now a necessity to secure new technologies like IoT and cloud computing platforms. Many IoT devices, such as smart home devices, send private information and are increasingly using SSL/TLS to make communications secure.

Key Trends for 2025

The use of SSL/TLS protocols makes the internet safe and reliable. The main causes for rising online security issues every day are a few key trends that will be in play with SSL by 2025. Trends signify a great importance toward using SSL for all, new technology, and expansion into more roles for SSL communication on the internet.

1. Universal HTTPS of Adoption

Even though only HTTPS is still popular, search engines and browsers now treat it as very important. In response, they warn people that websites without an SSL certificate are “Not Secure.”

This trend makes all the website types use SSL protocols; that is, from the smallest businesses to information websites. This means that, at the time of its transfer, HTTPS protects the data and helps build trust with users and website owners.

2. More Affordable SSL certificates are being used instead of Free

Cheap SSL certificates from providers like CheapSSLWeb ensure businesses access cost-effective, trusted security without compromising reliability or trust by 2025.

3. SSL as a Trust-building Technique

More and more people are now noticing the web security indications, especially the padlock logos and “Secure” tags in their browsers.

This has made these certificates highly essential to organizations as a way of protecting themselves and showing that they can be trusted.

Currently, companies offering online shopping, services, and financial products are using them to create the feeling of safety for the transactions.

4. Automated SSL Management, in itself.

Managing SSL certificates can be tough, especially for websites having multiple domains or subdomains.

In 2025, automated tools such as Certificate Manager and ACME are everywhere, so it’s very easy to install, renew, and fix problems that arise. Automation avoids those common mistakes, such as expired certificates, keeping communications smooth.

5. SSL is now an Important SEO Factor

Search engines rank higher sites on HTTPS. This trend connects SSL to digital marketing plans, thus important for businesses that would want to be more visible online.

Websites that do not use SSL might lose visitors because users and search engines like secure options.

6. Shorter Certificate Life

This makes the time that SSL certificates are used shorter; most SSL certificates now last one year. This cuts down on old encryption and means that the protocols are updated more often, but it raises the need for better systems to renew them.

7. Reinforcing Stronger Browser Security Rules

Modern browsers have really strict settings for SSL/TLS settings. Websites which are on older protocols or whose certificates are not correctly configured would receive warning messages or get limited access.

This actually shows that having compliance to the updated standards is essential in maintaining user trust and accessibility.

Challenges in SSL Adoption

One of the most important things to bring a sense of safety while communicating on the internet is Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) and its latest version, Transport Layer Security (TLS). Although many benefits result from using these, some issues arise that make it impossible for most small organizations and individuals to use them widely.

Some of them in detail follow:

Complexity of Deployment and Management

It can be hard to set up SSL for people who are not technical or for small businesses without IT teams. The challenges include picking the right type of certificate, like single-domain, wildcard, or multi-domain; setting up the server for HTTPS; and fixing common errors like:

Contains combinations of safe and insecure resources and uses unsafe resource types like images and scripts over HTTP.
It makes the pages unsafe for the user while it creates trouble for that person. The process of managing SSL certificates is very complex because they expire and have to be renewed regularly. This is very time-consuming, especially for large organizations with many domains.

Lack of Awareness and Education

Many of these small to medium businesses don’t really have the knowledge of the necessity or function of an SSL certificate. Many also think that they would not require an SSL certificate if their website sells nothing.

So, information sites are easily designed with this perception and stay insecure because of poor knowledge. Hence, very slow growth is observed through usage of SSL, leaving a lot of the areas of the Web vulnerable for attacks like MITM or personal data theft.

Concerns Over Performance

Despite modern efficiency in SSL/TLS protocols, it remains in the opinion of many users that HTTPS usage slows up their website. It is, in fact, a minor lag caused by encryption, but on older computers or servers which do not possess good resources, this can take place.

It is not an issue, however, to the fast internet users but may prove an issue in areas with poor connections.

Issues with Compatibility

Most devices, web browsers, or operating systems can’t support the latest SSL/TLS protocols. Thus, older smartphones, the older versions of the OS, and older browsers cause problems when trying to access websites using HTTPS.

Thus, many business organizations who serve different types of users are careful about using newer protocols because they fear losing some of those users.

Regulatory Changes and Protocol Updates

The rapid changes in industry rules make SSL use difficult. For example, a certificate now lasts for a relatively shorter time – usually a year – so it must be renewed more frequently.

In addition, older versions of TLS, such as 1.0 and 1.1, are no longer supported, meaning systems must be updated.

This demands more checking, money, and special skills, and hence it is quite tough for organizations with fewer resources.

Absence of SSL Certainty

This would protect communication between a user and a website, but would not authenticate the validity of content presented on a given website. Many fraudulent sites also possess SSL certificates as people view HTTPS in order to have more trust.

But with time, the reliance on the SSL certificates gets diluted and people get hesitant while placing their business needs with organizations that rely upon the use of such SSL certificates for security purposes.

Cybersecurity Threats

Even if SSL works properly, faulty certificates or hacked Certificate Authorities are there to make things worse.

Cyber-criminals exploit these weak systems or design fake certificates to masquerade as legitimate sites in order to confuse the targeted organizations and prevent them from maintaining strong security.

Old Problems in Old Systems

Most of the companies are using older systems that are not up to the current SSL standards. Upgrading those systems with secure protocols is very expensive and time-consuming, which discourages the companies from using SSL/TLS.

Conclusion

Prepare for a secure tomorrow with Certera, a trusted SSL certificate provider offering affordable SSL/TLS solutions. From cost-effective certificates to hassle-free SSl automation, Certera helps protect your website, strengthen customer trust, and simplify certificate management. Secure your site today with reliable SSL solutions at competitive prices.