How to Install Wildcard SSL Certificate on Fortigate SSL VPN?

A Wildcard SSL certificate is one certificate that promises to cover an array of subdomains. This implies that these certificates can potentially authenticate a multitude of subdomains that helps save sufficient time and money.

Here’s a comprehensive guide on this subject for your reference.

Steps To Install Wildcard SSL Certificate On Fortigate

Installing the Wildcard SSL certificate gets easier than ever on Fortigate as you carefully adhere to each step. Here’s how!

Step 1: Preparing Your Certificate Files

Generate a CSR and Private Key

A Certificate Signing Request (CSR) is a message that is particularly curated to serve as an encrypted code between two parties. Before the certificate is issued, it is significant for the Certificate Authority to validate the CSR. This makes it possible for a customer to go about other necessary steps to receive the Fortigate SSL inspection Wildcard certificate.

Along with CSR, it becomes essential to obtain the private key. This is the most crucial asset that makes encryption possible. It is a separate file that contains the encrypted information occurring between two parties. In this case, the party is the hosting server and the user.

Purchase a Wildcard SSL Certificate

Now that the CSR and private key have been approved, you must buy a preferred Wildcard SSL certificate to adhere to the next step. At this point, properly compare the prices online on diverse websites. This will help make sure that you acquire the one that is most nominal for your domain.

However, do not forget to closely inspect the encryption level and validation level your preferred Wildcard SSL certificate offers.

Download The Certificate Files To Your Device

At this point, you need to install the certificate you have just purchased carefully. Ensure you install the certificate on the desktop you wish to use consistently.

Step 2: Uploading the Certificates in the FortiGate GUI

Log into the Web-based Manager Of Your Fortigate Device

Now, visit System. Then tap into Certificates and choose ‘Local Certificates.’

Click ‘Import,’ select the .pem file, enter Alias name, and click OK.

Step 3: Configure the Settings Of FortiGate

• Visit System > Feature Select and tap into ‘SSL Inspection.’

• Now, go to Policy & Objects > SSL/SSH Profile and build a profile for your Certificate.

Also Read: How to Install a Wildcard SSL Certificate on Multiple Servers?

Tips And Warnings

Leverage The Most Recent Version Of Fortigate

Using outdated versions of Fortigate software could leave a scarring impact on your domain security. This may occur due to compatibility issues for which your outdated version may not be useful.

To amplify this process and support better compatibility, it is recommended to always use the most recent version of this software on your device.

Ensure Regular Certificate Updates

Fortigate provides regular certificate updates to intensify your domain security. That is why you must ensure regularly updating them so that your subdomains are well-protected all the time. The updates also improve the speed of the certificate in delivering the quality-driven security services it offers.

Winding Up!

Fortigate is a potential software that can amplify the benefits of your Wildcard SSL certificate.