SSL certificate is a necessity for every website. It not only protects user data but also improves the website'sSEO ranking. For runningmultidomainfamous websites, especially those using WordPress, configure theMulti-Domain SSL Certificatesis a relatively complex but very important task. Next, I'll describe how theConfiguring Multi-Domain SSL Certificates in WordPressThe program includes the necessary preparations, obtaining SSL certificates, configuring the server, and the use of WordPress plugins.

What is a Multi-Domain SSL Certificate?

Multi-domain SSL certificates, also known asSAN (Subject Alternative Name)maybeUCC (Unified Communications Certificate) CertificateIt's a way to get the most out of theProtecting multiple domain names on a single certificateSSL certificates. Ideal for those who haveMultiple subdomainsorDifferent domain namesThe webmaster of the site.

Why Choose Multi-Domain SSL Certificates?

• Simplified management: One certificate can protect multiple domain names, simplifying certificate management.
• cost-effectiveness: It is more economical to purchase a multi-domain certificate as opposed to purchasing separate SSL certificates for each domain.
• SEO friendly: Search engines like Google or Baidu will prioritize websites that use HTTPS to improve SEO rankings.
• user trust: HTTPS and the browser's security lock icon increase the user's trust in the site.

preliminary

Before starting the configuration, have these conditions in place:

1. domain name: need to have all that is to be protectedOwnership of domain namesThe
2. server access: need to visitServer Configuration. If you use a hosted server, contact your server provider.
3. backing up: As mentioned in many previous posts; before making any major changes to theBack up your WordPress site and database, preventing accidents.

Getting a Multi-Domain SSL Certificate

You can get a multi-domain SSL certificate from the following methods:

1. Purchase through a CA (Certificate Authority)

Some well-known CAs offer multi-domain SSL certificates such as:

• Comodo
• DigiCert
• GlobalSign
• Let's Encrypt (free)

2. Through server providers

Many server providers offer SSL certificate purchase and installation services. Contact your provider and ask if they offer multi-domain SSL certificates.

Generate CSR (Certificate Signing Request)

The first step in obtaining an SSL certificate is to generate a CSR.Here are the steps on how to generate a CSR in different environments:

On the Apache server

1. Use the OpenSSL tool to generate a private key:

openssl genpkey -algorithm RSA -out domain.key

2. Generate CSRs:

openssl req -new -key domain.key -out domain.csr

Follow the prompts to enter relevant information, including domain name, organization name, etc.

On the Nginx server

The steps are similar to Apache, using the OpenSSL tool to generate the private key and CSR.

Through panels (e.g. pagodas)

1. Log in to your pagoda.

2. In the control panel, find "SSL certificate" option and click on it; an option box will pop up, find SSL and click on theLet's EncryptClickapplication (form etc)If the application is successful, just save it, and remember that here you mustCheck the box to force HTTPSThe

3. Click "save (a file etc) (computing), just click Renew Certificate after it expires".

Installing a Multi-Domain SSL Certificate

After obtaining the certificate, the next step is to install it.

On the Apache server

1. Upload the certificate file to the server.

2. Edit the Apache configuration file (usually located in the /etc/httpd/conf/httpd.conf maybe /etc/apache2/sites-available/your_site.conf).

ServerName www.yourdomain.com
    ServerAlias yourdomain.com otherdomain.com
    SSLEngine on
    SSLCertificateFile /path/to/your_certificate.crt
    SSLCertificateKeyFile /path/to/your_private.key
    SSLCertificateChainFile /path/to/your_ca_bundle.crt
</VirtualHost

3. Restart the Apache server:

sudo service apache2 restart

On the Nginx server

1. Upload the certificate file to the server.

2. Edit the Nginx configuration file (usually located in the /etc/nginx/sites-available/your_site).

server {
    listen 443 ssl; server_name yourdomain.com otherdomain.com; listen 443 ssl
    server_name yourdomain.com otherdomain.com.

    ssl_certificate /path/to/your_certificate.crt; ssl_certificate_key /path/to/your_private.key; ssl_certificate_key
    ssl_certificate_key /path/to/your_private.key; ssl_trusted_key /path/to/your_private.key; ssl_trusted_key
    ssl_trusted_certificate /path/to/your_ca_bundle.crt;

    # Other configurations
}

3. Restart the Nginx server:

sudo service nginx restart

Configuring WordPress to use HTTPS

Updating WordPress Settings

1. Login to the WordPress backend.

2. Go to "set up" > "conventional (weapons)".

3. Update the "WordPress Address (URL)" and "Site Address (URL)" tohttps://URLs that begin with.

Simplify configuration with plug-ins

To ensure that all content is loaded over HTTPS, the following plugins are recommended:

• Really Simple SSL: Automatically detects and configures WordPress to use SSL.

• SSL Insecure Content Fixer: Fix loading issues with unsafe content.

Force HTTPS

Force all HTTP traffic to be redirected to HTTPS in the server configuration:

On the Apache server

ServerName yourdomain.com
    Redirect permanent / https://yourdomain.com/
</VirtualHost

On the Nginx server

server {
    listen 80; server_name yourdomain.com; server_name yourdomain.com
    server_name yourdomain.com; return 301 ;
    return 301 https://$server_name$request_uri;
}

reach a verdict

Configure multi-domain SSL certificate in WordPress although some complexity, follow the steps above, multiple domains can run under the protection of an SSL certificate to enhance security and user trust. Hope this article is helpful to you, if there are further questions or special configuration needs, you can "Contact Us".