Azure SSL certificates play a vital role in securing websites and applications hosted on the Microsoft Azure platform.
Ensuring data confidentiality and integrity, these certificates are essential for any business operating online.
In this comprehensive guide, we delve into the latest Azure SSL certificate pricing, providing a detailed overview of the various options available and their associated costs.
Understanding Azure SSL Certificates
Before we delve into the pricing details, let’s first grasp the fundamentals of Azure SSL certificates.
An SSL certificate is a digital certificate that establishes an encrypted connection between a web server and a client’s browser.
This encryption prevents unauthorized access and tampering of sensitive data transmitted between the two entities.
Azure offers a range of SSL certificates to cater to different requirements, each with its own set of features and pricing structures.
Azure SSL Certificate Pricing
The pricing of Azure SSL certificates varies depending on the type of certificate you choose, its validation level, and the duration of its validity.
Let’s break down the different options and their associated costs.
1. App Service Certificates
App Service Certificates are designed specifically for securing Azure App Service web apps and custom domains.
These certificates are managed through the Azure portal and are automatically renewed, eliminating the hassle of manual renewal processes.
App Service Certificates offer two types of validation:
- Domain Validation (DV): This is the most basic level of validation, verifying only that you own the domain. It’s suitable for small websites and blogs where the risk of sensitive data exposure is low.
- Organization Validation (OV): This validation level involves verifying both domain ownership and the organization’s legitimacy. It’s ideal for businesses that handle customer data and require a higher level of trust.
- Extended Validation (EV): This is the highest level of validation, requiring rigorous verification of the organization’s identity and legal status. EV certificates display the organization’s name in the browser’s address bar, instilling a high level of confidence among visitors.
The Azure SSL certificate pricing for App Service Certificates is as follows:
| Validation Level | Price per Year |
|---|---|
| Domain Validation (DV) | $59.99 |
| Organization Validation (OV) | $149.99 |
| Extended Validation (EV) | $399.99 |
2. Azure Key Vault Certificates
Azure Key Vault Certificates provide a secure and centralized repository for managing SSL certificates and their associated keys.
These certificates can be used across various Azure services, including Azure Virtual Machines, Azure Load Balancers, and Azure CDN.
Key Vault Certificates offer the same validation levels as App Service Certificates (DV, OV, and EV).
The Azure SSL certificate pricing for Key Vault Certificates is based on the number of certificates stored in the Key Vault and their validation levels.
The pricing tiers are as follows:
| Tier | Number of Certificates | Price per Month |
|---|---|---|
| Standard | Up to 10 | $0.75 |
| Premium | Up to 100 | $3.00 |
In addition to the monthly fee, you’ll also incur charges for each certificate issued or renewed within the Key Vault.
The cost per certificate issuance or renewal varies depending on the validation level:
| Validation Level | Price per Issuance or Renewal |
|---|---|
| Domain Validation (DV) | $59.99 |
| Organization Validation (OV) | $149.99 |
| Extended Validation (EV) | $399.99 |
3. Azure Front Door Certificates
Azure Front Door is a global HTTP(S) load balancer and content delivery network (CDN) service.
Azure Front Door Certificates are used to secure the communication between clients and your Front Door endpoints.
These certificates offer the same validation levels as App Service and Key Vault Certificates.
The Azure SSL certificate pricing for Azure Front Door Certificates is based on a monthly fee per certificate, regardless of the validation level:
| Price per Month per Certificate |
|---|
| $30.00 |
In addition to the monthly fee, you’ll also be charged for the bandwidth consumed by your Front Door endpoints.
Choosing the Right Azure SSL Certificate
With various Azure SSL certificate pricing options available, selecting the right certificate for your needs is crucial.
Consider the following factors when making your decision:
- Validation Level: The level of validation required depends on the sensitivity of the data you handle and the level of trust you want to establish with your visitors.
- Number of Domains: If you need to secure multiple domains or subdomains, consider a wildcard certificate or a multi-domain certificate.
- Budget: Evaluate the cost of each certificate type and its associated features to determine the most cost-effective option for your needs.
- Management: App Service Certificates offer automated renewal and management, while Key Vault Certificates provide centralized control and flexibility.
How to Install an SSL Certificate on Azure
Finally, let’s explore how to install an SSL certificate on Azure. The process can vary slightly depending on the specific Azure service you’re using, but here’s a general outline:
1. Acquire an SSL Certificate
- Purchase: You can purchase an SSL certificate from a trusted Certificate Authority (CA) or directly through the Azure portal.
- Generate: If you’re using Azure App Service, you can generate a free App Service Managed Certificate for testing or development purposes.
2. Upload Your Certificate to Azure
- Key Vault: For most Azure services, it’s recommended to store your SSL certificate in Azure Key Vault. This provides a secure, centralized location for managing your certificates and keys.
- App Service: If you’re using an App Service Managed Certificate, it’s automatically stored and managed within App Service.
3. Bind the Certificate to Your Azure Service
- App Service:
- Navigate to your App Service in the Azure portal.
- Under Settings, select TLS/SSL settings.
- In the Custom domains section, select the domain you want to secure.
- Under Certificate, choose the appropriate certificate from the dropdown list.
- Save your changes.
- Azure Virtual Machines:
- Remote Desktop (RDP) into your virtual machine.
- Import the certificate into the local machine’s certificate store.
- Configure your web server (e.g., IIS, Apache) to use the imported certificate.
- Other Azure Services: The specific steps may vary, but generally involve selecting the certificate from Key Vault or uploading it directly to the service configuration.
Remember, if you encounter any difficulties or have questions about the process, don’t hesitate to consult Azure’s official documentation or seek assistance from their support team.
Conclusion
Azure SSL certificates are essential for securing your websites and applications on the Azure platform.
Understanding the latest Azure SSL certificate pricing and the different options available will help you make an informed decision and choose the right certificate for your needs.
Remember, Azure SSL certificate pricing is subject to change, so it’s always recommended to refer to the official Azure documentation for the most up-to-date information.
Additional Tips:
- Consider purchasing multi-year certificates to take advantage of potential discounts.
- Leverage Azure’s free trial offers to test different certificate options before committing to a purchase.
- Regularly review your SSL certificate usage and adjust your plan as needed to optimize costs.
By following these tips and staying informed about the latest Azure SSL certificate pricing, you can effectively manage your SSL certificates and ensure the security of your online assets on the Azure platform.
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