What’s the Difference Between Multi-Domain & Wildcard SSL Certificates?

What is Wildcard SSL?

A Wildcard SSL certificate is a unique SSL certificate that protects a single domain and all its subdomains.

In contrast to standard SSL certificates that secure only one domain, a Wildcard SSL certificate employs a wildcard character—an asterisk, *—in the domain name, enabling encryption for countless subdomains.

This means a webmaster can secure numerous subdomains like www.example.com, blog.example.com, shop.example.com, and others that lie below the top domain name, example.com, all through a single Wildcard SSL certificate, thereby obliterating the need to purchase a different certificate for every subdomain.

Features of Wildcard SSL Certificates

Unlimited Subdomain Coverage

These certificates allow an infinite number of subdomains under a primary domain.

For example, a certificate purchased for `*.example.com` will include subdomains such as `blog.example.com`, `shopping.example.com`, and `support.example.com`.

This feature benefits the business that periodically creates new subdomains as part of its work.

Primary Domain Inclusion

Besides subdomains, a wildcard SSL certificate will protect the primary domain (like example.com). This would mean that every subdomain within a domain would be wholly captured at a single level within the hierarchy.

Dynamic Scalability

This SSL certificate reacts to new subdomains by updating the connection immediately.

This is illustrated by the new subdomain we create to be specific, for example, ‘events.example.com’ after the certificate issuance it is automatically secured, and you do not need to set it up from scratch or apply for a new certificate.

Simplified Deployment

Once installed on the server, a wildcard SSL certificate also protects all the existing or future subdomains of the domain. This eliminates activities such as getting multiple certificates for each subdomain.

Cost Efficiency

Since the usage of the wildcard SSL certificates allows one to cover the primary domain and unlimited subdomains, it is easy on the pocket. This saves businesses costs that would otherwise be used to purchase different subdomain certificates.

Ease of Management

This is because all subdomains are covered under the one that is managed; hence, the management is much easier. It means that administrators cannot work with multiple entries, and can renew, update, or reconfigure a single certificate.

Broad Compatibility

Wildcard SSL certificates are compatible with modern browsers, platforms, and devices. This also facilitates standardizing security and reduces compatibility failures between the user interface.

Enhanced Trust Indicators

The HTTPS, the padlock icon, and other security marks in the browser’s address bar, offered by wildcard SSL certificates, give users a secure representation of the domain’s stability and the subdomains.

Types of Wildcard SSL Certificates

Wildcard SSL certificates come in various types to cater to different organizational needs:

Single-Domain Wildcard SSL Certificate

• Wildcard SSL Certificate acquires the main domain and all the primary-level subdomains of that domain.
• They are most appreciated in small to medium business environments that require a single site for the internet presence.

Multi-Domain Wildcard SSL Certificate

• It is a subcategory of a multi-domain SSL certificate with features of a wildcard SSL certificate.
• Overall, Multi-Domain Wildcard SSL secures multiple domains and all their subsequent subdomains.
• It is more appropriate for larger extended enterprises that operate various web structures.

Advantages of Wildcard SSL Certificate

Cost-Saving Solution

Unlimited subdomains can be saved without purchasing different certificates for each subdomain, saving a lot of money.

Time-Saving Management

Certificate management is easy since multiple subdomain certificates are brought in one. The workload for renewals and updates has also been reduced.

Automatic Subdomain Coverage

All newly added subdomains are automatically enabled with security during the certificate’s validity period, achieving security expansion without hassle.

Enhanced Search Engine Optimization and User Confidence

This is a promise of search rankings and increases user confidence in a website.

Flexible Applications

Recommended for e-commerce websites, blogs, forums, customer portals, and anything with sub-domains.

Wildcard Certificate Limitations

Only One Domain

Wildcard SSL Certificates only work for one domain and the subdomains of the domain only. It doesn’t span multiple primary domains unless the SAN feature is integrated.

Not Covering Sub-Subdomains

Wildcard SSL inclusion does not embrace the sub-sub domains like sub.shop.example.com; there is a need for extra configurations or certificates on these.

Vulnerable to Key Compromise

That means if a private key is lost, anyone can encrypt data and send it to the Wildcard SSL, and the connectivity of all the subdomains is affected. This demonstrates that one needs to manage a secure private key correctly.

Higher Initial Cost

Wildcard SSL Certificates may appear to be relatively expensive when compared, for example, to single-domain certificates, although their ownership is justified in the long run.

Wildcard SSL Certificates are a powerful tool for organizations securing multiple subdomains under one umbrella. Their ability to simplify management, reduce costs, and enhance security makes them an excellent choice for businesses focused on scalability and efficiency.

What is Multi-Domain SSL?

The Multi-Domain SSL Certificate, or the SAN (Subject Alternative Name) SSL Certificate, offers security to several domain names alongside their subdomains.

It can, for instance, include example.com, example1.com, demosite.com, and example.net under one SSL. These certificates are beneficial for enterprises that operate several websites that could need a single solution to security.

Features of Multi-Domain SSL

Multi-domain SSL certificates, typically called Subject Alternative Name (SAN) certificates, are used to secure more than one domain or subdomain. Below are the detailed features:

Customizable SAN Fields

Enables administrators to input up to 100 domains or subdomains for the Subject Alternative Name (SAN) field. 

It offers flexibility through which organizations can select only the number of domains to cover in the certificate, thus achieving the best security and economic feasibility.

Ease of Management

Cancels all the problems that are connected with the usage of different certificates for every domain. 

By focusing on renewals, updates, and installations, a lot of time is shaved off, and the chances of errors are also reduced. 

Cost Efficiency 

Protects many web properties with one certificate, and the overall cost is drastically less than getting individual certificates.

Portability 

It simplifies the web environment across multiple servers and apparatus ranges, making it an ideal solution for complicated web settings. 

Unified and well-articulated Trust across all Domains

Ensures that users place a similar level of trust, in any domain or subdomain under the coverage of the certificate. 

Symbolizes the padlock and the HTTPS protocol – making a powerful and consistent statement about website security across all connected properties.

Support for Different Instance Configurations

Able to work well with different server and hosting environment configurations in mind. 

It helps minimize incidences of misconfiguration, and the general aspect of security is also boosted

Different Types of SSL Certificates for Multiple Domains

Multi-domain SSL certificates are also available in different types to address varying requirements:

Standard Multi-Domain SSL Certificate

Binds several domains with DV (Domain Validation) such as Certera Multi-Domain SSL.

Suitable for small firms that don’t need complex or multi-level encryption.

Extended Validation (EV) Multi-Domain SSL Certificate

EV Multi-Domain SSL shows the Organization name in the browser’s address bar to make it more trustworthy or reliable.

Suitable for e-commerce sites, banks, and other financial organizations.

Wildcard Multi-Domain SSL Certificate

Multi-Domain Wildcard SSL acquires one or many domains with unlimited subdomains for each domain acquired.

Suitable for large-scale enterprises with diverse and dynamic web presence.

Organization Validation (OV) Multi-Domain SSL Certificate:

OV Multi-Domain SSL provides organization-level confirmation, leans supported by officially validated business data.

Appropriate for mid to large enterprises, strategy content for preserving users’ confidence.

Advantages of Multi-Domain SAN SSL Certificates

Cost Efficiency:

Comes with the ability to cover many domains without the constant need to purchase other certificates.

Streamlined Management:

This makes the process like installation, renewal or even update relatively easy.

Scalable and Flexible:

Depending on your organization’s evolution or expansion, SAN fields also let you add or delete domains.

SEO Benefits:

Improves HTTPS adoption across multiple domains, enhancing SEO rankings.

Ideal for Enterprises:

Perfect for businesses managing diverse websites, applications, or multi-brand operations.

Restrictions of Multi-Domain SSL Certificates

Higher Initial Cost:

Even though they are cheaper in the long run, their acquisition could be slightly more expensive than single-domain certificates.

Complex Renewal Process:

Every domain linked to the certificate will be required to update or renew at the same time If any of such domains…

No Auto-Subdomain Coverage

Subdomains can be unnamed, but if SAN is a Wildcard SAN, then the subdomains need to be named.

Security Vulnerability

When the certificate’s key is made available, there will be enough ground to violate all the domains covered by this certificate.

To cover the three domains, rather than spending on three different SSL certificates, the company Buy Multi-Domain SSL Certificate.

Advantages in Action:

• Cost Savings: All domains are assessed by a single certificate, which means less money is spent.
• Simplified Management: This makes single-point installations, monitoring, and renewal of the tool easy for single-issue administration.
• Flexibility: The company can also register more domains as they progress.

A multi-domain SSL certificate will benefit organizations that need to secure several domain names in one go. Due to flexibility, low cost, and high-level security, this solution is well-suited for companies and organizations controlling various web presences.

Which Certificate is the best for You?

In other words, whether to use a Wildcard SSL certificate or a Multi-Domain SSL certificate depends on the user themselves.

• Wildcard SSL: However, this is best for people with a single domain who want to cover the maximum subdomains under the single domain. This is the best option for anyone interested in subdomains rather than in different domains.
• Multi-Domain SSL: This is ideal when a company or organization must register more than one domain, such as example.com, domain1.org, or brand2.net. When managing more than one site owned by different names, it is advisable to go with the Multi-Domain SSL.

Conclusion

Confused between Multi-Domain and Wildcard SSL? Discover their features and benefits, and which suits your business needs. Secure smarter with Certera’s wide range of SSL/TLS Certificates!