What is a Wildcard SSL Certificate?
A Wildcard SSL certificate is a type of SSL certificate that secures a website and all its subdomains under a single certificate. This means you don’t need to buy separate certificates for each subdomain. For example, if your main domain is example.com, a wildcard SSL will also secure blog.example.com, store.example.com, and any other subdomain.
A Wildcard SSL certificate is marked with an asterisk (*) before the domain name, indicating that it covers multiple subdomains. It saves time and money for businesses managing many subdomains.
Why is a Wildcard SSL Certificate Important?
Cost-Efficiency
With a wildcard SSL certificate, you pay for just one certificate to secure your main domain and all its subdomains. This is more affordable than buying separate certificates for each one.
Simplified Management
Managing multiple certificates can be complicated. A wildcard SSL simplifies this process by letting you manage security for all subdomains in one place.
Data Security
Like all SSL certificates, a wildcard SSL certificate encrypts data to keep it safe from hackers. This ensures your website and subdomains are secure for users.
Trust and Credibility
When users see the lock icon and “https” on your domain and subdomains, they know your website uses strong encryption. This builds trust across your online presence.
What is a Wildcard certificate Used For?
A wildcard SSL certificate is ideal for businesses and organizations that use multiple subdomains. Some of the following are good examples of this:
- Companies with subdomains for blogs, stores, or support pages use wildcard SSL certificates to secure them all.
- Online stores with separate subdomains for different product categories can benefit from a wildcard SSL.
- Schools and universities with multiple departments or services on subdomains can use a wildcard SSL certificate.
- If you have a blog, portfolio, and other sections on subdomains, a wildcard SSL keeps them secure.
-
How to Get a Wildcard SSL Certificate
Obtaining a wildcard SSL certificate is straightforward. Follow these steps:
- Choose a Certificate Authority (CA): Select a trusted CA like DigiCert, Sectigo, or Let’s Encrypt that offers wildcard SSL certificates.
- Purchase the Certificate: When requesting your certificate, specify that you need a wildcard SSL. Your domain will be listed as *.yourdomain.com to include all subdomains.
- Verify Your Domain: The CA will ask you to prove domain ownership. You can do this through:
- DNS verification: Add a specific record to your domain’s DNS settings.
- Email verification: Respond to an email sent to an administrative address on your domain.
- Install the Certificate: Once issued, install the wildcard SSL certificate on your server. Your hosting provider can help if needed.
- Test Your Website: Check all your subdomains to confirm they display “https” and the lock icon. Tools like SSL Labs can verify everything is working.
Final Thoughts on the Wildcard SSL Certificate
A wildcard SSL certificate is a practical and cost-effective solution for securing your website and all its subdomains. It simplifies management, saves money, and ensures your online presence is safe for users. Whether you run a business, manage an eCommerce store, or oversee an educational platform, a wildcard SSL keeps your entire domain structure secure. By following the steps to obtain a wildcard certificate, you can protect your site and its subdomains with ease.