What is Wild Card SSL? – Before We Get Into The Topic , Let’s Learn Some Basic Of This Topic
What is a Wildcard SSL Certificate?
A symbol or letter that can be read as any string of letters or space is known as a wildcard. The character is an asterisk (*) added before your domain name in the case of wildcard certificates.
When opposed to handling individual certificates for your subdomains, a wildcard certificate from SSL.com can save you time and money. Let’s take a closer look at what a wildcard certificate is and when it’s appropriate for your purposes.
With SSL.com’s Wildcard SSL certificate, you can secure any number of subdomains on any number of IP addresses for one low price.
What is Wild Card SSL?
A placeholder character (typically an asterisk) that stands in for other characters is known as a “wildcard character” in computing. A “wildcard certificate” is an SSL/TLS certificate that includes a wildcard character to protect several subdomains inside a domain.
Why do I want a wildcard SSL certificate?
It takes less effort for the certificate owner to cover the number of subdomains linked with their domain because it casts a wider net than a typical single-domain certificate. They give you a lot more flexibility when it comes to adding new subdomains to existing sites than other solutions.
Wildcard certificates are also less expensive than buying a separate certificate for each subdomain.
How many subdomains can I cover with a wildcard SSL certificate?
You can create as many subdomains of your domain name as you like with a wildcard certificate from SSL.com, and they’ll all be protected by a single SSL certificate. A wildcard certificate for *.ssl.com, for example, would cover various subdomains such as www.ssl.com, info.ssl.com, and lookoutforthatfallingpiano.ssl.com.
A wildcard, on the other hand, will not cover the ‘naked’ core domain. *.ssl.com, for example, does not protect ssl.com, and *.www.SSL.com does not protect www.ssl.com. The base domain name is automatically included as a subject alternative name (SAN) entry in SSL.com Wildcard SSL certificates, therefore this is also protected by the certificate.
Please see this FAQ for further information on how a wildcard certificate can and cannot be used.
This will cover whatever amount of subdomains that your domain may have. You’re ready to start now that you’ve set up your Wildcard certificate.
What’s the difference between a wildcard SSL certificate and a regular SSL certificate?
A single-domain SSL/TLS certificate is a “regular” certificate. Although a wildcard certificate only has one listed domain, the notation permits it to cover a wide number of subdomains rather than just one.
A Subject Alternative Name (SAN) Certificate, also known as a Unified Communication Certificate, is the most similar certificate to a Wildcard certificate (UCC). These certificates are also known as multi-domain or Exchange certificates.
A single SAN or UC certificate can protect up to 500 entries. You’ll probably have to pay extra for wildcard domains (*.yoursite.com) or any domain that exceeds a specifically included threshold, depending on the price plan.
A UC certificate can cover a large number of domains, whereas a Wildcard certificate can only cover one. For the component of the domain name represented by the wildcard asterisk in the certificate, this will encompass any number of subdomains. In the SAN field of a UC certificate, numerous different domains can be listed.
Can I use wildcard domains in my UCC certificate?
You absolutely can, in a nutshell.
There is no technical reason why wildcard domains can’t be used in UCC certificates, and it’s often the case that using a wildcard domain in a UCC is not only the simplest but also the most cost-effective alternative. In reality, if you want numerous wildcards in a single SSL certificate, this is the only option.
Using fully qualified domain names, wildcard domains, and more, SSL.com’s Multi-domain UCC can secure numerous sites and subdomains. Simply enter wildcard domains (i.e. *.sitename.com) in the common name field or as a SAN (Subject Alternative Name) when purchasing your UCC to cover an infinite number of subdomains.
Other wildcards, such as *.sub1.sitename.com, *.sub2.sitename.com, *.another.com, and so on, can be used in the SAN fields. Multiple wildcard levels, such as *.*, cannot be used. To add your wildcard SSL to your UCC, SSL.com will charge you only $129 per year.
Is SSL.com’s wildcard SSL certificate Organization Validated? (OV)
Yes, SSL.com offers validated Wildcard SSL certificates with a High Assurance (OV) rating. After going through the regular domain validation process, customers who purchase an SSL.com Wildcard certificate will obtain a DV Wildcard certificate.
As soon as the following verification stages are finished and validated, your OV Wildcard certificate will be granted. We’ll need to check an internet business directory for your company’s name, address, and phone number.
The company’s information could be found in a government database or through a service similar to Dun & Bradstreet. Individuals can also qualify for OV Wildcard certificates if they follow the instructions provided.
Can I order a wildcard SSL certificate?
According to the CA/Browser Forum’s Extended Validation (EV) certificate rules, wildcard domains cannot use extended validation. According to the same criteria, each item in an EV certificate must be separately validated, which necessitates a unique identity for each item.
An EV UCC certificate may be the best option if you need extended validation for numerous subdomains. Up to 500 entries can be stored in an EV UCC (the first three are included in the base price).