Introduction
In the world of web security, SSL/TLS certificates play a crucial role in protecting the information transmitted between a website and its users. Among the various types of certificates available, the wildcard certificate stands out for its ability to protect multiple subdomains under a single primary domain. In this article, we will explore what a wildcard certificate is, how it works, its advantages and important considerations.
Table of Contents
What is a Wildcard Certificate?
A wildcard certificate is a type of SSL/TLS certificate that allows securing a main domain and all its subdomains with a single installation. This type of certificate is especially useful for organizations with a complex website structure that includes multiple subdomains.
How does a Wildcard Certificate work?
Structure of a Wildcard Certificate
A wildcard certificate is distinguished by its use of the asterisk (*) character in the domain name. For example, a wildcard certificate for *.yourdomain.com will cover:
- yourdomain.com
- www.tudominio.com
- mail.yourdomain.com
- blog.yourdomain.com
- Any other subdomain under yourdomain.com
Issuance Process
To obtain a wildcard certificate, the application and validation process is similar to that of other SSL/TLS certificates. A Certificate Signing Request (CSR) must be generated with the Common Name (CN) specified as *.yourdomain.com. Subsequently, the certificate authority (CA) will validate the identity of the requestor and issue the certificate.
Advantages of Using a Wildcard Certificate
Simplification of Certificate Management
A wildcard certificate simplifies SSL/TLS certificate management by reducing the need to purchase and manage multiple individual certificates for each subdomain. This saves time and effort for system administrators and web developers.
Cost Savings
Although wildcard certificates are typically more expensive than individual SSL/TLS certificates, they can be more cost-effective in the long run. By covering multiple subdomains with a single certificate, the need to purchase separate certificates is eliminated, which can represent significant savings.
Greater Flexibility
With a wildcard certificate, it is possible to add new subdomains without having to obtain new certificates. This provides great flexibility for the growth and expansion of a website.
Important Considerations
Security
While wildcard certificates offer convenience, they also present a potential risk: if the wildcard certificate is compromised, all subdomains secured by that certificate will also be at risk. Therefore, it is crucial to implement robust security measures to protect the wildcard certificate.
Compatibility
Not all environments and servers support wildcard certificates. It is important to verify compatibility before deciding on this type of certificate.
Wildcard Certificate Pricing at ClickPanda
Wildcard Basic Certificate
Wildcard Basic CertificateIdeal for small businesses and personal web sites.
- Price$459,900 COP/Yearly
- Features: Domain Validation, Free additional server licenses, Issued in 2 dayseasy installation, easy installation, coverage of multiple subdomains.
Conclusión
Wildcard certificates are a powerful and efficient solution for securing multiple subdomains under a primary domain. By understanding how they work and evaluating their advantages and considerations, system administrators, web developers and site owners can make informed decisions to improve the security and management of their digital environments.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a wildcard certificate secure different levels of subdomains?
No, a wildcard certificate only secures the main domain and one level of subdomains. For example, *.yourdomain.com will secure sub1.yourdomain.com and sub2.yourdomain.com, but will not secure sub.sub1.yourdomain.com.
What is the difference between a wildcard certificate and a multi-domain certificate?
A wildcard certificate secures a domain and all its subdomains, while a multi-domain certificate (SAN) can secure multiple domains and specific subdomains that do not necessarily share the same main domain.
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