Introduction
When it comes to online security, an SSL certificate is essential to protect the information that is transferred between the user's browser and your website's server. SSL certificates not only ensure that data is encrypted, but also build trust with your users. But what happens when you have multiple subdomains on your site and you don't want to buy an SSL certificate for each of them? This is where the Wildcard SSL certificate comes in.
In this article, we will explore what a Wildcard SSL certificate is, how it works and the advantages it offers for securing multiple subdomains with a single certificate. If you have a website with multiple subdomains and want to simplify security management, Wildcard SSL could be the ideal choice for you.
What is a Wildcard SSL certificate?
Definition: A Wildcard SSL certificate is a type of SSL certificate that allows you to secure a main domain and all its subdomains with a single certificate.
Why it is important: Instead of purchasing an SSL certificate for each subdomain (e.g. shop.tusitio.com, blog.tusitio.com, etc.), the Wildcard certificate allows you to secure all subdomains under the same domain with a single certificate.
Example: If your domain is tusitio.com, with a Wildcard SSL certificate, you can secure shop.tusitio.com, blog.tusitio.com, forum.tusitio.com and any other subdomain related to tusitio.com.
How Wildcard SSL Certificate works
Configuration of subdomains: The Wildcard SSL certificate covers all the subdomains of your main domain automatically. For example, a single Wildcard SSL certificate for *.tusitio.com secures all subdomains without the need to purchase additional certificates.
Why it is important: This type of certificate simplifies administration and is more economical compared to purchasing individual SSL certificates for each subdomain.
Key elements:
A single certificate to protect multiple subdomains.
Secures all subdomains under the same domain.
Easy installation and administration.
Example: If you own an online store and a blog on the same domain, you can use a single Wildcard certificate to protect both the store (shop.tusitio.com) and the blog (blog.tusitio.com).
Advantages of a Wildcard SSL certificate
Efficiency and savings: The Wildcard SSL certificate saves you time and money, since you only need one certificate to secure multiple subdomains instead of purchasing one for each of them.
Simplicity in management: With a single SSL certificate, security management is greatly simplified, as you don't have to worry about renewing or managing multiple certificates.
Flexibility: You can add additional subdomains in the future without having to purchase new SSL certificates.
Example: If in the future you decide to add forum.tusitio.com or help.tusitio.com, the Wildcard SSL will continue to protect these new subdomains without the need to purchase a new certificate.
When should I choose a Wildcard SSL certificate?
Ideal for sites with multiple subdomains: If your website has multiple subdomains and you need to secure them all, Wildcard SSL is the most efficient and cost-effective option.
When you prefer simplicity: If you want to reduce the complexity in managing your SSL certificates and have less worries about renewal or installation, the Wildcard certificate is perfect.
Example: If you own an online business with subdomains for blog, store and forum, the Wildcard SSL will make it easy to manage all these subdomains centrally and inexpensively.
Disadvantages and considerations
Limited to one subdomain level: Although the SSL Wildcard covers all subdomains of a domain, it does not protect second-level subdomains (e.g. sub.subdomain.tusitio.com).
Higher risk if the main domain is compromised: If someone manages to access the main domain, all subdomains will be equally compromised, as they all rely on the same SSL certificate.
Example: If the Wildcard SSL certificate is configured for *.tusitio.com, an attacker accessing tusitio.com could potentially compromise all related subdomains.
To protect your domain from common threats and prevent your domain name from being compromised, we recommend that you read our article on how to know the common threats and protect your domain name.
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Conclusion:
A Wildcard SSL certificate is an excellent option for securing multiple subdomains under a single domain. It is cheaper and easier to manage than purchasing an SSL certificate for each subdomain, making it an ideal choice for websites with multiple subdomains. However, it is important to understand its limitations and make sure it suits your site's specific needs. If you have multiple subdomains and want to simplify security management, a Wildcard SSL certificate is definitely an effective and reliable solution.
