Multi Domain Wildcard SSL Certificate: Uses & Benefits

An SSL certificate helps to keep your websites safe. It protects the information people share with your site (such as login details or credit card numbers) by transforming it into a secret code so no one else can read it. Now, if you have more than one website or if your site uses subdomains, a regular SSL certificate may not be enough. That’s where a multi domain wildcard SSL certificate comes in.

It lets you protect many domains and all their subdomains with just one certificate. That means less work, lower costs, and strong security across your setup. It’s a great choice for businesses managing several websites or offering services through subdomains.

This guide explains exactly what a multi domain wildcard SSL is, how it works, where it fits best, and its benefits. You’ll also find out when to use it, what to watch out for, and how to set it up correctly. Let’s get started.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• A multi domain wildcard SSL certificate protects many websites and all their subdomains with just one certificate.
• It combines the power of multi-domain and wildcard SSLs into a single, easy-to-manage solution.
• You can protect unlimited subdomains and up to 250 domains.
• It works with both Domain Validation (DV) and Organization Validation (OV) levels.
• One certificate means lower costs, easier setup, and less time managing renewals.
• It uses strong encryption to keep user data safe across all your websites.
• You only need to install and manage one certificate, even if you host websites on multiple servers.
• It builds user trust by showing HTTPS and a padlock icon in the browser.
• Ideal for enterprises, SaaS platforms, hosting providers, and agencies managing client websites.

Understand Multi Domain Wildcard SSL Certificates

This special type of Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) certificate protects more than one website and all its subdomains with just one certificate. It combines the features of 2 SSLs:

1. Multi-Domain SSL: Secures multiple domain names.
2. Wildcard SSL: Secures unlimited subdomains under one domain.

By combining these two features, a multi domain wildcard SSL makes it easy to protect multiple websites and all their subdomains with a single certificate. This saves time, money, and effort, especially for businesses that manage numerous websites or services.

How They Work

This certificate uses the Subject Alternative Name (SAN) field. It’s a part of the SSL certificate that lists every domain and subdomain you want to secure. You can add both full domain names and wildcard entries to this list.

A wildcard entry looks like *.yourdomain.com where the asterisk (*) means any subdomain. This one entry covers many different subdomains, for example:

Example 1: www.yourdomain.com
Example 2: login.yourdomain.com
Example 3: store.yourdomain.com

Here’s an example of what a single multi domain wildcard SSL certificate can cover:

Example 5: yourdomain.com
Example 6: *.yourdomain.com
Example 7: anotherdomain.net
Example 8: *.anotherdomain.net

Instead of buying a separate certificate for each website and subdomain, you manage everything under one powerful certificate. This makes the wildcard certificate for multiple domains a smart and flexible solution for complex web setups.

Features of Multi Domain Wildcard SSL Certificates

A wildcard certificate for multiple domains includes powerful features, making it ideal for businesses with many websites and subdomains. Let’s look at what it offers in simple terms.

This type of SSL can secure up to 250 different domains and an unlimited number of subdomains. For example, you can use it for the examples as listed below and many more, all with one certificate.

Example 9: yourdomain.com
Example 10: blog.yourdomain.com
Example 11: shop.example.net
Example 12: newsite.com 

It supports Domain Validation (DV) and Organization Validation (OV) levels. DV is great for small websites that need basic protection, while OV shows that your business has been verified, which adds more trust.

You also get strong security with 256-bit encryption and a 2048-bit RSA key. This shows that data sent between your website and visitors is secured and protected from hackers.

Another useful feature is the site seal. This is a trust badge you can display on your website to show that it’s a safe website. It helps increase user trust and may even boost conversions.

With this certificate, you get unlimited reissuance, which means if you lose your certificate or need to make changes, you can reissue it at no extra cost. It also works on multiple servers, so you don’t need to buy separate certificates for each server.

It’s compatible with all major web browsers and mobile devices, so your visitors will be protected no matter how they access your site. Additionally, when visitors see the padlock icon and HTTPS in the browser bar, they know your site is secure. This helps build trust and can even improve your brand’s image.

Most importantly, it helps simplify your SSL management. Instead of handling dozens of certificates, you only need to keep track of one. That saves you time, reduces errors, and offers lower overall costs for buying separate SSLs for every domain or subdomain.

Key Considerations Before Purchasing

Before buying a multi domain wildcard SSL certificate, there are a few important things to consider. These details will help you set it up correctly and ensure it works as expected.

Common Name (CN) Requirements

While creating your Certificate Signing Request (CSR), you must enter a non-wildcard domain as the Common Name (CN). This means using a regular domain .

Example: yourdomain.com, NOT *.yourdomain.com

The wildcard entries that start with an asterisk (*) should go in the Subject Alternative Name (SAN) fields.

For instance:

• CN: yourdomain.com
• SANs: *.yourdomain.com, *.anotherdomain.com.

This setup helps the certificate properly cover the main domains and their subdomains.

Domain Name Visibility

All the domains and subdomains you add to the certificate will be visible in its details. Anyone can view these by clicking on the padlock icon in the browser and checking the certificate information.

This is great for transparency, but also means that private domains or internal subdomains are visible to others. So, if you care about branding or privacy, only include domains you’re okay with showing publicly.

WWW vs Non-WWW Domains

If you want your website’s non-www and www versions to be secure, you must list both in the certificate.

A wildcard entry such as *.yourdomain.com covers subdomains including blog.yourdomain.comand shop.yourdomain.com, but does not include the root domain, yourdomain.com. So, include that base domain separately in the SAN field to ensure you protect it.

Thinking through these details before you buy will save you time and prevent problems later. It helps you use your multi-domain wildcard SSL to its full advantage and ensures full website coverage.

Availability & Purchasing Options

Many trusted SSL providers offer multi domain wildcard SSL certificates. However, when choosing a certificate, it’s essential to consider the validation level.

Some certificates also come with warranty protection, so if something goes wrong because of the certificate provider, you will still be covered for losses. Warranties can vary from a few thousand dollars to over a million, depending on the provider and plan.

Pricing can also differ widely. DV certificates are usually more affordable, while OV certificates cost more but give extra trust to visitors. The cost also depends on how many domains you wish to secure and which brand you choose.

Many SSL providers offer discounts and special deals, especially for first-time buyers or those who want long-term purchases. Some web hosting companies, including Hosted.com, offer free SSLs as part of their WordPress Hosting packages, which can help you save more money.

IMPORTANT:

You can log a ticket with us to get a quote for the SAN certificate.

Practical Applications & Use Cases

A multi domain wildcard SSL certificate is helpful in many real-world situations. Whether running a business or managing technical systems, this certificate can make your life easier by securing all your domains and subdomains in one go.

Business Scenarios

If your company owns multiple websites under different domain names, you can use a single multi-domain wildcard SSL to protect them. Such as these examples:

Example: mainbrand.com
Example: supportsite.net
Example: shopbrand.org 

This type of SSL is also perfect for businesses with many subdomains. A multi-domain wildcard SSL can secure all subdomains, making it easier for example a school to manage security. For example, a school may use:

Example: admissions.school.com
Example: library.school.com
Example: portal.school.com 

Moreover, SaaS platforms that give each user or customer a subdomain can protect all those subdomains with just one certificate. Ecommerce stores that run separate sites for different countries or regions can also use this type of certificate.

Technical Scenarios

Web hosting providers often manage websites for many clients. Instead of setting up separate SSL certificates for each site, a multi-domain wildcard SSL can secure all their clients’ domains and subdomains from one place. This cuts down on time, cost, and effort.

Developers and IT teams working with different environments, such as staging, testing, and live production, often use subdomains to separate them. With this certificate, they can secure every environment without buying a new SSL certificate. Example of IT-related subdomains:

Example: test.yourdomain.com
Example: dev.yourdomain.com
Example: live.yourdomain.com

How to Get a Multi Domain SSL Certificate

Getting a multi domain SSL certificate is a lot like getting any other SSL, but there are a few extra points to consider carefully. Follow these steps to secure your domains and subdomains correctly:

1. Choose a reliable Certificate Authority that offers multi-domain SSLs. Look for one with strong reviews, solid customer support, and easy setup options.
2. Select an SSL certificate based on your requirements that supports multiple domains and subdomains. Decide whether you want Domain Validation (DV), Organization Validation (OV), or another level of security.
3. Make a complete list of all the domains and subdomains you wish to secure. Ensure you have access to each one, as you need to verify that you own them.
4. Generate a Certificate Signing Request (CSR) from your server or hosting control panel. Ensure you include the primary domain and all other domains and subdomains you wish to cover in the SAN fields.
5. Send the CSR to your Certificate Authority. Then, follow their instructions to verify domain ownership. This can include email confirmation, updating DNS records, or uploading a file to your site.
6. Once your domains are verified, the Certificate Authority will issue your certificate. Download the SSL files and install them on your server using your hosting panel or server tools. Some providers also include a site seal to display on your website.
7. Configure your web server to use the new SSL certificate for all listed domains and subdomains. You must update your server’s SSL/TLS settings at this stage. If you’re unsure, your hosting provider can help.
8. After setting up, test your website using SSL tools to ensure everything works. Check that your domains are secure and the padlock appears in browsers.

IMPORTANT:

SSL certificates expire, so renew yours on time. Set reminders or use auto-renew features if your CA or hosting provider offers them.

FAQS

Other Blogs of Interest

– What Is An SSL Stripping Attack And How To Prevent It?

– How Do You Know If a Website Has a SSL Certificate?

– A Simple Explanation of SSL Certificate Errors & How to Fix Them

– How To Renew SSL Certificates For A Website

– SSL Certificate – What it is, Why it is Needed, and How to Set It Up