What Is A Multi Domain SSL Certificate?

A multi domain SSL certificate is used to secure and encrypt multiple domain names and servers. In today’s world, the protection of data that is transmitted over the internet has become a top priority for website administrators and owners.

One of the most important aspects of safeguarding sensitive information has been the implementation of  SSL Certificates,  also known as TLS Certificates. These TLS Certificates encrypt data exchanged between web servers and browsers used by visitors of the webpage while preventing unauthorized access and eavesdropping.

This begs the question – what happens when a single SSL certificate needs to secure multiple domains and servers? This is where the Multi Domain SSL Certificates come into play, they are a versatile solution created to address the security needs of modern websites with more complex domain configurations.  

In this article, we explore their features, their web security benefits, and why website owners should consider implementing them. 

What is a Multi Domain SSL Certificates

An SSL Certificate is a digital protocol that creates a secure connection between a web server and a browser using 256-bit encryption. It makes it harder for hackers to intercept and steal data by authenticating websites and encrypting data transferred between a client’s device and the website’s server. 

SSL certificates contribute to cyber threat prevention, online transaction privacy, and information security, by encrypting sensitive data. This includes payment details, login credentials, and other personal information of the user.

A multi-domain certificate also known as a SAN Certificate (Subject Alternative Name), or as a UCC (Unified Communications Certificate), is explained in more detail below.

Functions of SSL Certificates

SSL Certificates serve several functions in the protection and security of a website while ensuring user trust. These include: 

• Protecting sensitive information by encrypting data transferred between a user’s browser and the web server.
• Websites that have SSL certificates the “https://” protocol in the URL (not IP addresses) and show a padlock icon to indicate a secure connection.
• SSL ensures data integrity by guarding against unauthorized changes to data while it is being transmitted.
• By verifying websites’ identities, they help prevent phishing scams by making it more difficult for imposters to mimic legitimate sites.
• The certificates keep users from seeing warnings about insecure websites, offering a positive user experience and increasing engagement.
• Websites with SSL certification may rank higher in search engine results, which increases their visibility.
• SSL Certificates are essential for protecting payment information and securing online transactions on ecommerce websites.

The Need for Multi Domain SSL Certificates

Many businesses today operate multiple websites and subdomains, or alternative domain names. The traditional approach of securing each domain with a single SSL Certificate may not be practical and cost-efficient.  

Multi Domain SSL Certificates address this issue by presenting a convenient solution by using a single certificate. This provides enhanced flexibility and efficiency in managing website security. 

Challenges Facing Traditional SSL Certificates

Difficult Process

Obtaining and maintaining single SSL certificates for every domain or subdomain can be a labor-and time-intensive task. 

Potential Expense

Purchasing single domain SSL certificates can get expensive, especially for businesses that maintain many online assets.

Maintenance Overhead

When there are several digital certificates, there is an increase in the complexity of ongoing tasks such as certificate renewal and management, which results in an administrative burden.

Inconsistency in Security Configurations

A unified security posture may be difficult to maintain if different SSL certificates are managed for every domain, which could lead to inconsistent security configurations.

Administrative Burden

IT teams’ workload is increased by having to track and handle numerous certificates across multiple domains, which may influence operational effectiveness.

Problems with Scalability

Keeping track of individual SSL certificates becomes more difficult as the number of domains or subdomains increases.

Benefits of Multi Domain SSL Certificates

The benefits of using a single certificate include reduced costs, meeting a variety of security requirements, and avoiding the difficulties of managing traditional SSL certificates, by unifying several domains, subdomains, and servers. 

Consolidated Management

Businesses can consolidate their security better by using multi domain SSL certificates. Management tasks like issuance, renewal, and installation, are made more efficient by using a single certificate that protects up to a hundred* domains or subdomains. This streamlined approach can improve operational efficiency and resources. 

* Figure at time of writing blog post

Financial Savings

Purchasing multi-domain SSL certificates is significantly more affordable than obtaining separate certificates for every domain or server.

IT Efficiency

IT teams can become streamlined and save time thanks to multi domain SSL Certificate management efficiency. Administrators and staff can allocate resources more effectively and concentrate on other crucial duties when they have fewer certificates to handle.

Versatility

Multi domain SSL certificates are appropriate for businesses of all sizes and sectors, as they cover a wide range of security requirements. Whether managing a portfolio of ecommerce websites, intranet portals, or a combination of public-facing and internal web applications. The certificates provide the flexibility to secure different domain configurations under one umbrella.

Adaptability

The flexibility of multi domain SSL certificates allows organizations to adapt their security strategies to meet evolving business requirements. With the ability to secure multiple domains and servers under one certificate, they can easily scale their security solutions as their web presence or operation grows.

Types Of Multi Domain SSL Certificates

Multi Domain SSL Certificates come in different forms, for various purposes. Here are some common types and their functions:  

Unified Communications Certificates (UCC)

UCC SSL certificates are specifically created for use with Microsoft Exchange Server and Microsoft Office Communications Server environments. These allow you to secure multiple domain names, subdomains, and hostnames associated with Exchange Server or Office Communications Server under a single certificate, supporting up to 100 domain names or subdomains. 

Subject Alternative Name (SAN) Certificates 

SAN certificates are also referred to as Unified SSL certificates and allow you to secure multiple domain names and servers under one certificate. They are versatile and can be used for a range of applications, including securing e-commerce websites, corporate intranets, and public-facing web applications.

Wildcard Multi Domain SSL Certificates 

These types of SSL Certificates combine the functionality of multi domain SSL Certificates with wildcard SSL certificates. They allow you to secure multiple domain names and their subdomains using one certificate, securing them with a wildcard character (*).

Extended Validation (EV) Multi Domain SSL Certificates 

EV SSL Certificates offer the highest standard of encryption strength, validation, and trust, and they require the most verification. These certificates allow an organization to display its name prominently in the browser’s address bar, to indicate a high validation level, security, and trustworthiness.

How To Get A Multi Domain SSL Certificate

Obtaining a Multi Domain SSL Certificate is fairly similar to how one would get a traditional SSL Certificate. However, here are more considerations, here is a general overview of the process involved: 

1. Choose a reputable Certificate Authority (CA) – Research and select a CA with a good reputation that offers Multi Domain SSL Certificates.

2. Select a Certificate Type – Select the type of Multi Domain SSL Certificates you need based on your requirements.
3. Provide Domain Information – Prepare a list of the main domain names and subdomains you wish to secure, using your certificate. Ensure that you have control over each of the domain names and can verify ownership during the issuance process, this does not apply to fully qualified domain names.
4. Generate a Certificate Signing Request (CSR) – Create a CSR for your primary domain name and include the additional domain names and SANs in the CSR, to specify which domains should be covered.
5. Submit CSR and Domain Verification – Submit the CSR to the CA accompanied by all documentation required for verification. The CA will verify your ownership of the domain names in the CSR before issuing the certificate.
6. Issuance and Installation – After verification, the CA will issue the certificate. Download the files with the site seal and install them on your web server by following the CA’s instructions or using your hosting provider’s management tools.
7. Configure Web Server – Configure your web server to use the new SSL for all domains and subdomains listed by updating your server’s SSL/TLS settings. If you need help, please contact Hosted.com’s Support Team.
8. Test SSL Installation – Test the certificate to ensure it is configured correctly and provides browser support and a secure connection for all specified domains. 
9. Renewal and Maintenance – Check the expiration date of your certificate and be sure to renew it before it expires. You can set up reminders or automatic renewal services. 

How Multi Domain SSL Certificates Work

While most commonly called Multi Domain SSL Certificates, they are also known as Unified Communications Certificates (UCC) or Subject Alternative Name (SAN) certificates. 

Subject Alternative Names (SANs)

Multi domain SSL Certificates are able to secure multiple domain names (including primary and subdomains) thanks to Subject Alternative Names (SANs), which are additional domain names that are included within the certificate’s SAN field.

When generating a UCC/SAN certificate, users need to specify the list of domain names or SANs that they need to secure. These can include domains with different Top-Level Domains (TLDs), variations of the primary domain name, and subdomains.

Encryption and Security

Much like traditional SSL Certificates, Multi Domain SSL Certificates use encryption algorithms to secure communication between the web server and the user’s browser. When a user visits any of the domains listed in the certificate, their browser will verify the authenticity of the certificate and establish a secure connection to the web server.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• SSL Certificates play a critical role in safeguarding sensitive information transmitted over the internet by encrypting data exchanged between web servers and browsers. 
• Managing individual SSL certificates for different domain names can be labor-intensive and expensive, leading to administrative burdens and scalability issues. 
• Multi Domain SSL Certificates provide a solution for securing multiple domains or subdomains under a single certificate. 
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• Obtaining a Multi Domain SSL Certificate involves selecting a Certificate Authority, providing domain information, generating a Certificate Signing Request (CSR), and submitting it to the CA for verification.

FAQs

Other Blogs of Interest:

– A Simple Explanation Of SSL Certificate Errors & How To Fix Them

– How To Renew SSL Certificates For A Website

– Web Hosting Security – Top 11 Best Practices

– 7 Factors for Choosing Web Hosting Services for your Small Business

– Choose A Security Focused Hosting Plan