The Need for Wildcard SSL Certificates
Website security is more critical than ever. With increasing threats like data breaches, phishing attacks, and unencrypted transmissions, every website needs HTTPS protection. But if your website includes multiple subdomains—like blog.example.com, store.example.com, or support.example.com—managing separate SSL certificates for each can be time-consuming and expensive.
The solution? Wildcard SSL certificates.
Wildcard SSL certificates are a smart, scalable, and cost-effective way to secure an unlimited number of subdomains under a single certificate. Whether you run an expanding eCommerce platform, a SaaS business, or a multi-site blog, wildcard SSL certificates simplify encryption while boosting trust and compliance.
What Are Wildcard SSL Certificates?
A wildcard SSL certificate is a type of SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) certificate that secures a domain and all its first-level subdomains using a single certificate.
🔍 Example:
A wildcard SSL issued to *.example.com will secure:
- www.example.com
- mail.example.com
- shop.example.com
- login.example.com
It will not secure sub-subdomains such as user.login.example.com — those require a multi-domain or multi-level wildcard SSL.
Why Choose Wildcard SSL Certificates?
Wildcard SSL certificates offer a wide range of benefits, particularly for growing businesses or projects with multiple subdomains.
✅ Key Benefits:
- Secure Unlimited Subdomains
With one wildcard SSL, you can encrypt an unlimited number of first-level subdomains under a single domain.
- Save Time and Money
You avoid the hassle and cost of purchasing, installing, and renewing multiple certificates.
- Simplified Management
Manage a single SSL certificate instead of maintaining separate ones for each subdomain.
- Enhanced Security
Wildcard SSLs provide the same level of encryption as standard SSLs — 256-bit encryption with 2048-bit key size.
- SEO & Trust Signals
Websites secured with SSL gain SEO advantages and build user confidence by displaying HTTPS and a padlock icon.
When Are Wildcard SSL Certificates Ideal?
Wildcard SSL certificates are ideal for:
- Businesses running multiple services on subdomains
- SaaS companies with client-specific subdomains
- Educational institutions managing portals like student.college.edu, faculty.college.edu
- Developers or agencies managing subdomains for staging, testing, and live environments
Types of Validation for Wildcard SSL Certificates
Wildcard SSL certificates come with different levels of validation. The choice depends on your business needs and the level of trust you want to establish.
🔒 1. Domain Validation (DV)
- Quick issuance (minutes to hours)
- Requires only domain ownership verification
- Ideal for personal blogs or internal projects
🏢 2. Organization Validation (OV)
- Verifies both domain ownership and organization details
- Provides greater trust and brand credibility
- Ideal for small to medium businesses
❌ Note:
Wildcard SSL does not support Extended Validation (EV). EV SSLs, which show the company name in the browser address bar, are only available for individual domains—not wildcards.
How Wildcard SSL Certificates Work
Wildcard certificates work by using an asterisk * in the Common Name (CN) or Subject Alternative Name (SAN) field of the SSL. This wildcard character acts as a placeholder for any subdomain.
Example:
If your CN is *.yourdomain.com, then:
- blog.yourdomain.com = ✅ Secured
- mail.yourdomain.com = ✅ Secured
- store.yourdomain.com = ✅ Secured
- test.dev.yourdomain.com = ❌ Not Secured (too deep)
Wildcard SSL Certificates vs. Other SSL Types
| Feature | Standard SSL | Wildcard SSL | Multi-Domain SSL |
|---|---|---|---|
| Secures | One domain/subdomain | One domain + all subdomains | Multiple domains |
| Subdomain Support | ❌ | ✅ Unlimited | ✅ (with SAN entries) |
| Cost Efficiency | Low for single sites | High for multi-subdomain use | Moderate |
| Best For | Simple websites | Expanding websites with subdomains | Agencies, resellers, enterprises |
Top Providers of Wildcard SSL Certificates
Here are some of the most trusted and affordable wildcard SSL certificate providers:
| Provider | Starting Price (per year) | Validation Level | Warranty | Compatibility |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sectigo (Comodo) | $49 – $150 | DV / OV | Up to $500,000 | 99.9% browsers |
| DigiCert | $300 – $700 | OV | Up to $1.5 million | 99.9% browsers |
| GoDaddy | $150 – $400 | DV / OV | Up to $1 million | 99.9% browsers |
| Namecheap | $47 – $100 | DV | $250,000+ | 99.9% browsers |
| SSLs.com | $38 – $75 | DV | $10,000 – $250,000 | 99.9% browsers |
💡 Tip: Prices vary by features, validation level, support, and duration (multi-year plans offer discounts).
How to Install a Wildcard SSL Certificate
Step-by-Step Guide:
- Purchase from a Trusted Provider
Choose a provider offering reliable wildcard SSL certificates at the right validation level.
- Generate a Certificate Signing Request (CSR)
Use your hosting control panel (like cPanel) to generate a CSR. Make sure the Common Name is set as *.yourdomain.com.
- Complete Validation
- DV Wildcard SSL: Simple domain ownership verification via email, DNS record, or HTTP file.
- OV Wildcard SSL: Submit business documentation for validation.
- Receive and Install the Certificate
Once verified, install the certificate on your server. Most hosting providers offer tools or support to simplify this.
- Test and Redirect
- Ensure all subdomains use HTTPS
- Set up 301 redirects from HTTP to HTTPS
- Check for mixed content (HTTP resources on HTTPS pages)
Wildcard SSL Certificate Limitations
While wildcard SSL certificates offer many advantages, they have a few limitations:
- ❌ Not valid for multi-level subdomains (e.g., login.blog.example.com)
- ❌ No Extended Validation (EV) support
- ⚠️ Risk if private key is compromised (affects all subdomains)
- ❌ Typically cannot mix domains (use multi-domain SSL for that)
Wildcard SSL and SEO
Google favors HTTPS websites, and securing all your subdomains with wildcard SSL means better overall SEO performance. HTTPS:
- Increases your website’s credibility
- Reduces bounce rates by avoiding “Not Secure” browser warnings
- Boosts rankings in Google’s search algorithm
Common Questions About Wildcard SSL Certificates
Q1: Can I use one wildcard SSL on multiple servers?
Yes, but you must securely copy the private key and certificate files to each server.
Q2: Does a wildcard SSL protect sub-subdomains?
No. It only secures first-level subdomains like store.example.com, not login.store.example.com.
Q3: How long does it take to issue a wildcard SSL?
- DV Wildcard: Issued in minutes to hours
- OV Wildcard: May take 1–3 business days due to business validation
Q4: Can I upgrade to a wildcard later if I bought a standard SSL?
Yes, but you’ll need to purchase a wildcard SSL and reinstall it.
Q5: Can I get a free wildcard SSL certificate?
Let’s Encrypt offers wildcard SSLs, but they require DNS validation and renewal every 90 days, which may be complex for some users.
Conclusion: Secure Smartly with Wildcard SSL Certificates
If your website uses multiple subdomains and you’re seeking a convenient, secure, and affordable solution, wildcard SSL certificates are the way to go. They simplify security management, reduce costs, and protect your users’ data across all channels. CVE-2025-21587
From startups to growing enterprises, wildcard SSLs empower businesses to expand confidently without worrying about subdomain vulnerabilities. Get one today and strengthen your site’s reputation, security, and SEO — all with a single certificate.
