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At the most basic level, a wildcard SSL/TLS certificate secures virtually unlimited subdomains for a single domain. In contrast, a Subject Alternative Name (SAN) certificate, also called a multi-domain certificate, secures your main domain name plus other unique domains under a single certificate.
What else is there to know about what differentiates wildcards from multi-domain certificates? Let’s find out….
Here’s an overview that encapsulates the differences between these certificates and their use cases:
No. | Feature | Traditional Wildcard Certificate | Traditional SAN Certificate |
1. | Domain Coverage | A single domain and its single-level subdomains. | Multiple distinct domains and specified subdomains. |
2. | Flexibility | Covers virtually unlimited single-level subdomains for one domain under one certificate. | Adaptable for securing a varied range of domain and specified subdomain levels under a single certificate. |
3. | Management | Straightforward, with a focus on a single domain. | More complex due to the need to handle multiple domains and dynamic changes. |
4. | Validation Levels | Supports domain validation (DV) and organization validation (OV). | Supports domain validation (DV), organization validation (OV), and extended validation (EV). |
5. | Use Case | Best for small organizations with numerous subdomains under one domain that don’t require the most stringent validation (up to OV). | Ideal for larger entities with a variety of domains and subdomains requiring a flexible solution and the option of more stringent validation (EV). |
6. | Limitations | Only applicable to secure subdomains at the same level; not for multi-level subdomains. | Limited by the number of SAN entries; covers a broad range of domains and specified subdomains (up to 250). |
7. | Issuance | Rapid issuance (within minutes) with domain validation; between 1 and 3 days for OV. | Flexible issuance, depending on validation level; SAN entries can be modified to add or remove domains during the certificate’s lifespan via the certificate reissuance process. |
8. | Cost | Certificate prices start as low as $69.78 per year. | Certificate prices start as low as $18.81 per year. |
Determining the more appropriate option in the “wildcard certificate vs. SAN” debate hinges on understanding their distinct functionalities and security applications. Both options offer robust encryption but cater to different organizational needs, management requirements, and budgets.
Wildcard Usage Examples | |
First-level domain wildcard | *.example.com – Secures all first-level subdomains of example.com, such as mail.example.com, shop.example.com, and blog.example.com. |
Get ironclad security for multiple subdomains under one certificate at a fraction of the regular cost. Act now to secure this exceptional rate!
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Image caption: This screenshot shows the wildcard SSL certificate for Gravatar.com. This certificate, issued by Sectigo ECC Domain Validation Secure Server CA, secures all subdomains under the primary domain *.gravatar.com.
SAN Usage Examples | |
Same domain name but different TLDs | example.com, example.net, example.org Secures multiple domains with the same second-level domain name but different top-level domains (TLDs). |
Multiple domains with different levels and TLDs | example.com, mydomain2.org, mydomain3.net Secures multiple domains with different second-level domain names and different TLDs. |
Specified subdomains | api.example.com, order.example.com, login.example.com You can specify the list of subdomains you want to secure as some of your SAN options. |
Image caption: This screenshot displays the SAN SSL certificate for Wix.com, issued by Sectigo RSA Domain Validation Secure Server CA. This single certificate secures multiple domain names, including *.wix.com, *.editorx.com, *.wixsite.com, editorx.com, and more, providing flexible and comprehensive protection.
But did you know there’s a third option beyond traditional wildcard and SAN certificates?
For those needing the ability to secure multiple domains and extensive subdomain coverage, multi-domain wildcard certificates offer an ideal solution. Multi-domain wildcard certificates:
This makes them a universal choice for organizations with complex security needs. The drawback? You can only get DV or OV validation. Extended validation isn’t an option for any type of wildcard certificate, including multi-domain wildcard certificates.
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All three certificate types — wildcard, SAN, and multi-domain wildcard — uphold high encryption standards, with 256-bit encryption using either a 2048-bit RSA or 256-bit ECC signature key. They also adhere to IETF standards and CA/B Forum industry baseline requirements.
In a word? Yes. While the previous section outlines the security aspects of wildcard vs. SAN certificates, this part focuses on their impact on domain security and management-related requirements:
While SAN certificates take a bit more effort to manage, they’re a powerhouse when it comes to protecting a range of domains, crucial for businesses with a broad online footprint.
Deciding on the right SSL/TLS security option for your business? Our SAN SSL certificates cover everything from a few to 2,000 domains. Compare options to find your fit and save big on multi-domain protection.
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However, there is also a concern with using any type of wildcard SSL/TLS certificate: If the certificate’s key is compromised, it exposes all subdomains under the wildcard. A bad guy could also use that exposed key and certificate to create an unauthorized subdomain on your site. This can pose a significant security risk.
This is why it’s crucial you choose the right certificate to meet your organization’s security needs and management-related capabilities.
Choosing the right SSL/TLS certificate for your organization depends on the specific needs and structure of your domain environment. It’s important to consider not just the present needs but also future expansion — flexibility for growth can be a deciding factor.
For a side-by-side comparison of wildcard SSL/TLS certificates, visit Comodo Wildcard SSL. For personalized advice and support, reach out to Comodo SSL Store Support for guidance in making the best decision for your organization.