Pros and Cons of Wildcard SSL Certificates

Here’s a thorough overview of the pros and cons of Wildcard SSL

An Wildcard SSL Certificate is among the most versatile types of certificate that are available. With just one certificate, you are able to encrypt the entire website as well as all its sub-domains.

Simple, right? What are the advantages and disadvantages of the use of a cheap wildcard SSL certificate? Let’s look.
Advantage: Secure unlimited sub-domains

Many websites have subdomains. It’s an essential part of web design. What you intend to use your subdomains for is entirely up to you however they should be secured. Prior to the time that Wildcard SSL certificates were created to secure websites using sub-domains was more complicated. Now it’s much easier. With just one wildcard certificate, you’ll be able to secure:

Domain.com
Mail.domain.com
Members.domain.com
Dev.domain.com

and any other sub-domains that you might possess. Use an asterisk to indicate the sub-domain level that you want to secure when filling out the Certificate Signing request. Easy!

Benefit: Wildcards cost more affordable than other alternatives.

Prior to Wildcards was introduced, you’d have to buy an independent SSL certificate for each sub-domain. That’s expensive! It’s expensive! Wildcard SSL certificate can secure an unlimited number of subdomains for a single price. It’s a lot less than alternatives.

Advantage: Easier Certificate Management

Similar to how Wildcards are less expensive than having each sub-domain secured separately It’s also an more secure method to protect your web presence from a technical and administration perspective. It’s not like you’re having to manage multiple certificate accounts, managing multiple renewal dates and installations and continually adding more as your business grows. Instead, you’re managing a single certificate. Simple!

Advantage: Wildcards Scale Better

Wildcard SSL Certificates are able to grow with the growth of your business. If, in the course of the life of the cheap wildcard SSL certificate you choose to add an additional sub-domain to your site, your certificate will automatically be covered. It is not necessary to issue a new Wildcard certificate in order for the new domain. Wildcards can be used in the future.

Are there any drawbacks in using Wildcards?

Yes, but they’re not as prominent as the advantages associated with Wildcard certificates. In general, the disadvantages of an unrestricted wildcard are:

It only covers one subdomain level. If you’re trying to secure sub-domains of various levels, you’ll require the Wildcard for each level of sub-domain you’re protecting.
If there are multiple parties that manage the different subdomains on your site it could be necessary to share the private key within your business and/or suppliers, which increases the risk of an unauthorised party gaining access to your private key
It is important to remember that even if you are using the same certificate with a private key across multiple servers, one breach will need to be corrected by reissuing the certificate on all servers.
Some mobile device operating systems, like Windows Mobile 5, do not recognize the wildcard symbol. (*).

On the majority of websites, the benefits of wildcard certificates outweigh the disadvantages.

Here’s a thorough overview of the pros and cons of Wildcard SSL An Wildcard SSL Certificate is among the most versatile types of certificate that are available. With just one certificate, you are able to encrypt the entire website as well as all its sub-domains. Simple, right? What are the advantages and disadvantages of the…