Many business owners and organizations own several websites or sub domains, however they all belong to the same company.
Much like the regular SSL certificate, a Wildcard SSL Certificate performs in the same manner except it validates sub domains belonging to the same organization or top level domain, as well.
SSL, which stands for Secure Socket Layer, encrypts data during transmission over the network from browser to server or server to server, which is vital in preventing identity theft.
Just as you would use your drivers' license or personal I.
D.
to identify who you are, a SSL validates the URL or website insuring the integrity of a website and authenticates who they are.
If you ever filled out a form online which required the use of your credit card or personal information, you probably have seen a private key icon at the bottom of your screen, indicating that website uses a SSL cert.
This informs the customer that it is a trusted website and information entered on the website is encrypted and safe of any security breaches.
There is the standard Wildcard SSL, which works better for older browsers and operating systems using 40 or 56 bit encryptions, however some come with up to 2048 bits depending on the need of the business owner or organization.
Because many organizations might have as many as 50 websites or more to maintain, it is much more cost effective to purchase one certificate for all websites.
This reduces the hassle of tracking each certificate for each sub domain and having to reissue each certificate.
With a Wildcard SSL, there is only one certificate to reissue when it expires.
Also, purchasing a certificate for each sub domain can be expensive.
SSL certificate providers will charge prices ranging anywhere from $10.
00 up to $800.
00 for a single certificate.
There is only one fee with a Wildcard SSL and the options of securing unlimited sub domains for one price.
Compromise of security is a disadvantage of a using Wildcard.
If one server is compromised then all sub domains as well are compromised.
If the certificate is not reissued or is revoked, then all sub domains are in jeopardy as well.
However, SSL certificate providers are now allowing clients to issue multiple Wildcards using the same domain for each server.
All in all, a Wildcard SSL certificate is becoming increasingly popular among business owners worldwide and has proven to be more effective in cost and time.