Websites often use multiple subdomains (like shop.example.com or blog.example.com) for different services. Securing each subdomain traditionally requires a separate certificate, which can be expensive and hard to manage. A wildcard SSL certificate solves this problem. It is an SSL/TLS certificate containing an asterisk (*) in the domain name (e.g. *.example.com), which allows one certificate to cover a domain and all its first-level subdomains. For example, a wildcard ssl certificate for *.example.com would secure example.com as well as www.example.com, mail.example.com, and any other subdomain. (It does not cover deeper levels like sub.mail.example.com.)
The use of SSL on the web has become almost universal. In 2024, 87.6 percent of sites had a valid SSL certificate. This implies that nearly nine out of ten sites are already HTTPS. Wildcard certificates are used to allow a large number of these sites to get several subdomains covered by a single solution to make security management easier. Indeed, according to major surveys of web technologies, approximately 88 percent of all websites are by default using HTTPS. Since encryption is required on more sites, a wildcard ssl certificate can simplify protection throughout the structure of a site.
Benefits of Wildcard SSL Certificates
A wildcard SSL certificate offers several key advantages:
- Unlimited Subdomain Coverage: A wildcard certificate secures an unlimited number of subdomains for one domain. As your site grows, any new first-level subdomain (like shop.domain.com, support.domain.com, etc.) is automatically covered. You do not need to reissue or buy a new certificate when adding subdomains. This makes scaling a site much easier.
- Cost Savings: It is much cheaper to purchase a single wildcard SSL certificate than it is to purchase one certificate per subdomain. As an illustration, an organization that has five subdomains would purchase five single-domain certificates. Rather, a single wildcard cert applies to all at about the cost of a single certificate. This is cost effective, particularly to budget businesses.
- Simplified Management: It is easier to handle a single certificate rather than a large number of certificates. You just follow a single expiration date and a single renewal procedure. One wildcard cert allows you to install or renew it just once, not many times per domain. This makes administration easier and eliminates the chances of not remembering to renew a certificate of a single sub domain.
- SEO and Trust Boost: Sites protected by SSL get a small ranking boost from Google and show a padlock icon in browsers. Wildcard certificates ensure all subdomains are HTTPS, improving user trust. Google announced that SSL-secured sites receive a search ranking benefit, and users see “Not Secure” warnings on non-HTTPS sites. By using a wildcard cert, the entire site (including all subdomains) presents the green lock and https:// address, enhancing credibility.
- High Compatibility: Wildcard SSL certificates are compatible with practically any browsers and operating systems. A lot of wildcard certs claim more than 99 percent browser compatibility. This wide range of support implies that customers using any device (desktop or mobile) will be presented with the secure lock icon without special configuration.
Together these benefits show why wildcard SSL certificates are popular. They protect every part of your site with one certificate, saving time, money, and hassle.
FURTHER READING: |
| 1. Your Connection Is Not Private: What It Means and How to Fix It Fast |
| 2. How to Secure a Website with SSL: Top Tips for Safety |
| 3. Do I Need an SSL Certificate for My Business Website? |
Use Cases for Wildcard SSL Certificates
Wildcard SSL certificates are ideal in scenarios where a domain has many subdomains. Common use cases include:
- Multiple Subdomains on One Site: If a business has subdomains for different functions (for example, blog.example.com, shop.example.com, mail.example.com), a wildcard certificate secures them all at once. This is common for companies that run blogs, web stores, and customer portals under the same domain.
- Content Management Systems: A common practice in websites that are developed on a CMS platform such as WordPress or Drupal is the use of subdomains to create blogs, forums, or member areas. These several parts can be covered by a wildcard certificate. Wildcard SSL, as Sectigo points out, simplifies[s] security by offering blanket protection to all subdomains within a single certificate on content sites.
- Large Enterprises: Big companies often have extensive web infrastructures with many subdomains (e.g. dev.company.com, sales.company.com, hr.company.com, etc.). Wildcard certificates are valuable here. They allow enterprises to “cover the main domain and all associated subdomains with a single certificate,” streamlining IT work.
- E-commerce Platforms: Online stores frequently use subdomains by category or region (for example, us.store.com, uk.store.com for a retailer operating in multiple countries). Wildcard SSL certificates secure all those regional or category subdomains at once, ensuring the checkout and user data is encrypted everywhere.
- Hosting Providers: Wildcard SSL is available in the plans of web hosting companies, which can easily gain all the hosted domains of the clients. In that regard, offering wildcard SSL would be an improvement to their service offerings since it would enable customers to easily secure all hosted domains and subdomains easily..
These examples show how wildcard SSL certificates fit many real-world needs. Anytime you have one domain with many first-level subdomains, a wildcard certificate is a suitable solution.
Best Wildcard SSL Certificate Providers
When choosing a wildcard SSL certificate, look for reputable certificate authorities (CAs) and providers. Some top options include:
- DigiCert: A leading global CA, DigiCert offers wildcard certificates trusted by almost all browsers. Its wildcard SSL can secure up to 250 subdomains, making it a good choice for large deployments. DigiCert is known for strong validation processes and high-assurance certificates.
- Sectigo (Comodo): Sectigo (formerly Comodo) provides widely used wildcard SSL certificates. It offers budget-friendly options; for example, budget wildcard certs can start around $150 per year. Sectigo’s PositiveSSL Wildcard and EssentialSSL Wildcard are popular among small and medium businesses.
- GlobalSign: A well-known enterprise CA, GlobalSign offers wildcard SSLs with strong warranties and security features. It is often chosen by companies that need high assurance and support. (GlobalSign is cited among major CAs.)
- GoDaddy: GoDaddy is a large domain registrar that also sells wildcard SSL certificates. It is convenient for businesses that want a single provider for domains and SSL. GoDaddy’s wildcard certificates simplify procurement for many users.
- Let’s Encrypt: For a free option, Let’s Encrypt provides wildcard certificates (via DNS-01 challenge). The certificates are valid for 90 days and can be auto-renewed. Let’s Encrypt wildcard certs require more technical setup (adding DNS records), but they offer zero cost for encryption on any subdomain.
- 1Byte (Regional Provider): In the ASEAN region, 1Byte is a leading cloud and hosting provider that also offers SSL services. We provide domain registration and SSL certificates as part of our service suite. Businesses in Cambodia and Thailand can obtain wildcard SSL certificates through 1Byte, benefiting from local data centers and support.
When selecting a provider, consider factors like price, validation level (DV/OV/EV), browser compatibility, issuance speed, and support. Major CAs like DigiCert and GlobalSign offer enterprise-grade services, while providers like Sectigo and GoDaddy offer competitive pricing. Free wildcard options (Let’s Encrypt) also exist for those comfortable with automated tools. Whichever provider you choose, make sure they offer wildcard SSL certificate support to secure all your subdomains efficiently.
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Conclusion: 1Byte’s Wildcard SSL Expertise
Choosing the right wildcard ssl certificate matters for site security and management. We at 1Byte understand this well. As Cambodia’s top cloud computing and hosting provider, we deliver robust infrastructure and expert support for SSL certificates of all kinds. Our state-of-the-art data centers in Cambodia and Thailand ensure low latency and 99.99% uptime, so your wildcard SSL-protected site stays fast and reliable.
In fact, 1Byte has earned recognition as an AWS Partner of the Year (Emerging Markets, 2023) and as Cambodia’s premier cloud service provider. We have rapidly scaled since our founding in 2022, achieving AWS Select Tier and Solution Provider status within months. This experience means we know how to implement cloud and security solutions effectively.
When you work with us, you get more than just a certificate. You get 24/7 local support in Khmer, English, and Vietnamese, affordable regional pricing, and a dedicated team that “looks after our customers’ infrastructure” on the road to their success. We offer wildcard SSL certificates as part of our full hosting and SSL services, helping businesses cover all subdomains in one go.With 1Byte as your partner, you benefit from our proven reliability and customer focus. We have helped many enterprises and individuals secure their websites with SSL. Let us handle your wildcard SSL needs so you can focus on growing your business. Our goal is to provide complete protection and performance – whether it’s through AWS cloud services or wildcard ssl certificate management – ensuring your web presence is secure and trusted. For a reliable wildcard SSL solution backed by local expertise, 1Byte is here to help.