Whether you have a single website, multiple domains, or a single domain with several subdomains, an SSL certificate is a web security essential. A way of encrypting the connection between your site and all its users’ web browsers, an SSL ensures that private data is kept private. These days, an SSL certificate means the difference between having a trustworthy site and an untrustworthy site, particularly when, without one, web browsers will send your potential visitors the dreaded “site not secure” message.
With so many SSL certificates available, it can be tough to know which kind is right for you. This article will focus on those of you with a single domain and multiple subdomains of one level linked to it. That is, subdomains that look something like, “*.mywebsite.com”. So:
- login.mywebsite.com
- blog.mywebsite.com
- store.mywebsite.com
- mail.mywebsite.com
In this case, you should get a Wildcard SSL certificate.
Why get a Wildcard certificate?
For a situation where you have one website and multiple subdomains, a Wildcard is simply the most convenient option. Every time you create a new subdomain, it may be tempting to secure each site with an individual single-domain SSL. This will end up being both costly and confusing. Keeping track of each certificate’s expiration date will be a pain, plus it will get expensive fast.
Secure future subdomains in advance
Fortunately, with a wildcard SSL, your main website and all its subdomains are automatically covered — even ones you haven’t created yet. In fact, you don’t even need to have any subdomains yet. Simply install it on your site, and when you create subdomains later, they will be secured. The best part is, you can add as many subdomains as you like, and you won’t have to do a thing to make sure each one is encrypted. Your Wildcard SSL will do that for you.
Keep it affordable and convenient
As we mentioned before, multiple SSL certificates can get confusing fast. Securing your domain and subdomains with a single Wildcard SSL is the most cost-effective option in the end. Every time it expires, you will only have to pay once. You also won’t risk any of your sites going down if one subdomain SSL expires without you realizing it, potentially losing you customers.
Conclusion
Choosing the right SSL can be a confusing process, but the best choice is a no-brainer when it comes to securing subdomains. The most convenient and cost-effective SSL option for a single website with multiple subdomains linked to it is undoubtedly the Wildcard SSL certificate.
