What is a Multi Level Wildcard SSL and How Does It Work?

Whether you want to protect customer data, secure online transactions, or enhance your website’s reputation, SSL certificates provide the perfect solution for online security and peace of mind.

Multi-level Wildcard Certificate is an SSL certificate that offers a convenient solution for businesses with multiple subdomains.

So how does one single Certificate do it? Let’s find out.

What is a Multi-Level Wildcard SSL Certificate?

A Multi-Level Wildcard Certificate is a type of SSL certificate that allows for securing multiple levels of subdomains. This means that, instead of purchasing single SSL certificates for each subdomain, an SSL multi-level wildcard certificate covers an unlimited number of subdomains across multiple levels.

This can provide a more efficient and cost-effective solution for organizations with multiple subdomains, eliminating the need to manage multiple certificates and reducing the cost of certificate maintenance.

An example of a multi level SSL certificate would be a certificate for ‘*.yourdomain.com.’ This certificate would secure the main domain ‘youdomain.com’ as well as any number of subdomains. It can secure the following:

• www.yourdomain.com
• mail.yourdomain.com
• blog.yourdomain.com
• store.yourdomain.com
• sub1.blog.yourdomain.com
• Sub2.store.yourdomain.com, etc.

Thus, the certificate provides a comprehensive and flexible solution for organizations with a complex subdomain structure.

Features of Multi-Level Wildcard Certificate

• Unlimited Subdomains: A multi-level SSL certificate can secure multiple subdomains, including the main domain and subdomains, as well as subdomains of subdomains. Thus, it is suited for websites that have multiple subdomains.
• 100% Compatible on Browsers: The certificate holds 100% compatibility on all the latest and major web browsers including mobile browsers, web servers, and OS platforms.
• Multiple Validation Options: It’s available in multiple validation forms, such as Domain Validation and Organization Validation for different business sizes, such as small, medium, and enterprise businesses.
• Unlimited Reissuances: All MDC Wildcard Certificates include an unlimited reissuance feature, which allows users to request a certificate reissue in the event of SSL expiration, domain changes, SSL upgrades, or data breaches.

• Dominant SSL Encryption: With 256-bit SSL encryption, these certificates can secure all subdomains, ensuring that sensitive information is protected from unauthorized access.

• Increased Trust: By securing all subdomains with a single certificate, multi-level SSL certificates improve the reputation and trust of your website.

• Easy Multiple Certificate Management: Website owners can enjoy a simplified certificate management and reduced administrative overhead.
• Padlock & HTTPS Indicators: The certificate enables high-end trust symbols in all top web browsers like Padlock icon, HTTPS indicators, and business information within the certificate.

Read Also: What is a Double Wildcard SSL Certificate?

Types of Domains Secured with Wildcard SSL

A Wildcard SSL Certificate can secure several types of domains. It includes:

• Subdomains: A Wildcard SSL Certificate can secure multiple subdomains. So rather than purchasing mu certificate for each subdomain, a Wildcard SSL Certificate can cover all subdomains under one roof.

• Root Domain: The root domain (e.g., yourdomain.com) can also be secured with a Wildcard SSL Certificate.

• Multiple Domains: The certificate also secures multiple domains.

• Multi-Level Subdomains: Multiple levels of subdomains (e.g., *.yourwebsite.com, *.sub.yourwebsite.com, etc.) are also covered by these certificates.

Note: Multi-level Subdomain Wildcard SSL certificates only secure the domain and subdomains for which they are issued. They do not secure any additional domains or subdomains not covered by the certificate.

How Does Multi-Level Wildcard Certificate Work for Multi Level Subdomains?

A Multi-Level Wildcard Certificate allows for the secure encryption of multiple levels of subdomains within an individual certificate. When a Certificate Authority issues it, it is issued for a specific domain and all of its subdomains, including subdomains of subdomains.

When a visitor accesses a subdomain secured by a Multi-Level Wildcard Certificate, their browser will establish an encrypted connection with the website. This helps protect sensitive information, such as passwords, credit card numbers, and other personal data in transit, from being intercepted by third-party attackers.

By allowing for a secured transmission of data of multiple levels of subdomains, these SSLs provide a comprehensive and flexible solution for organizations. So the website owner does not have to go through the pain of buying individual SSLs for every subdomain of the website. With only one certificate to manage, the cost of certificate maintenance also gets reduced.

Top Multi-Level Wildcard Certificates from Best Certificate Authorities

Whether you’re a small business owner or a large enterprise, a top multi-level wildcard SSL certificate is essential to your online security strategy.

Multi-Domain Wildcard SSL Certificates are offered by top Certificate Authorities such as Comodo and Sectigo. Some of them include the following:

• Sectigo UCC SSL Wildcard: Suitable for Microsoft Exchange and Office Communication services that allow multiple domains to be secured under a single SSL certificate.

• Comodo Multi-Domain SSL Wildcard: A certificate that allows multiple domains to be secured under a single SSL certificate.

Top A single subdomain SSL certificates from Trusted CAs

• Comodo Wildcard SSL: A premium certificate with the highest trust, validation, and encryption level for multiple subdomains.

• Sectigo PositiveSSL Wildcard: A low-cost solution for securing multiple subdomains under a single domain.

• Comodo EssentialSSL Wildcard: Offers the same features as PositiveSSL Wildcard with higher trust and identity assurance levels.

• Comodo Premium SSL Wildcard : A premium certificate that provides high encryption, validation and trust to multiple subdomains.

• Comodo PositiveSSL Wildcard: Cost-efficient solution for securing multiple subdomains under a single domain.

• Comodo EssentialSSL Wildcard: Offers higher levels of trust and identity assurance.

Concluding Words

You can protect unlimited subdomains with just one certificate, streamlining your security efforts and saving money. It also boosts customer trust and confidence in your brand and can improve your search engine rankings.