What is a Standard Wildcard SSL Certificate?

As websites and online services handle sensitive information, the need for robust SSL certificates has grown exponentially. Among the various SSL certificates available, one that stands out is the – Standard Wildcard SSL.

But what exactly is this certificate, and what makes it unique? What features does it have? In this article, we will discuss all there is to know about these certificates while answering the above questions. So, without any further delay, let’s start the article.

What is a Standard Wildcard SSL Certificate?

A Standard Wildcard Certificate combines two types of SSL certificates: Standard SSL Certificate and a Wildcard Certificate. Due to this combination, a standard wildcard certificate can secure a single domain (URL) along with “n” number of specific level subdomains.

In layman’s terms, a standard wildcard SSL certificate secures a primary domain and unlimited subdomains.

In a Standard Wildcard Certificate, the wildcard character (asterisk (*) symbol) plays a crucial role. It is typically placed before the domain name, or CNAME filed, allowing the certificate to secure the specified domain and all its subdomains.

In simple terms, this character acts as a placeholder, allowing the certificate to cover any subdomain under the specified domain name.

Standard Wildcard Certificate Example

For example, a standard wildcard, issued for “*.standardwildcard.com”, will be able to cover these subdomains –

• shop.standardwildcard.com
• best.standardwildcard.com
• blog.standardwildcard.com, and so on.

The standard wildcard character (wildcard character (*)) cannot cover multiple levels of subdomains. For example, if your certificate is issued for “.standardwildcard.com,” it will secure any subdomain under “standardwildcard.com,” but it will not cover subdomains like “new.ssl.standardwildcard.com” or “admin.shop.standardwildcard.com.”

Standard Wildcard Certificate Authentication Process

A Standard Wildcard SSL certificate is a certificate that undergoes domain validation (DV). To obtain this certificate, the CA will request that you prove your control over the domain for which you are requesting the certificate.

You can prove the domain ownership by using any one of these methods:

Email Verification

If you want to use this option, then the CA will send an email to the domain’s designated email addresses, such as [email protected], [email protected], etc. Your task is to respond to the email to confirm your ownership.

DNS Record Verification

If you select this verification method, you must generate a specific DNS record (TXT or CNAME) that includes a unique value provided by the CA. This record must be added to your domain’s DNS configuration. The CA will then verify domain ownership by checking for the existence of the record.

File Upload Verification

If you choose this option, the CA will request that you upload a specific file with a specific name and content to the root directory of your website. The CA will confirm domain ownership by validating the presence of this file.

Features of a Standard Wildcard Certificate

A Standard Wildcard SSL Certificate offers several notable features that make it an attractive choice for many website owners:

Unlimited Sub-Domain Security

With a standard wildcard certificate, you can secure unlimited subdomains under a single FQDN (www and non-www).

Effortless SSL Management

Managing multiple certificates for each sub-domain can be time-consuming. A DV wildcard certificate simplifies this process by consolidating the management of all subdomains underneath one certificate.

Cost-Effective

Since it covers multiple sub-domains, it can save you money compared to purchasing individual certificates for each sub-domain.

Guaranteed Refund

Reputable Certificate Authorities often offer a 30-day refund policy with this SSL cert, providing peace of mind if you encounter any issues or are unsatisfied with the product.

Free Site Seal

A site seal is a visual indicator assures visitors that your website is secure. Many standard wildcard certificates come with a free static site seal, adding an extra layer of trust.

Generous Warranty Coverage

The standard wildcard certificate includes a substantial warranty to provide peace of mind. The Certification Authority (CA) offers an impressive warranty of up to $10,000 in the rare occurrence of a data breach resulting from any CA-related issues.

This warranty is a protective measure, ensuring that any potential damages arising from such incidents are covered.

Reissuance

With this SSL certificate, you have the benefit of unlimited reissuance. This means you can request a certificate reissue whenever needed, ensuring continuous security for your domain and its subdomains without any limitations.

Cryptographic Encryption

It employs robust cryptographic encryption measures. It utilizes an RSA key length 2048, ensuring a solid encryption foundation. The certificate’s encryption algorithm employs SHA-256, providing high encryption strength with 256-bit encryption.

Visible Trust Indication for Users

It provides visible trust indications for users. This includes the display of the “HTTPS” prefix in the website URL, a static trust seal indicating the website’s security, and a padlock symbol in the browser’s address bar. These visual cues assure users that their connection is encrypted and their data is secure.

Mobile and Web Browser Compatibility

These certificates are compatible with over 99.99% of browsers, allowing visitors to access your website securely from various devices and platforms.

Issuance Period

Issuing a standard wildcard SSL certificate typically takes just a few minutes, ranging from 10 to 15 minutes. This ensures a quick and efficient process, allowing you to secure your domain and its subdomains promptly.

In what cases is a Standard Wildcard SSL inadequate?

While a Standard Wildcard SSL Certificate offers numerous benefits, there are specific scenarios where it may not be sufficient. Some cases include:

Restricted Domain Coverage

If you have multiple main domains, each with sub-domains, a wildcard certificate won’t cover all of them. A standard wildcard SAN SSL certificate may be more appropriate in such cases.

Validation Issues

Standard Wildcard certificates are domain-validated, which means they provide basic verification. If you require more rigorous authentication, such as Extended Validation (EV) certificates, a standard wildcard certificate may not meet your needs.

Top 8 Standard Wildcard Certificates in 2024

• Certera SSL Wildcard Certificate
• Comodo PositiveSSL Wildcard Certificate
• Sectigo Positive SSL Wildcard
• Comodo EssentialSSL Wildcard
• Sectigo EssentialSSL Wildcard
• RapidSSL Wildcard
• Comodo AMT Wildcard SSL (DV)
• COMODO Wildcard SSL
• SECTIGO Wildcard SSL

Conclusion

The Standard Wildcard SSL Certificate secures a primary domain and an unlimited number of its subdomains. However, it may not be suitable in cases of restricted domain coverage or when more rigorous authentication is required.

Overall, the Standard Wildcard SSL Certificate is reliable and efficient for securing websites and their subdomains without making a dent in your pockets.