Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) is a cornerstone of online security. In this article, we delve into SSL and its various certificate types: Single, Multiple, and Wildcard. Each type serves a unique role in safeguarding domains, from securing individual domains to encompassing numerous subdomains under a single certificate.
What is SSL (Secure Sockets Layer)?
SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) is a cryptographic protocol that provides secure communication over the internet. It uses SSL certificates to establish a secure connection between a client (e.g., web browser) and a server.
Single SSL Certificate:
Covers a single domain or subdomain.
It is issued for a specific fully qualified domain name (FQDN), such as www.example.com.
Can be used for securing a single website or application.
If you have multiple domains or subdomains, you need to obtain separate SSL certificates for each one.
Multiple SSL Certificates:
Covers multiple individual domains or subdomains.
Each domain or subdomain has its own separate SSL certificate.
Useful when you have a few distinct domains or subdomains that need separate SSL certificates.
Requires managing and renewing multiple certificates separately.
Wildcard SSL Certificate:
Covers a main domain and all its subdomains.
It is issued for a specific domain and its unlimited subdomains.
The domain name is represented with an asterisk, such as *.example.com.
Provides flexibility and convenience as you only need one SSL certificate to secure multiple subdomains.
Particularly useful when you have a large number of subdomains or anticipate adding new subdomains in the future.
Easier to manage and renew compared to multiple individual certificates.
Conclusion
A single SSL certificate secures a specific domain or subdomain, multiple SSL certificates secure individual domains or subdomains separately, and wildcard SSL certificates secure a main domain and all its subdomains with a single certificate. The choice depends on your specific needs, the number of domains or subdomains you want to secure, and the scalability required.