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A Wildcard SSL Certificate is a specialized type of SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) certificate used to secure a domain and all its subdomains with a single certificate. It provides encryption and authentication for not just the main domain but also for an unlimited number of subdomains associated with that domain. Wildcard SSL certificates are particularly useful for websites with numerous subdomains because they simplify the process of securing each subdomain individually.
Wildcards, Organization Validation (OV), and Domain Validation (DV) are different types of SSL certificates, each with its own level of validation, use cases, and features. Here's a comparison of the three:
Validation Level:
DV (Domain Validation) SSL Certificate: DV certificates validate domain ownership only. They confirm that the certificate requester has control over the domain for which the certificate is issued.
OV (Organization Validation) SSL Certificate: OV certificates validate domain ownership, as well as the legal and operational status of the organization. The CA conducts checks to verify the organization's existence and identity.
Wildcard SSL Certificate: Wildcard certificates can be either DV or OV. They function as a type of SSL certificate that secures the main domain and all its subdomains. So, the validation level depends on whether it's a DV or OV wildcard certificate.
Trust Indicators:
DV SSL Certificate: DV certificates provide minimal trust indicators, such as the padlock symbol in the browser's address bar. They do not display information about the organization.
OV SSL Certificate: OV certificates include the organization's name in the certificate, which users can view by clicking on the padlock symbol in the browser. This enhances trust and credibility with visitors.
Wildcard SSL Certificate: Wildcard certificates, whether DV or OV, offer the same trust indicators as their non-wildcard counterparts. The validation level applies to the main domain, and all subdomains share the same level of validation.
Purchasing a multi-year SSL certificate can offer several benefits for website owners and administrators. These benefits include: Cost Savings, Administrative Convenience, Long-Term Security, Consistency, Peace of Mind, Avoiding Downtime, Improved SEO, Vendor Relationships.
