Tuesday, 30 November 2021

Difference Between Wildcard SSL and SAN SSL Certificates

 By assigning each a public/private key pair associated with the server's unique domain name, a multi-domain SSL certificate automatically identifies and authenticates public IP addresses. The domain name must be embedded in the certificate to identify a web server and verify the certificate's validity by identifying the server's online signature.


However, you do not need to purchase a fresh SAN SSL certificate for each of your domains. It's critical to understand your SSL certificate alternatives; otherwise, you could be squandering money by purchasing individual certificates for each of your domains. Purchasing a multi-domain SSL certificate may be the best option for enterprises with a large number of public-facing servers.

What is Wildcard SSL, Why Multi SAN Certificate is important and how does it work?

A top wildcard SSL certificate is a multi-domain SSL certificate that covers a single primary domain and all of its subdomains.

Organizations frequently encounter the need to employ sub-domain names with the same root name but different prefix names. Compared to using a standard cheap SAN SSL certificate, employing a wildcard certificate is a much more practical and versatile alternative.

What are SAN Certificates, and what do they do?

Subject Alternative Name Certificates (SAN SSL), also known as Unified Communications Certificates (UCC), was to support real-time communication systems. The SSL Protocol's subject alternative name (SAN) extension allows multiple values to be associated with an SSL certificate using alternative names, such as:

  • Addresses for email
  • Distinguished Names or Directory Names
  • DNS names, often known as RDNs, are a type of domain name.
  • IP addresses are unique identifiers for computers.
  • Universal Principal Names or General Names

How to differentiate between SAN SSL Certificate and Top Wildcard SSL Certificate?

Are you undecided about which multi-domain SSL certificate is an ideal match for your website? So, in this article, we’ll walk you through the difference between SAN SSL Certificate and Wildcard SSL in detail so that you can comprehend them. Let's get started and see which multi-domain certificate and Wildcard is the best fit for your requirements!

SSL Certificate with Wildcards

A top Wildcard SSL certificate is a more advanced version of SSL. Businesses use it to encrypt the main domain as well as several subdomains with a single SSL certificate.

Consider the preceding scenario. Consider the situation when you need to add subdomains to www.xyz.com. You can use a single wildcard SSL certificate to cover login.xyz.com, mail.xyz.com, and any other subdomain. For this, it is best to contact the best SSL Certificate Provider in India.

The distinction between a single-domain SSL and a Wildcard SSL is that the latter has a prefix '*' added to a specific domain name as a Wildcard character. As a result, '*' may stand for 'mail,' 'login,' 'ftp,' or anything else. The number of subdomains is limitless. It is also worth noting that adding a new subdomain does not necessitate reissuing the SSL certificate.

Wildcard SSL's Advantages

  • One of the things that make the Wildcard so appealing is how simple it is to use. A single certificate covers the parent domain as well as all subdomains. As a result, the amount of money spent is significantly reduced.
  • It takes a flexible approach by allowing the user to add as many subdomains as they like and need. You won't have to reissue the certificate if they're added while the certificate is still valid. It provides complete and immediate protection to the new subdomains. You also don't have to specify the subdomain name when purchasing the certificate. The wildcard character '*' is helpful in this situation.
  • Wildcard also provides excellent value for money because it eliminates the need to acquire separate SSL certificates for each subdomain. You may be frugal without jeopardizing your safety! And the best wildcard SSL is now readily available on the market at a meager price.
  • It works with practically all computer and smartphone browsers, including Chrome, Firefox, Safari, Apache, etc. Wildcard SSL uses a 256-bit encryption algorithm.
When Should You Use Wildcard SSL?

Wildcard SSL is recommended for anyone with an unlimited number of subdomains and the desire to expand in the future. As a result, this is best suited for growing companies.

SSL Certificate with SAN

SAN (Subject Alternative Name) Multi-domain SSL is also referred to as SSL. As the name implies, SAN allows a website owner to secure many domains and subdomains with a single certificate. The most apparent distinction between Wildcard and SAN SSL is that SAN can protect multiple primary domains, whereas Wildcard cannot.

Consider our previous scenario once more. Assume you have a mix of main domains and subdomains, such as www.xyz.com, mail.xyz.com, mail.xyz.net, and so on. All of these are covered by a single SAN SSL certificate.

SAN needs the website owner to define the domains and subdomains when the certificate is granted, unlike Wildcard SSL. The certificate must be reissued if a domain or subdomain is added later.

SAN SSL's Advantages

The following are the primary advantages of using SAN SSL:
  • ASP-Friendly: SAN SSL might be beneficial to Application Service Providers (ASPs). ASPs can utilize SAN SSL to secure each of their domain names because they provide services to multiple clients over the Internet, and each client will use a separate domain name.
  • Browser Compatibility: SAN works with practically any browser on the market.
  • SAN provides full 256-bit encryption.
  • Greater Flexibility: Assume you have three or four primary domains, each with its own set of subdomains; the SAN Certificate can secure all of them.
When Should You Use SAN SSL?

When it comes to securing a server with many names, SAN SSL is the best option. The SAN certificate protects the major domains as well as the domains that are listed beneath it. A SAN is appropriate for a large company.

Now that you know the fundamental differences between a SAN SSL certificate and a Wildcard SSL certificate, it will become easier for you to determine the relevance of both. However, if you find it challenging to manage these, it is best to approach the best SSL Certificate Provider in India.

Takeaway

NTSPL helps you with some serious savings on your multiple subdomains. You can expect strong encryption, unlimited servers, and domain security from a single dashboard. NTSPL customer support is active all 7 days, 24 hours. If you are looking for a Cheap SAN SSL Certificate and Wildcard SSL Certificate connect with an NTSPL SSL expert.

Since NTSPL is a trusted brand, and the Best SSL Certificate Provider in India your websites remain protected under safe hands. NTSPL’s SSL solutions are world-class in terms of functionality and are backed by business authentication, no-hassle validation, and lightning-fast issuance times.