Wildcard SSL Certificates: What Is It?

A Wildcard SSL Certificate helps enable SSL encryption on multiple sub-domains using a single certificate as long as the domains are controlled by the same organisation and share the same second-level domain name. For example, a Wildcard certificate issued to Company ABC using the Common Name ("*.CompanyABC.com") may be used to secure the following domains:

• login.companyabc.com
• payment.companyabc.com
• support.companyabc.com

Ask your Symantec sales contact about Wildcard SSL Certificates. A common, high-level standard of security across all types of configurations is better achieved when you do not share or copy certificates among servers. Limitations of using Wildcard SSL Certificates include:

• Security: If one server or sub-domain is compromised, all sub-domains may be compromised.
• Management: If the wildcard certificate needs to be revoked, all sub-domains will need a new certificate.
• Compatibility: Wildcard certificates may not work seamlessly with older server-client configurations.
• Protection: Symantec Wildcard SSL Certificates are not protected by NetSure® extended warranty.