A multi domain SSL certificate also known as SAN SSL certificate is an ideal solution to provide single protection for all domains and subdomains. Maximizing security at the lowest price is the main object of this certificate.
Keeping the data intact while in transition ensures data authenticity. Moreover, each byte carries sturdy encryption that stays cybercriminals away from traveling information between the client and the server.
SAN SSL certificate is a cost-saving SSL certificate that does not let your money dry up and offers a chance to add domains as well subdomains of different levels under a single SSL certificate.
Strong encryption helps to bind the information that makes eavesdropping, MiTM, data sniffing activities next to impossible. Protected data build a trust level in customers’ mindset as well as persuade them to visit the website.
What is Multi Domain SSL Certificate?
Multi domain SSL certificate is type of SSL certificates that allow to secure you multiple domains and sub domain with single certificate. You can add, edit, and delete the domain in the current certificate.
There are a few examples we can see below that a multi domain certificate can secure.
- myexample.com (Common name)
- blog.myexample.com (SAN#1)
- www.myexample.com (SAN#2)
- www.myexample2.nz (SAN#3)
- autodiscover.domain1.myexample.net (SAN#4)
- domain. domain2.myexample.co.in (SAN#5)
SAN field allows additional fields where a user can input extra domains and subdomains in this certificate. The multi domain comes with domain, organization, and extended validation types. Except for domain validation, the rest validation types require thorough verification of business entities along with third-party resources. The certificate is also known as UCC (Unified Communication certificate) which is idyllic for Microsoft exchange and communication servers.
What is Multi Domain Wildcard SSL?
The multi domain also has an option of wildcard SSL that is called multi domain wildcard SSL certificate. This type of certificate is a combination of wildcard + SAN domains. Check the below example for a better understanding.
- www.example.com (common name)
- *. example.co.in (SAN)
- *.your.example.com (SAN)
- *.domain1.example.com (SAN)
The above different levels of wildcard domains and their respective subdomains can be secured with a multi domain wildcard SSL certificate. Many SSL providers offer to secure up to 250 extra SANs (depending upon the provider) in the same certificate. It is to note that multi domain wildcard can be of domain and organization validation type as wildcards cannot be combined with extended validation types.
How to Get Multi domain SSL Certificate?
The process of getting multi domain certificate is easy.
- You just need to sign up with an SSL provider like ClickSSL,
- Select the product and pay the price.
- Create a CSR from the server,
- Complete the configuration process
- Validate the domain,
- Finally get your certificate.
Once you have an SSL certificate, you need to install it on the server. If you are a non-technical person, you can contact customer support for technical assistance in the installation process.
Compare Multi Domain SSL Certificate Price & Features
Many certificate authorities and resellers offer multi domain SSL with the same features but at a heavy discount. The below image will give you an idea of how different types of multi domain certificates from various certificate authorities offer this valuable certificate.
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Comodo Positive SSL Multi-Domain |
Comodo PositiveSSL Multi-Domain Wildcard |
GeoTrust Multi-Domain EV SSL |
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| Our Cheapest Price | $30.00/yr. | $90.00/yr. | $347.13/yr. |
| Buy Now | Buy Now | Buy Now | |
| CA Price | $158.40/yr. | $383.04/yr. | $482.37/yr. |
| Secure | Multiple Domains | Multiple Domains & Its All Subdomains | Multiple Domains |
| Validation Type | Domain | Domain | Extended |
| Issuance Time | 10 Minutes | 10 Minutes | 3-7 Days |
| SSL Encryption | 256-bit | 256-bit | 256-bit |
| Key Encryption | 2048 bits | 2048 bits | 2048 bits |
| Server Licenses | Unlimited | Unlimited | Unlimited |
| Google Rankings Boost |  |
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| WebTrust Seal | |
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| Reissue Policy | |
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| EV Support |  |
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| Wildcard Support | |
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| SAN / UCC Support | |
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| Browser Support | 99% | 99% | 99% |
| OS Support | |
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| Smartphone Support | |
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| Warranty By CA | USD $10,000 | USD $10,000 | USD $1,500,000 |
| Refund Policy | 30 days | 30 days | 30 days |
| Free Reissuance | |
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| Support | |
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| Buy Now | Buy Now | Buy Now |
Benefits of Multi Domain SSL Certificate
Features:
Different features of multi domain certificates make it worthy for e-commerce, the finance industry, large corporations, and other companies that carry different domains/subdomains.
Saving Cost:
Multi domain certificate saves the cost to be spent on individual domain certificates by covering all domains and subdomains in a single certificate. Moreover, you just need to reissue the current certificate to add a new domain to the certificate. Purchasing a separate SSL certificate for a domain or subdomain is a tiresome task. Instead, you can go with multi domain to secure all hostnames.
Unlimited Reissues:
You can do reissues in case of adding domains. Reissues are free and can be done several times. Reissue of a certificate is helpful when you wish to operate a domain from a different server than a current one. If you have lost a private key, you need to reissue the current certificate. The reissue is a simple process where a new CSR generation and domain validation can do the main job.
Strong Encryption:
SHA-2 and 2048-bit RSA encryption make the data transfer more secure between the client machine and the intended server. Cybercriminals will have a hard time breaking such strong encryption which makes it next to impossible task for them. The certificate uses the latest encryption standard prescribed by the NIST and the CAB Forum.
Trust Seal:
These certificates come with a site seal that can help motivate customers to deal with the website. The site seals are static and dynamic. A dynamic site seal shows the company’s verified information whereas a static seal is an image that shows the site is secured.
Browser Compatibility:
SAN SSL certificate comes with browser compatibility that avoids SSL warnings. If the certificate is not compatible, it shows a warning in a browser that does not let visitors browse the site. However, multi domain certificate is also compatible with desktop and mobile devices, and different operating systems.
Different Validations:
Multi domain SSL is available in domain, organization, and extended validation process types that give a customer different options to select from them. Each validation follows a certain process that needs to be followed to get the certificate. Domain validation is an easy process compared to an organization and extended validation process.
EV Support:
Multi domain certificate offers EV SSL support that offers the dual advantage of multi domain security along with the highest validation. An organization needs to submit business legal registration documents before the certificate authority for verification. The authority can check with third-party sources to confirm the legitimacy of the business.
Conclusion for Multi Domain SSL Certificate
A multi domain SSL certificate is for those enterprises that want to save their hard-earned money and want a single solution for their all domains and subdomains. Moreover, you will have centralized certificate management for all domains you covered under this certificate. There is no need to remember multiple expiries of domains because a renewal of a multi domain SSL can do the job easily. Secure your domains at a cheap price and provide a sigh of relief to your customers with strong encryption standards.
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