In today's digital age, online security is a top priority for businesses and website owners alike. With hackers and cybercriminals lurking around every corner of the web, securing your website and all its subdomains is more important than ever. SSL certificates are one of the most effective ways to do this. An SSL certificate encrypts the connection between your website and its visitors, ensuring that any sensitive information is kept secure.

This article explores the different types of SSL certificates available for securing your subdomains. We'll look at the pros and cons of each type, so you can decide which one is best for your website's security needs. Whether you're running a small blog or a large eCommerce site, we've got you covered. So, let's dive in and explore the world of SSL certificates!

What are subdomains, and why do they need SSL certificates?

Before we dive into the different types of SSL certificates available, let's first define what subdomains are and why they need SSL certificates.

A subdomain is a subset of your main domain. For example, if your main domain is "example.com," a subdomain could be "blog.example.com" or "shop.example.com." Subdomains are often used to organize different sections of a website or create separate websites related to the main domain.

Subdomains need SSL certificates for the same reason that your main domain does – to encrypt the connection between your website and its visitors. If you're collecting sensitive information on your subdomains, such as login credentials or payment information, securing those connections with an SSL certificate is crucial.

Different types of SSL certificates for subdomains

Now that we understand why subdomains need SSL certificates, let’s look at the different types of SSL certificates available.

Domain Validated (DV) SSL Certificates

Domain Validated (DV) SSL certificates are the most basic type of SSL certificate available. They're also the easiest to obtain, as they only require proof of domain ownership. With a DV SSL certificate, your subdomain will be encrypted, and visitors will see the secure padlock in their browser.

However, DV SSL certificates do not provide any information about the organization behind the website. If you want Cheap SSL, then DV SSL is the best option. This means that visitors may not trust your website as much as they could with other types of SSL certificates.

Organization Validated (OV) SSL Certificates

Organization Validated (OV) SSL certificates provide additional information about the organization behind the website. In addition to encrypting the connection, OV SSL certificates require proof of organization ownership and provide visitors with information about the organization in the certificate details.

This additional information can provide visitors with more trust in your website. However, OV SSL certificates are more expensive and take longer to obtain than DV SSL certificates.

Wildcard SSL Certificates

Wildcard SSL certificates are a type of SSL certificate that covers all subdomains of a domain. For example, if you have a wildcard SSL certificate for "*.example.com," it will cover "blog.example.com," "shop.example.com," and any other subdomains.

Wildcard SSL certificates can be more cost-effective than purchasing individual SSL certificates for each subdomain. You can get cheap Wildcard SSL Certificates from authorized resellers like Cheapsslweb. However, they can also be more difficult to manage if you have many subdomains.

Multi-Domain SSL Certificates

Multi-Domain SSL certificates, also known as Subject Alternative Name (SAN) SSL certificates, are a type of SSL certificate that covers multiple domains and subdomains. For example, if you have a multi-domain SSL certificate for "example.com," "blog.example.com," and "shop.example.com," it will cover all three domains and their subdomains.

Multi-Domain SSL certificates can be a cost-effective solution for websites with multiple subdomains. They're also easier to manage than wildcard SSL certificates, as you can add or remove domains as needed.

Factors to consider when choosing an SSL certificate for subdomains

When choosing an SSL certificate for your subdomains, several factors must be considered. These include:

Level of trust: Consider how important it is for your visitors to trust your website. You may want to consider an EV SSL certificate if you're collecting sensitive information or if your website is a well-known brand.
Cost: SSL certificates can range in price from free (DV SSL certificates) to thousands of dollars (EV SSL certificates). Consider your budget when choosing an SSL certificate.
Number of subdomains: If you have many subdomains, a wildcard SSL certificate may be a cost-effective solution.
Validation requirements: Consider how much validation you want to go through. DV SSL certificates require the least amount of validation, while EV SSL certificates require the most.

How to install an SSL certificate on subdomains

Once you've chosen an SSL certificate for your subdomains, you'll need to install it on your web server. The process for installing an SSL certificate can vary depending on your web hosting provider and server configuration.

Most web hosting providers offer a control panel or dashboard where you can install SSL certificates. You'll need to generate a CSR (Certificate Signing Request) and provide it to your SSL certificate provider. Once you've received the SSL certificate, you can install it on your server.

Conclusion

Securing your subdomains with SSL certificates is an essential step in ensuring the security of your website. With so many different types of SSL certificates available, it can be overwhelming to choose the right one. However, by considering the level of trust, cost, number of subdomains, and validation requirements, you can decide which SSL certificate is best for your needs.

Whether you choose a DV SSL certificate for a simple blog or an OV SSL certificate for a large eCommerce site, the benefits of SSL certificates are clear. They provide security for your website and visitors and can help improve your search engine rankings. So, don't wait – secure your subdomains today!

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Secure Your Subdomains: Exploring the Different SSL Certificates Available