As websites expand and add more services, managing multiple subdomains under one main domain can become complicated. Each subdomain — whether for a blog, an online store, or an email server — needs to be secured with SSL encryption to maintain trust and data privacy. Installing separate SSL certificates for each subdomain, however, can be time-consuming and expensive.
A PositiveSSL Wildcard Certificate is the simplest solution to this problem. It allows you to secure your main domain and all of its first-level subdomains with a single certificate. For instance, once you install a wildcard SSL for *.yourdomain.com, it automatically secures every subdomain like store.yourdomain.com, blog.yourdomain.com, and mail.yourdomain.com.
The PositiveSSL Wildcard Certificate belongs to the Sectigo family, previously known as Comodo, one of the most recognized Certificate Authorities in the world. It’s a Domain Validated (DV) SSL, meaning it verifies domain ownership only, without requiring company documents. This makes it ideal for small businesses, developers, and digital agencies who need quick issuance and instant HTTPS protection across multiple subdomains.
A PositiveSSL Wildcard Certificate is a Domain Validated SSL issued by Sectigo that secures a main domain and all its first-level subdomains with a single certificate. It provides strong 256-bit encryption, fast issuance, and affordable protection for websites managing multiple subdomains under one root domain.
From a technical standpoint, it provides 256-bit encryption with a 2048-bit RSA key length, meeting the same security standards as advanced enterprise certificates. It is trusted by 99.9% of browsers and mobile devices, ensuring users can browse your site without encountering any security warnings.
The PositiveSSL Wildcard Certificate is especially popular because it offers strong encryption and convenience at an affordable price. It eliminates repetitive tasks such as renewing multiple certificates or updating configurations whenever a new subdomain is created. Whether you manage a single brand with multiple departments or operate a platform that serves clients through subdomains, this certificate can streamline your website security management while maintaining professional trust.
In this guide, we’ll explore how wildcard SSL certificates work, why the PositiveSSL Wildcard is an efficient choice, how to install and renew it, and what its benefits and limitations are. You’ll also learn how it compares to other SSL types and when it’s worth considering premium alternatives for extended validation or higher assurance levels.
What is a Wildcard SSL Certificate?
A Wildcard SSL Certificate is a type of digital security certificate that encrypts data between a web server and visitors’ browsers while protecting multiple subdomains under a single main domain. Unlike standard SSL certificates that secure only one specific domain (for example, www.example.com), a wildcard SSL secures the main domain and every first-level subdomain associated with it.
The concept of the wildcard SSL revolves around the asterisk symbol (*), which acts as a placeholder for subdomains. When you request a certificate for *.example.com, the asterisk represents any possible subdomain name — meaning that once installed, the same certificate automatically covers store.example.com, mail.example.com, support.example.com, and others without additional configuration or cost.
This makes wildcard SSL certificates an efficient choice for businesses or developers managing multiple subdomains under one brand. For example, an organization that operates regional sites like us.company.com, uk.company.com, and ca.company.com can protect all of them using one wildcard certificate rather than purchasing and renewing separate SSLs for each.
Technically, a wildcard SSL provides the same level of encryption strength as other SSL types. It uses 256-bit encryption and a 2048-bit RSA key, which ensures that all transmitted data remains secure and unreadable to unauthorized parties. The main difference lies in how it simplifies administration rather than increasing or reducing encryption strength.
Wildcard SSL certificates also offer flexibility during growth. Whenever a new subdomain is added to a website, it is automatically secured by the existing wildcard certificate without the need to generate a new one. This makes them particularly useful for organizations that frequently launch new sections, services, or regional portals under their main domain.
However, it’s important to note that wildcard SSLs only protect first-level subdomains. For instance, store.example.com would be covered, but dev.store.example.com would not. For deeper subdomain structures, a multi-domain wildcard SSL or a combination of certificates would be required.
A Wildcard SSL Certificate is a scalable and cost-effective way to protect multiple subdomains with a single security solution. It is especially suited for websites with several departments, applications, or regional versions that need consistent HTTPS protection without the overhead of managing multiple certificates.
What is the PositiveSSL Wildcard Certificate?
The PositiveSSL Wildcard Certificate is a Domain Validated (DV) SSL product issued by Sectigo, formerly known as Comodo, one of the world’s most trusted Certificate Authorities. It is designed to secure both a primary domain and all its first-level subdomains with a single certificate.
This means that once it’s issued for a domain like *.yourdomain.com, it automatically secures all subdomains such as mail.yourdomain.com, blog.yourdomain.com, store.yourdomain.com, and any others that may be added later. It provides the same 256-bit encryption strength and 2048-bit key length as premium SSL certificates, ensuring robust data protection and encryption integrity across your entire site network.
The PositiveSSL Wildcard stands out because of its simplicity and speed. Being a DV certificate, it requires only domain ownership verification, which can be completed within minutes through an automated email or DNS validation process. There is no need to submit business documents or wait for manual review, making it ideal for startups, developers, and small businesses that need quick HTTPS activation.
Technically, this certificate uses advanced cryptographic standards, including SHA-2 hashing and modern TLS protocols, which safeguard sensitive information like login credentials, payment data, and user sessions from being intercepted by attackers. It also helps eliminate browser “Not Secure” warnings, ensuring visitors trust the website’s authenticity.
Another defining feature of the Comodo PositiveSSL Wildcard Certificate is its scalability. Whether your website hosts ten subdomains or hundreds, one certificate covers them all without any extra configuration. You can also install it on multiple servers at no additional cost, a significant advantage for developers managing load-balanced or multi-server environments.
In addition to encryption, the certificate includes a small warranty (typically $10,000) and a dynamic site seal that helps reinforce trust among visitors. Although the warranty amount is lower than that of enterprise-level certificates, it’s more than adequate for small and medium businesses that prioritize encryption reliability and speed over extended legal assurance.
Overall, the Sectigo PositiveSSL Wildcard Certificate offers a balanced blend of affordability, security, and simplicity. It provides enterprise-grade encryption and browser trust without the complexity of higher validation levels. For anyone seeking a reliable solution to secure multiple subdomains under one domain, this certificate remains one of the most efficient and cost-effective options available today.
Benefits of Using PositiveSSL Wildcard
The PositiveSSL Wildcard Certificate delivers several clear advantages that make it a preferred choice for website owners, developers, and organizations managing multiple subdomains. It provides a practical balance of affordability, flexibility, and strong encryption — all within a single, easy-to-manage solution.
1. Unlimited Subdomain Coverage
The most significant benefit of a PositiveSSL Wildcard Certificate is that it secures unlimited first-level subdomains under one main domain. Once issued for *.yourdomain.com, it automatically protects subdomains like shop.yourdomain.com, login.yourdomain.com, and blog.yourdomain.com. Whenever new subdomains are created, they are instantly covered without the need to reissue or purchase a new certificate. This not only saves time but also eliminates the administrative overhead of managing multiple SSLs.
2. Cost-Effectiveness
One of the key reasons for the popularity of this product is its affordability. Compared to other wildcard certificates on the market, the PositiveSSL Wildcard offers the same encryption strength and browser trust at a fraction of the cost. It is designed to meet the needs of startups, small businesses, and developers who require comprehensive encryption without stretching their budgets. Its low price point makes it one of the most economical ways to implement HTTPS security for multiple subdomains.
3. Fast and Simple Issuance
The PositiveSSL Wildcard follows a quick, automated validation process. Since it is a Domain Validated (DV) certificate, it can be issued in just a few minutes after domain ownership is verified via email or DNS record. This rapid issuance makes it ideal for users who want immediate security deployment or who frequently update their web infrastructure.
4. Strong Encryption and Browser Trust
Despite being one of the most affordable wildcard options, it offers the same 256-bit encryption and 2048-bit RSA key strength as more expensive SSLs. It ensures end-to-end encryption of data exchanged between the server and users’ browsers, preventing eavesdropping and tampering. Additionally, it’s trusted by 99.9% of browsers and devices, ensuring that visitors see a secure padlock in their address bar without compatibility issues.
5. Flexibility Across Servers
The PositiveSSL Wildcard Certificate can be installed on multiple servers without additional fees. This feature is particularly useful for organizations running multi-server setups, content delivery networks, or staging environments. The same certificate can be deployed across all systems, reducing configuration complexity and maintaining consistency.
6. Simplified Management
Managing SSL certificates for numerous subdomains can be cumbersome, especially when renewals and reissuances are involved. With a single wildcard SSL, administrators need to track only one certificate instead of managing dozens. This simplifies renewal schedules and reduces the risk of certificate expiration on individual subdomains, which could otherwise lead to downtime or browser warnings.
7. Quick Reissuance and Renewal
The Comodo PositiveSSL Wildcard Certificate supports unlimited reissues during its validity period. If you change servers, modify configurations, or adjust your subdomain structure, you can reissue the certificate without extra cost. The renewal process is equally simple, requiring just a new CSR and quick domain validation.
8. Trusted Brand and Reliable Security
Being part of the Sectigo family (formerly Comodo), the certificate benefits from a globally recognized security infrastructure. Sectigo’s certificates are rooted in major browsers and operating systems, ensuring consistent trust signals across all platforms. The brand’s long-standing reputation in cybersecurity further enhances the reliability of this product.
In summary, the PositiveSSL Wildcard Certificate is one of the most balanced solutions available today. It delivers strong encryption, instant issuance, scalability for unlimited subdomains, and simplified certificate management — all at a budget-friendly price. Whether you manage a business website, SaaS platform, or multi-regional domain, it provides a secure and efficient foundation for maintaining HTTPS across every part of your digital presence.
Limitations and Things to Consider
While the PositiveSSL Wildcard Certificate offers impressive flexibility and cost efficiency, it is important to understand its limitations before implementation. Recognizing these factors helps you decide whether it fits your specific website security needs or if a more advanced certificate type would be more appropriate.
1. Domain Validation Only
The PositiveSSL Wildcard is a Domain Validated (DV) certificate, meaning it verifies only the ownership of a domain, not the identity of the business or organization behind it. This makes it faster to issue but provides less visible assurance to users compared to Organization Validated (OV) or Extended Validation (EV) certificates. Visitors can see the secure padlock symbol in their browser, but the certificate does not display company details in the SSL information panel. For small websites, personal projects, and basic eCommerce stores, DV validation is usually sufficient, but high-value or corporate platforms often benefit from higher assurance levels.
2. Coverage Limited to First-Level Subdomains
A wildcard SSL secures unlimited subdomains, but only at the first level. For example, store.example.com, mail.example.com, and api.example.com are covered, but deeper subdomains such as dev.mail.example.com or support.api.example.com are not. Organizations that use nested subdomains or multiple root domains may need a multi-domain wildcard SSL or separate certificates to ensure complete protection across all environments.
3. Lower Warranty Value
The Comodo PositiveSSL Wildcard Certificate includes a relatively small warranty amount, typically around ten thousand US dollars. This warranty is designed to protect end-users in the unlikely event of a certificate authority error. For most small and medium-sized businesses, this amount is sufficient, but larger enterprises or financial institutions that require higher financial assurance might prefer wildcard SSLs with extended warranty coverage.
4. No Visual Identity Indicators
Because the PositiveSSL Wildcard is a DV certificate, it does not display organizational information in the browser’s address bar or certificate details. Some users associate visible company names or extended validation cues with increased legitimacy. Businesses that rely heavily on customer trust — such as online banking, payment gateways, or large eCommerce stores — might find value in certificates that provide stronger identity verification.
5. Security Dependence on Private Key Management
A wildcard SSL uses one private key to secure all subdomains. This centralization simplifies deployment but introduces a potential risk. If the private key is compromised on one server, all subdomains under that wildcard certificate could be affected. To minimize this risk, administrators should follow strict key management practices, including secure storage, limited server access, and periodic key rotation.
6. No Multi-Domain Support
The PositiveSSL Wildcard Certificate is designed to secure subdomains under a single root domain. It cannot protect multiple top-level domains such as example.com, example.net, and example.org. Businesses operating across different domains should consider a multi-domain or SAN (Subject Alternative Name) SSL to cover multiple roots efficiently.
7. Not Ideal for Enterprise-Level Assurance
While highly reliable for everyday use, the PositiveSSL Wildcard is not intended for enterprise environments requiring compliance audits, identity validation, or large-scale liability protection. In such cases, certificates with OV or EV validation, higher warranties, and extended support options are better suited.
The PositiveSSL Wildcard Certificate is ideal for most small to medium-sized businesses that need affordable and simple encryption for multiple subdomains. However, organizations handling sensitive transactions, regulated data, or complex domain structures should carefully evaluate their long-term security and validation requirements before relying solely on a DV-level wildcard certificate.
By understanding these limitations, website owners can make informed decisions — balancing convenience, cost, and security assurance effectively.
How to Choose the Right Wildcard SSL for Your Needs
Choosing the right wildcard SSL certificate depends on how your website is structured, the level of security your business requires, and the level of trust you want to project to your visitors. Although the PositiveSSL Wildcard Certificate meets the needs of most small to medium-sized websites, understanding the key selection factors helps ensure that your choice supports both your short-term and long-term security goals.
1. Identify Your Domain Structure
The first step is to understand how many domains and subdomains your website uses. If you manage one primary domain with multiple subdomains — such as shop.example.com, mail.example.com, and blog.example.com — a single wildcard SSL will cover all of them efficiently. However, if your business operates across multiple domains like example.com and example.org, or deeper subdomain levels such as dev.mail.example.com, then a multi-domain wildcard SSL or separate certificates may be required.
By clearly mapping your domain structure, you can select the certificate that provides the right balance of simplicity and comprehensive coverage.
2. Consider the Level of Validation You Need
SSL certificates come with three main validation types: Domain Validation (DV), Organization Validation (OV), and Extended Validation (EV).
The PositiveSSL Wildcard Certificate uses domain validation, which is the quickest and simplest type. It confirms only that you own the domain, not the organization itself. If your website’s visitors only need assurance that the connection is secure — such as for blogs, login portals, or small business sites — DV is usually sufficient.
However, if your business requires higher credibility or operates in regulated industries, you might consider upgrading to an OV or EV wildcard SSL, which displays verified organizational details and provides higher financial warranties.
3. Evaluate the Scale of Your Operations
The size and complexity of your digital infrastructure can also guide your decision. For smaller websites or startups that occasionally add subdomains, a PositiveSSL Wildcard is ideal because it scales easily as you grow. You can add subdomains anytime without reissuing the certificate.
Larger enterprises that maintain hundreds of subdomains across multiple servers may require additional management tools, automated renewal systems, or enterprise-level certificates with extended warranties and support agreements.
4. Balance Budget and Assurance
Cost is often a deciding factor, but it’s important to remember that price does not determine encryption strength. All SSL certificates, including Comodo PositiveSSL Wildcard Certificates, use the same 256-bit encryption standard. The main difference lies in the validation process, support, and warranty coverage.
For most small and mid-sized businesses, the PositiveSSL Wildcard offers the best cost-to-value ratio. It delivers full security with minimal expense, allowing you to allocate budget to other critical areas such as website performance or digital marketing.
5. Plan for Renewal and Management
When selecting a wildcard SSL, also consider how you’ll handle renewals and key management. Certificates are typically valid for one year, so renewals should be scheduled in advance to avoid downtime. The PositiveSSL Wildcard makes renewal easy because the process is identical to the initial issuance — simply generate a new CSR, validate your domain again, and install the updated certificate.
Maintaining clear documentation of your SSL lifecycle, including installation records and private key storage locations, helps prevent configuration errors and ensures smooth management over time.
6. Assess Brand Reputation and Support
Choosing a certificate from a reputable Certificate Authority is essential for maintaining browser trust and long-term reliability. The Sectigo PositiveSSL Wildcard Certificate benefits from the legacy of Comodo, a globally recognized brand known for its stability and broad compatibility. Reliable support and clear validation processes ensure that your SSL experience remains straightforward, even as your website evolves.
Selecting the right wildcard SSL depends on your current needs and your plans for growth. The PositiveSSL Wildcard offers an excellent starting point for websites that require scalability, affordability, and strong encryption without unnecessary complexity. For organizations with higher assurance or compliance requirements, more advanced wildcard SSL options can build on this foundation while providing additional layers of trust and validation.
Step-by-Step Guide: Installing PositiveSSL Wildcard
Installing the PositiveSSL Wildcard Certificate is a straightforward process that follows the same basic steps as any standard SSL installation. The key difference is that a wildcard certificate uses an asterisk (*) in the domain name to secure all first-level subdomains. While the exact installation process may vary slightly depending on your web server or hosting environment, the following general steps apply universally.
Step 1: Generate a Certificate Signing Request (CSR)
Before your certificate can be issued, you must generate a Certificate Signing Request (CSR) on your server or through your hosting control panel. The CSR contains your domain information, public key, and contact details. When generating a CSR for a wildcard SSL, make sure to include an asterisk before your domain name, such as *.yourdomain.com.
This asterisk is what allows the certificate to cover all first-level subdomains under the primary domain. Once the CSR is created, save both the CSR and the private key securely, as you will need the private key during installation.
Step 2: Complete Domain Validation
Because the PositiveSSL Wildcard Certificate is a Domain Validated (DV) SSL, you only need to prove ownership of your domain. Validation can be completed using one of two methods:
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Email Validation: An automated email is sent to a pre-approved address like admin@yourdomain.com or webmaster@yourdomain.com. You simply click the verification link in that message.
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DNS Validation: You add a specific CNAME record to your domain’s DNS settings as instructed by the Certificate Authority. Once detected, your domain ownership is verified automatically.
The validation process typically takes only a few minutes, and once completed, Sectigo (the issuer) will send you the certificate files by email.
Step 3: Download and Prepare the Certificate Files
After validation, you will receive several files including:
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The primary certificate file (for your domain)
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The CA bundle (intermediate certificates)
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The root certificate
You may need to combine these files into a single certificate chain depending on your server configuration. Always follow the correct file format required by your hosting environment, such as .crt for Apache or .pem for NGINX.
Step 4: Install the Certificate on Your Server
Upload and install the certificate files using your hosting control panel or server terminal. The process varies slightly between platforms:
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cPanel: Navigate to SSL/TLS Manager → Manage SSL Sites → Install an SSL Certificate.
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Apache or NGINX: Update your virtual host configuration file to include the paths to the certificate, private key, and CA bundle.
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Plesk or IIS: Use the SSL/TLS management section to import and assign the certificate to your domain.
After installation, restart your web server to apply the new SSL configuration.
Step 5: Verify the Installation
Once installed, it’s crucial to verify that your certificate is working correctly. Visit your website using https:// and ensure the padlock icon appears in the browser address bar without any warnings. You can also use SSL checking tools to confirm the certificate chain is correctly installed and that all subdomains are recognized as secure.
Step 6: Configure HTTPS Redirection
To ensure users always access your website securely, set up automatic redirects from HTTP to HTTPS. This can be done using your server’s configuration file or through your website’s .htaccess file. Enforcing HTTPS also improves SEO rankings and overall user trust.
Step 7: Test All Subdomains
Finally, visit each of your subdomains (such as blog.yourdomain.com, store.yourdomain.com, and mail.yourdomain.com) to confirm they are all secured by the wildcard certificate. If any subdomain shows a “Not Secure” message, double-check your DNS records and server configuration to ensure the wildcard is applied correctly.
Installing the Comodo PositiveSSL Wildcard Certificate is an efficient and repeatable process that can be completed in under an hour for most environments. Once installed, all your subdomains are automatically covered, giving you a unified layer of encryption and saving time on future configurations.
Proper installation not only strengthens data security but also ensures consistent browser trust across your entire online presence — an essential step in maintaining a professional and secure brand image.
Alternatives and When to Consider Them
The PositiveSSL Wildcard Certificate is an excellent choice for most websites that need to secure multiple subdomains quickly and affordably. However, depending on your organization’s scale, compliance requirements, or desired level of validation, other wildcard SSL options may be better suited to your needs. Understanding the available alternatives helps you make a well-informed decision.
1. SSL.com Wildcard SSL
The SSL.com Wildcard SSL is one of the strongest alternatives to the PositiveSSL Wildcard. It provides the same broad subdomain coverage but comes with Organization Validation (OV), which verifies the identity of the company behind the website. This validation level helps build stronger user confidence and adds another layer of authenticity for businesses that want their verified company information reflected in the SSL details.
In addition to higher trust, the SSL.com Wildcard offers a larger warranty amount and enhanced support features, making it ideal for eCommerce businesses, financial platforms, or enterprises that require an elevated level of credibility. It also supports installation on unlimited servers and provides free reissues, similar to the PositiveSSL Wildcard.
2. EssentialSSL Wildcard
Another close alternative within the Sectigo family is the EssentialSSL Wildcard, which offers similar encryption strength and validation speed. The key difference lies in the warranty coverage and brand positioning. EssentialSSL is slightly higher in cost but provides an additional layer of customer support and more flexible reissue options. It is a good middle-ground option for organizations that want to stay within the Sectigo ecosystem while gaining slightly enhanced protection terms.
3. Premium Wildcard SSL Certificates
For businesses operating at an enterprise level or dealing with sensitive customer data, Premium Wildcard SSLs — often available through brands like DigiCert, GlobalSign, and GeoTrust — provide Extended Validation (EV) and higher warranty coverage. These certificates include full organization vetting, increased insurance protection, and stronger recognition in web browsers. Although they take longer to issue and cost significantly more, they are preferred by financial institutions, government organizations, and global corporations where the highest level of trust is essential.
4. Multi-Domain Wildcard SSL
Some websites operate across multiple root domains or country-specific domains, such as example.com, example.co.uk, and example.ca. A multi-domain wildcard SSL (also known as a SAN wildcard certificate) is designed for this scenario. It can secure several domains and their subdomains within a single certificate. This type of SSL is particularly useful for hosting companies, SaaS platforms, and multi-brand businesses that manage different web properties under one umbrella.
5. Free or Let’s Encrypt Wildcard SSL
Free SSL certificates, including Let’s Encrypt’s wildcard option, are available for users who want basic encryption without any financial commitment. While these certificates are convenient, they come with notable limitations. They have short validity periods (usually 90 days), require frequent renewal, and lack warranty or dedicated support. Additionally, free SSLs often aren’t ideal for professional or commercial use where customer trust, uptime, and compliance are critical factors.
In summary, the SSL.com Wildcard SSL stands out as the best alternative to the PositiveSSL Wildcard for users seeking higher validation, stronger warranty protection, and business-level authentication. For small to mid-sized websites that prioritize speed, simplicity, and affordability, the Sectigo PositiveSSL Wildcard Certificate remains the most balanced and efficient option.
When deciding between wildcard SSL products, always consider your organization’s size, audience expectations, and the role of trust in your online presence. A well-chosen certificate not only secures your site but also strengthens your credibility in the digital landscape.
Is the PositiveSSL Wildcard Secure Enough?
A common question many website owners ask before purchasing the PositiveSSL Wildcard Certificate is whether it offers adequate protection compared to higher-tier SSL options. The short answer is yes — it provides the same level of encryption strength as premium SSL certificates from any major Certificate Authority. The differences between SSL products are not in encryption power but rather in validation level, warranty amount, and brand presentation.
The PositiveSSL Wildcard Certificate uses 256-bit encryption with a 2048-bit RSA key, ensuring that all data transmitted between your website and users’ browsers is securely encrypted. This level of encryption is currently considered unbreakable with modern computing power, making it the industry standard for safeguarding sensitive information such as login credentials, form submissions, and payment details.
Where SSL certificates vary is in validation and identity assurance. The Sectigo PositiveSSL Wildcard Certificate is a Domain Validated (DV) product, which means it verifies that you own the domain being secured but does not include organization-level information in the certificate details. For small businesses, blogs, or online stores, this level of validation is perfectly sufficient. Visitors will see the padlock icon and “https” in the address bar, confirming that their connection is secure.
However, for enterprises or websites that handle high-value transactions, some prefer the added transparency of Organization Validated (OV) or Extended Validation (EV) SSL certificates. These options display verified company information and undergo stricter vetting, which can strengthen consumer confidence in sensitive environments like banking or eCommerce.
It’s also important to understand that SSL security extends beyond the certificate itself. The strength of your website’s protection depends on how the certificate is implemented and managed. Even the most secure SSL can be compromised if a private key is mishandled or if the server runs outdated protocols. Proper server configuration, use of modern TLS versions (like TLS 1.3), and regular vulnerability monitoring are essential to maintaining long-term security.
From a practical perspective, the Comodo PositiveSSL Wildcard Certificate is more than secure enough for most modern websites. It uses robust cryptographic algorithms, supports all major browsers and mobile platforms, and helps eliminate “Not Secure” warnings in address bars. The encryption it provides is the same strength used by global banks and government agencies — the main distinction lies in the validation depth, not the encryption standard itself.
For organizations that demand maximum assurance, upgrading to an OV or EV wildcard SSL from a provider like SSL.com or Sectigo’s premium product line can provide an extra layer of authentication. For everyone else — from small businesses to SaaS startups — the PositiveSSL Wildcard delivers all the essential protection needed to maintain privacy, trust, and compliance.
How to Renew Your PositiveSSL Wildcard
Renewing your PositiveSSL Wildcard Certificate is an essential part of maintaining continuous website security and browser trust. Just like the initial installation, the renewal process is simple, but it must be handled correctly to ensure there are no interruptions in HTTPS protection or visitor confidence.
SSL certificates, including wildcard certificates, are typically valid for one year. While some providers allow you to prepay for multiple years, the certificate itself still needs to be reissued annually for compliance with Certificate Authority regulations. Fortunately, renewing a Sectigo PositiveSSL Wildcard Certificate is straightforward and can be completed in a few easy steps.
Step 1: Generate a New CSR
When it’s time to renew, start by generating a new Certificate Signing Request (CSR) on your server or hosting platform. Even if your domain hasn’t changed, it’s considered best practice to create a new CSR for every renewal to maintain key security and compliance.
Be sure to include the wildcard symbol (*) before your domain name — for example, *.yourdomain.com — so that the renewed certificate continues to cover all first-level subdomains under your main domain.
Step 2: Complete Domain Validation Again
Because the PositiveSSL Wildcard is a Domain Validated certificate, you will need to complete domain ownership verification once more. This is usually done through email validation or DNS record verification. The process only takes a few minutes, and once confirmed, Sectigo will issue your renewed certificate immediately.
Step 3: Install the Renewed Certificate
After receiving the new certificate files, install them on your server just like you did during the initial setup. Replace the old certificate with the renewed one, ensuring that the private key, certificate file, and intermediate CA bundle are all correctly configured. Once installation is complete, restart your web server to apply the changes.
Step 4: Verify Installation
After installation, verify that the renewal was successful by visiting your site using the HTTPS protocol. The browser should display the secure padlock icon without any warnings. If you encounter a “certificate expired” message, it likely means the server is still pointing to the old certificate files. Updating the configuration to reference the new files will resolve this issue.
Step 5: Maintain a Renewal Schedule
To avoid service interruptions, always renew your wildcard SSL before it expires. Ideally, begin the renewal process at least 30 days in advance. Many website administrators set automated reminders or use SSL monitoring tools to track expiration dates. Maintaining a consistent renewal schedule ensures that your subdomains remain continuously protected.
Step 6: Manage Keys Securely
During renewal, remember to handle private keys with care. Store them securely in an encrypted location and limit access to authorized personnel only. Using strong password protection and access control prevents key exposure, which is crucial since one wildcard certificate secures all your subdomains.
Renewing a Comodo PositiveSSL Wildcard Certificate doesn’t require technical expertise. The entire process — from generating a CSR to validating and installing the new certificate — can often be completed within half an hour.
The key is not to delay renewal, as expired SSL certificates immediately trigger browser warnings and may cause visitors to leave your site. Consistent renewal not only protects your reputation but also reinforces trust among users who depend on your site for secure communication.
Keeping your wildcard SSL up to date ensures that your encryption remains valid, your subdomains stay protected, and your visitors continue to browse your site confidently year after year.
Final Thoughts — Is PositiveSSL Wildcard Right for You?
The PositiveSSL Wildcard Certificate remains one of the most practical and affordable solutions for securing multiple subdomains under a single domain. It combines speed, simplicity, and reliable encryption — making it especially suitable for small to medium-sized businesses, startups, developers, and content-driven websites that want full HTTPS coverage without the complexity of managing multiple SSLs.
If your website setup includes subdomains such as blog.example.com, shop.example.com, and login.example.com, this wildcard certificate can save both time and money. Instead of purchasing and maintaining individual SSLs for each subdomain, you can install one certificate that automatically extends protection to all first-level subdomains associated with your domain. This scalability is one of the main reasons why wildcard certificates, and particularly the Sectigo PositiveSSL Wildcard Certificate, have become so widely used.
From a security standpoint, the PositiveSSL Wildcard offers the same 256-bit encryption as enterprise-level certificates. It is fully recognized by all major browsers and devices, eliminating security warnings and ensuring that visitors feel confident when interacting with your site. For most website owners, this level of encryption and validation provides more than enough protection for everyday operations.
Where the PositiveSSL Wildcard stands out most is in its convenience. The domain validation process is fast and fully automated, meaning you can go from purchase to active HTTPS protection in a matter of minutes. It also allows unlimited reissues and installations on multiple servers, offering flexibility that larger organizations and developers greatly appreciate.
However, it’s also important to be aware of its limits. Because it’s a Domain Validated certificate, it does not include business verification details in the certificate information. For eCommerce brands or institutions that rely heavily on consumer trust or handle sensitive financial data, upgrading to an Organization Validated (OV) or Extended Validation (EV) wildcard SSL may be a better choice. These options provide visible identity assurance and higher warranty coverage.
For the vast majority of websites — from company portals and blogs to online shops and SaaS applications — the Comodo PositiveSSL Wildcard Certificate is more than sufficient. It delivers professional-grade security, seamless scalability, and excellent browser compatibility, all at a fraction of the price of premium alternatives.
If your goal is to maintain encryption across all subdomains with minimal cost and effort while keeping your website fully trusted and secure, the PositiveSSL Wildcard is one of the smartest investments you can make in your website’s long-term security and reliability.
Common Questions About PositiveSSL Wildcard
1. What does a PositiveSSL Wildcard Certificate secure?
A PositiveSSL Wildcard Certificate secures a primary domain and all its first-level subdomains. For example, one certificate issued for *.example.com will automatically protect subdomains like mail.example.com, store.example.com, and blog.example.com. This allows complete subdomain coverage without the need to purchase or manage separate SSL certificates for each.
2. How long does it take to issue a PositiveSSL Wildcard Certificate?
The PositiveSSL Wildcard Certificate is a Domain Validated (DV) SSL, which means it can be issued within minutes after domain ownership is verified. The validation process is quick and fully automated, typically completed via email or DNS record verification.
3. Can I install one PositiveSSL Wildcard Certificate on multiple servers?
Yes. One of the major advantages of the Sectigo PositiveSSL Wildcard Certificate is that it allows installation on unlimited servers. This feature is particularly useful for businesses or developers managing websites hosted across multiple environments, such as staging, production, or distributed data centers.
4. Does a wildcard SSL protect second-level subdomains?
No. Wildcard certificates protect only first-level subdomains under the main domain. For instance, shop.example.com would be secured, but dev.shop.example.com would not. To protect multiple domain levels or entirely different root domains, a multi-domain wildcard SSL would be required.
5. Is the encryption strength the same as higher-priced SSL certificates?
Yes. The Comodo PositiveSSL Wildcard Certificate provides the same 256-bit encryption and 2048-bit key strength as higher-tier SSLs. The difference between certificate types lies in validation level, warranty, and organizational visibility, not in encryption power.
6. What happens if I don’t renew my PositiveSSL Wildcard on time?
If your SSL certificate expires, browsers will immediately display security warnings, indicating that your site is “Not Secure.” This can harm your credibility and may prevent users from visiting your site. It’s best practice to renew your PositiveSSL Wildcard Certificate at least a few weeks before expiration to ensure uninterrupted security.
7. Can I reissue my PositiveSSL Wildcard Certificate?
Yes. Wildcard certificates can be reissued anytime during their validity period at no additional cost. Reissuing may be necessary if you change hosting providers, modify server configurations, or lose access to your private key. The reissuance process is quick and follows the same steps as the initial installation.
8. Is a PositiveSSL Wildcard Certificate secure enough for eCommerce websites?
For small to mid-sized eCommerce websites, the PositiveSSL Wildcard provides adequate protection through industry-standard encryption. However, for large-scale online stores or financial platforms that require visible identity verification, an Organization Validated (OV) or Extended Validation (EV) certificate may offer additional reassurance to customers.
9. What warranty is included with the PositiveSSL Wildcard Certificate?
The certificate includes a limited warranty, usually around ten thousand US dollars, which provides end-user protection against potential Certificate Authority errors. While this warranty amount is modest, it’s generally sufficient for small and medium-sized businesses.
10. Who should use a PositiveSSL Wildcard Certificate?
The PositiveSSL Wildcard is ideal for individuals and businesses that operate multiple subdomains under a single main domain and need a fast, affordable, and reliable SSL solution. It is perfect for website owners who want to maintain encryption across all subdomains without managing multiple certificates or dealing with complex validation procedures.
