In today’s interconnected digital landscape, managing the security of multiple domains and subdomains has become increasingly important. Whether you operate several websites for your business or manage different microsites for various services, securing all those endpoints with individual SSL certificates can be not only expensive but also time-consuming. That’s where a SAN certificate comes into play — a powerful and efficient solution designed to secure multiple domains and subdomains under a single certificate.
What is a SAN Certificate?
SAN stands for Subject Alternative Name. Simply put, a SAN certificate is an SSL certificate that allows you to secure multiple domain names and subdomains using a single certificate. Traditionally, SSL certificates were tied to a single domain. But with a SAN certificate, you can list several domains in the certificate’s Subject Alternative Name field, allowing HTTPS encryption across all specified domains.
For example, a SAN certificate can secure:
- www.example.com
- blog.example.com
- store.example.net
- example.org
This makes SAN certificates ideal for organizations that manage multiple domains or run cloud-based applications under different web properties.
How Does a SAN Certificate Work?
During the certificate issuance process, the Certificate Authority (CA) includes all domain names you want to secure in the SAN field of the certificate. When a user’s browser connects to one of your domains, it checks the certificate to verify that the domain is listed in the SAN section. If the domain appears, a secure connection is established using HTTPS.
The beauty of a SAN certificate lies in its versatility and convenience. Instead of managing separate SSL certs for each domain and worrying about multiple renewal dates, you can handle everything through one straightforward certificate.
Main Benefits of SAN Certificates
SAN certificates offer a wealth of advantages for businesses, developers, and IT teams alike. Let’s explore the key benefits:
1. Multi-Domain Security
With a single SAN certificate, you can protect up to 250 unique domains, depending on the Certificate Authority. This multi-domain capacity drastically simplifies your security infrastructure.
2. Cost Efficiency
Buying individual certificates for each domain can be costly. A SAN certificate offers a consolidated and economical approach to securing multiple domains, making it an optimal choice for budget-conscious organizations.
3. Streamlined Management
Managing numerous certificates with separate expiry dates can be daunting. SAN certificates allow you to keep track of only one certificate’s lifecycle, reducing the risk of accidental expiration and downtime.
4. Ease of Deployment
Whether you’re hosting all domains on a single server or across different environments, SAN certificates can be deployed easily across platforms and systems.
5. Trusted Encryption
As with all SSL certificates, SAN certificates provide encryption that ensures secure communication between your server and users’ browsers. Whether you’re transmitting login credentials, personal information, or financial data, SAN certificates help keep it private and protected.
Who Should Use a SAN Certificate?
SAN certificates are especially useful for individuals and organizations in the following scenarios:
- Businesses with multiple web properties – SAN certs simplify SSL implementation across several services or platforms.
- Cloud-hosted applications – Ideal for SaaS businesses or developers hosting applications across different domains.
- Enterprises operating under multiple brand names – Consolidate security for various branded websites.
- Organizations with changing domain environments – Easily add or remove domains from the certificate when reissuing.
Difference Between SAN Certificate and Wildcard Certificate
A commonly asked question is how SAN certificates compare to wildcard certificates. While both serve to simplify domain security, they have different use cases.
| Feature | SAN Certificate | Wildcard Certificate |
|---|---|---|
| Domains Secured | Multiple different domains | Unlimited subdomains of a single domain |
| Example | www.example.com, example.org, blog.example.net | *.example.com (e.g. mail.example.com, blog.example.com) |
| Flexibility | Highly flexible with different domains | Limited to one domain hierarchy |
Tip: If you need to secure both different domains and their subdomains, combining a SAN and Wildcard certificate may be your best bet depending on your provider’s offerings.
How to Get a SAN Certificate
Obtaining a SAN SSL certificate typically involves a straightforward process:
- Choose a Certificate Authority (CA): Select a trusted provider like DigiCert, Sectigo, GlobalSign, or Let’s Encrypt (limited SAN support).
- Generate a Certificate Signing Request (CSR): Include the main domain and desired SAN entries.
- Submit CSR to CA: The CA will validate the requested domains.
- Install the Certificate: Once issued, install it on your web server and test for HTTPS functionality.
Some hosting providers and control panels like cPanel or Plesk offer wizards to guide you through this process, reducing manual steps.
Common Scenarios Where SAN Certificates Shine
Here are some real-world examples where SAN certificates offer incredible value:
- Microsoft Exchange and Office 365 Deployments: Commonly use SAN certificates to secure services like Autodiscover, Outlook Web Access, and SMTP.
- Multi-region websites: Companies hosting local versions of their websites across domains like example.us, example.eu, and example.in.
- Web hosting companies: Offering managed hosting services for clients with different domain names.
Securing the Future with SAN Certificates
The internet is evolving rapidly. As businesses expand their online presence, the need for smart, scalable, and cost-effective security solutions like SAN certificates becomes more essential than ever. They not only simplify SSL certificate management but also enhance your organization’s ability to grow without compromising on user trust or compliance.
In a world where Google and most browsers now flag non-HTTPS websites as “Not Secure,” ensuring robust domain coverage is a baseline requirement. By adopting a SAN certificate, you turn what could be a logistical headache into a streamlined, secure, and manageable solution.
Final Thoughts
If you’re still juggling multiple SSL certificates or considering expanding your online footprint, consider switching to a SAN certificate. Its ability to secure multiple domains and bring unified management under one roof can save you time, money, and a great deal of administrative effort.
With leading browser compatibility and strong encryption, SAN certificates are an essential component of modern web security — reliable, scalable, and seamlessly integrated into today’s complex domain environments.