Special Certificate Type Decisions

Wildcard certificates excel when securing multiple subdomains under a single domain. They're ideal for organizations with dynamic subdomain creation, standardized services across subdomains, or numerous development/staging environments. The unlimited subdomain coverage simplifies management and provides deployment flexibility. However, consider the security implications of broader key exposure and the single-level subdomain limitation.

Multi-domain (SAN) certificates suit organizations managing diverse domain portfolios. Multiple brands, merged companies, or service providers managing client domains benefit from consolidated management. The explicit domain listing provides precise control but requires careful planning. SAN certificates work well for relatively stable domain portfolios where the efficiency of consolidated management outweighs the flexibility limitations.

Hybrid approaches combining different certificate types often provide optimal solutions. Use EV certificates for primary transaction pages, OV certificates for general business sites, and DV certificates for supporting services. Implement wildcard certificates for dynamic subdomains while using individual certificates for critical services. This strategic mixing matches security investment to actual requirements while maintaining operational efficiency.