What type of certificate is represented by *.example.com, and why is it used?

The representation of .example.com indicates that it is a wildcard certificate. Wildcard certificates are specifically designed to secure multiple subdomains within a single domain. The asterisk () acts as a placeholder that can match any subdomain of the specified domain. For example, if you possess a wildcard certificate for *.example.com, it would secure connections for subdomains such as www.example.com, mail.example.com, and any other subdomain, without the need for separate certificates for each one.

This type of certificate is particularly beneficial for organizations that manage numerous subdomains, as it simplifies certificate management and reduces costs, allowing them to secure all subdomains under a single certificate. It streamlines the process and minimizes the administrative overhead associated with managing individual certificates for each subdomain.