SSL Certificates: Validity Period Continues to Decrease

The validity period of SSL certificates has continuously decreased in recent years. Currently, the maximum duration is 398 days, which represents a significant decline compared to previous years. This development has far-reaching implications for companies that need to rethink their Application Delivery. Experts warn that the manual management of certificates is becoming increasingly risky.

Jürgen Mang, Senior IT Security Consultant at Axians IT Security, emphasizes that companies that do not automate their SSL certificate management will have to expect serious outages by 2029 at the latest. The constant renewal of certificates requires an efficient and reliable solution to ensure the security of applications. Mang stresses that automation plays a crucial role in this context.

Risks of Manual Management

The manual management of SSL certificates carries numerous risks. Companies that rely on manual processes run the risk of missing deadlines and thus allowing their certificates to expire. An expired certificate can lead to websites becoming inaccessible or users facing security warnings. This can not only damage a company's reputation but also lead to financial losses.

Another aspect is the complexity of managing multiple certificates. Many companies use a variety of applications and platforms, each requiring its own certificates. This multitude of certificates makes it difficult to keep track and make timely renewals. Mang therefore recommends relying on automated solutions to tackle these challenges.

Automation as a Solution

Automating certificate management offers companies the opportunity to optimize their security infrastructure. Through automated processes, certificates can be renewed on time without requiring manual intervention. This not only reduces the risk of outages but also saves time and resources.

Moreover, automation allows for better traceability and transparency. Companies can monitor the status of their certificates in real-time and receive timely notifications about upcoming renewals. This helps to improve the overall security situation and identify potential risks early.

The need to manage SSL certificates efficiently will continue to increase in the coming years. With the ongoing digitization and the rising number of online services, the importance of secure connections will also grow. Companies are challenged to rethink their certificate management strategies and implement innovative solutions.

The development of the validity period of SSL certificates is a clear indicator of the changing demands on IT security. From 2029 onwards, manual management of certificates will no longer be feasible for many companies. Automation will become a necessity to ensure the security and availability of applications.