Although Certificate Authorities (CAs) are central to the operation of the SSL industry and, in turn, the overall security of the Internet, casual Internet users probably don’t know a whole lot about them. They visit websites with HTTPS-enabled websites not realising the role CAs play in establishing that secure connection. Similarly, some website owners may buy an SSL certificate without really knowing where it came from. 

The Coronavirus pandemic has been an unprecedented time in many ways. Beyond entire populations and societies having to adjust to deal with its impact, there has also been an unfortunate uptick in cyber crime related to the virus. 

A point of confusion for many people is the difference between TLS and SSL certificates. It’s an understandable confusion, especially when you consider the fact that in 2020, SSL certificates actually work by using the TLS protocol. What exactly does all that mean?

In February 2020, Apple announced that they would be limiting the allowed lifetime of SSL certificates in their Safari browser from September 1st 2020. The new allowed validity period will be 398 days, which basically amounts to a one-year certificate. 

A common myth is that an SSL certificate will completely secure your website. This is not the case. While an SSL certificate will certainly help make your website a more secure place to visit, there is far more you need to do to protect your site beyond enabling HTTPS.

These days, SSL certificates are widely regarded as essential for websites to make them more secure. Not only do website owners know this, but general Internet users do too. However, although SSL certificates have become such a given across the web, many people probably aren’t aware of the origin story of these powerful digital certificates.

The unfortunate reality of being an Internet user is that you must be constantly vigilant. Cybercriminals are becoming more sophisticated by the minute, continually coming up with new methods to trick users into handing over their personal information. Phishing is one of them.