How To Navigate Certification Authority Distrust: Preventing Critical Incidents by Switching To A New Vendor

In the ever-evolving landscape of digital security, maintaining trust is paramount. When a Certification Authority (CA) is no longer trusted by browsers like Google, as was demonstrated on June 27th, it can lead to significant disruptions for businesses relying on their services. This article explores the implications of such a scenario and demonstrates how a Certification Authority can seamlessly issue new certificates, preventing any short-term critical incidents and ensuring continued trust and compliance.

Understanding CA Distrust and Its Implications

Google, like other major tech companies, regularly assesses and enforces stringent security standards for Certification Authorities. When a CA fails to meet these standards, it can result in browsers no longer trusting certificates issued by that CA. The consequences of this distrust include:

• Website Inaccessibility: Users may be greeted with alarming security warnings, leading to loss of traffic and trust
• Data Security Risks: Without a trusted certificate, data transmitted between your website and its users could be vulnerable to interception and tampering
• Compliance Issues: Organizations might fall out of compliance with industry regulations, risking fines and reputational damage

Immediate Action: Issuing New Certificates with a CA

When businesses are faced with the need to switch from a distrusted CA, a Certification Authority provides a reliable and trusted solution. Here’s how they can assist in issuing new certificates to prevent any short-term critical incidents:

1.Rapid Certificate Issuance

• Immediate Response: A team should be ready to act quickly, ensuring that new certificates are issued without delay
• Automated Tools: Look for automated tools to expedite the issuance process, minimizing downtime and ensuring a smooth transition
• Bulk Certificate Issuance: For organizations with multiple certificates, seek out a CA with bulk issuance capabilities that streamline the replacement process

2.Trusted Security Solutions: What to Look For

• Robust PKI Infrastructure: Be sure to work with a CA that operates a highly secure and scalable PKI infrastructure, and one that is trusted by major browsers and platforms worldwide
• High-Assurance Certificates: Also be looking for a company that offers a range of certificates, including Extended Validation (EV), Organization Validation (OV), and Domain Validation (DV), ensuring you get the right level of assurance for your needs

3.Proactive Certificate Management

• Discovery and Inventory: helps you discover and manage all certificates across your network, providing visibility and control
• Automated Renewal: prevent lapses in security, our automated renewal service ACME, ensures that your certificates are always up to date
• Centralized Management: allows you to oversee all certificates from a single interface, simplifying administration and reducing risk

Partnering with a Certification Authority: Beyond Certificates

Working with trusted CA offers more than just a switch in providers—it’s a partnership for enhanced security and operational efficiency.

• Expert Support: Seek out a CA with a team of security experts who are available to provide guidance and
• Scalable Services: Whether you’re a small business or a large enterprise, consider a CA that can scale to meet your needs

Losing trust in your CA can be a daunting experience, but it also presents an opportunity to strengthen your security posture. By switching to new CA and issuing new certificates immediately, you can prevent short-term critical incidents and maintain the trust and security of your digital assets. Discover, manage, and design your security infrastructure with a provider that’s trusted by leading organizations worldwide. Make the switch today and ensure your digital trust remains uncompromised.

About the Author

Debbie Hayes currently serves as the Director of Product Marketing at GlobalSign. She stands as a driving force behind the company’s strategic initiatives, bringing a wealth of expertise and a proven track record to the table. Debbie is a seasoned professional with over 30 years of invaluable experience in the dynamic realms of the IT industry and cybersecurity. Throughout her extensive career, Debbie has honed her skills and is a results-driven individual, demonstrating a deep understanding of business management and marketing. Her proficiency in project management and communication has consistently positioned her as a key player in shaping successful marketing campaigns and fostering collaborative, cross-functional efforts.

Debbie can be reached at [email protected]

GlobalSign’s website is https://www.globalsign.com/en