Why Automation Is Now Essential

Are you ready for ultra-short certificate lifespans? As Apple and Google lead the shift to shorter TLS lifespans, IT teams must embrace automation to stay secure and avoid downtime

With Google, and now Apple, leading the charge towards shorter Transport Layer Security (TLS) certificate validity periods — Google at 90 days and Apple at 47 days — automated certificate lifecycle management has transitioned from a convenience to an outright necessity. With a CA/B forum ballot already proposed, organizations face an unprecedented need for agility in their certificate renewal processes. Shorter validity periods promise stronger security, but they also amplify the complexity of certificate lifecycle management, pushing manual processes to their limits.          

For organizations looking to maintain seamless security and operational efficiency, automation has become the most effective strategy to adapt to this new standard. Thankfully, the switch to a possible 47-day certificate will not happen overnight, giving organizations time to adjust to a new normal. This article explores the impact of shortening certificate periods and how automation can help.     

Our comprehensive Automation Strategies eBook provides a roadmap for IT teams to confidently navigate these emerging challenges, offering actionable insights into transforming certificate management from a potential vulnerability into a strategic advantage.

Why Are Shorter TLS Certificate Lifespans Happening?

TLS certificates, which ensure secure communications on the internet, have traditionally been valid for one to three years. However, the increasing sophistication of cyber threats means that longer validity periods carry heightened risks. Shorter certificate lifespans reduce the opportunity for attackers to exploit compromised certificates, keeping secure connections more resilient to modern-day threats. By limiting the window of vulnerability, organizations can bolster their defenses and improve compliance with the latest cybersecurity best practices.

However, these shortened timelines come with significant operational implications. When certificate validity are reduced to just a few weeks, organizations will find it increasingly challenging to keep up with renewals without the help of automated systems. Below is a breakdown of the proposed reduction timeline: 

Operational Challenges of Managing Short-Lived Certificates

A 47- or even 90-day certificate lifespan means renewing each certificate multiple times a year, creating an enormous administrative burden for IT departments, particularly large organizations managing hundreds or even thousands of certificates, with numbers rising every year. Compounding this challenge is the fact that many organizations are now managing several different PKI solutions across their infrastructure. This burden increases tenfold for IT departments that are already short-staffed. Even a single missed certificate can lead to outages, security vulnerabilities and significant reputational damage.

The Role of Automation in Meeting New Certificate Lifespan Demands

For organizations dealing with shorter certificate lifespans, automation transforms a complex, time-intensive process into one that’s nearly seamless. Automated certificate management tools handle issuance, renewal and revocation, minimizing the likelihood of human error and reducing the operational strain on IT departments. Here’s why automation is indispensable:

1. Seamless Certificate Lifecycle Management — Automated systems, like those using the ACME (Automated Certificate Management Environment) protocol, streamline certificate renewal by allowing servers to interact directly with certificate authorities (CAs). This removes the need for manual intervention, ensuring certificates are renewed on time, every time. Read the white paper Certificate Automation Rollout for Enterprises.
2. Enhanced Security Posture — Automated renewal significantly reduces the risk of expired or compromised certificates. By maintaining consistent, on-time renewals, organizations can minimize vulnerability windows, fortifying their security framework.
3. Resource Efficiency and Cost Savings — Automation alleviates the workload on IT staff, enabling them to focus on higher-priority security tasks. This improves efficiency and reduces the costs associated with potential outages or breaches due to expired certificates.

Overcoming Legacy System Barriers 

While automation offers clear benefits, organizations with legacy systems may face challenges when implementing protocols like ACME. We discuss several options for navigating legacy systems in our latest DarkReading article, which includes:

• Proxy solutions
• Custom scripting
• Hybrid approaches
• Vendor support
• Gradual migration

Not All Automation Is Created Equal

Organizations that already have a PKI service deployed should understand that — while all certificate management services streamline issuance, revocation, reporting and account management — not all automation is the same. 

There are a variety of automation models in the market, and it’s important to understand the differences between agent-based models and connector models, like HID’s. This infographic provides a high-level overview of what to expect from different automation models. 

Vendor pricing models are another puzzle piece that must be factored into the equation. When evaluating enterprise SSL providers, always read the fine print. Some vendors, while offering a subscription-type model, may in fact have certificate thresholds in place that will either stop your automated services when you reach your certificate limit or subject you to overage and upgraded subscription charges that you have not budgeted in your financial plan. 

At HID, we understand the importance of fair and honest pricing and will never penalize your organization for certificate overages. This provides peace of mind as far as certificate security and ensures your budget is locked in, giving you exactly what you paid for without any surprises.

Embracing Automation for a Secure Future

Thanks to Apple and Google setting a new industry standard, automation in certificate management is no longer just a best practice; it’s a necessity. As certificate lifespans shrink, organizations that embrace automation will find themselves well-prepared to adapt to this new landscape, safeguarding their digital assets and strengthening trust with their customers.

By adopting automated management solutions like those found in our Automation Strategies eBook, organizations can navigate the shift with confidence, knowing they’re equipped to meet the demands of today’s evolving cybersecurity landscape. 

If you are ready to get started with HID Enterprise SSL-as-a-Service, talk to an expert today or head over to our on-demand demo to see our Account Certificate Manager in action.