SSL certificates are crucial digital documents that secure website connections. When they expire, several critical issues arise that can impact your business and users.

What Happens When an SSL Certificate Expires?

• Secure connections become disrupted
• Browsers display "Your connection is not private" warnings
• Communications are no longer encrypted
• Site becomes vulnerable to interception and tampering
• Visitors lose trust and may avoid the site

Key Risks of Expired Certificates:

• Website outages and downtime
• Increased cybersecurity vulnerabilities
• Loss of customer trust
• Reduced customer retention (81% of consumers stop engaging after security issues)
• Potential data breaches

Why SSL Certificates Expire

Certificates have built-in expiration dates to:

• Ensure compliance with current security standards
• Force regular updates as technology evolves
• Maintain strong security practices

Certificate Validity Periods:

• Current standard: 13 months (397 days)
• Future standard: Moving to 90 days by end of 2024
• Code signing certificates: Up to 3 years

Types of SSL Certificates:

1. Extended Validation (EV)

   • Highest level of validation
   • Standard for eCommerce sites

2. Organization Validation (OV)

   • Mid-range certification
   • Requires organization verification

3. Domain Validation (DV)

   • Basic certification
   • Quick issuance
   • Most cost-effective

How to Prevent SSL Expiration

Manual Monitoring:

• Check certificate status via browser padlock icon
• Monitor expiration dates through dashboard
• Renew 30 days before expiration

Automated Management:

• Implement certificate lifecycle management
• Automate renewal process
• Reduce human error
• Essential for multiple certificates

Renewal Process:

1. Create Certificate Signing Request (CSR)
2. Send CSR to Certificate Authority
3. Validate domain ownership
4. Install new certificate

Best Practices:

• Consider multi-year plans for cost savings
• Implement automated monitoring
• Keep contact information updated
• Start renewal process 30 days before expiration

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