The Risk of an Expired SSL Certificate

When a TLS/SSL certificate expires, the secure connection between a web browser and a website server is no longer valid. This can lead to a loss of user trust and potential data breaches. Ensuring the timely renewal of SSL certificates is crucial to maintaining the security of your website and protecting sensitive information.

Impact on User Trust and Security Warnings

Internet search giants like Google consider a site's security rating when determining search engine rankings. If your SSL certificate has expired, not only will your search engine results drop, but you may also lose trust from potential users. This is particularly concerning if your website accepts transactions, as an expired SSL certificate compromises the security of such activities. SSL certificates not only encrypt data in transit but also verify its authenticity. Using an expired certificate effectively means that your certicate is no longer trusted as being secure. To the browser and community at large, your certificate is as good as fake.

Network Downtime and Revenue Loss

The expiration of an SSL certificate can lead to a network outage or downtime, which affects not only the security of your website but also the operations of your business. During the connection process, browsers will typically display error messages such as “Your connection is not private,” “This site is not secure,” or “Warning: Potential Security Risk Ahead.” These messages dissuade users from accessing your site, leading to a drop in traffic.

Technological Explanation: HTTPS Connection

To understand the importance of SSL certificates, it's essential to know how HTTPS connections work. When a website or server is secured with an “HTTPS” connection using an SSL/TLS certificate, it performs two functions: server authentication and traffic encryption. During the connection process, a certificate containing the server's public key and basic details, such as the common name, organization name, location, country, start date, and expiration date, is shared. This process is called authentication, where the server identifies itself to the user.

The user's computer uses the server's public key to encrypt data shared with the server. When this data reaches the server, it is decrypted using the server's private key. This ensures that data transferred from the user is encrypted and can only be read correctly by the server. If someone attempts to snoop on the network traffic, they will only see encrypted data and be unable to understand it.

Consequences of SSL Certificates Not Being Renewed

If an SSL certificate is not renewed, the browser will immediately display error messages during the connection process, indicating that the certificate is no longer valid. Users are warned of the security risk and may choose not to proceed, leading to a loss of trust and potential revenue. Major companies have faced significant user dissatisfaction in the past due to the failure to renew SSL certificates on time.

Preventing Certificate Expiry

Modern SSL/TLS certificates issued by public Certificate Authorities are typically valid for one year. However, some non-public Certificate Authorities may offer longer durations. Public Certificate Authorities usually send renewal notifications via email 45 to 60 days before the certificate expires. It is the responsibility of the certificate administrator to place a renewal order well in advance. Renewal ensures that the new certificate starts from the date of issuance and extends the un-expired days into the new expiration date.

Some public Certificate Authorities allow customers to book renewals in advance, offering certificates for multiple years. In this case, the certificate is issued for one year but automatically renewed every year, providing assurance that the certificate will not expire for a certain number of years.

Renewing SSL certificates promptly is crucial for maintaining website security, user trust, and preventing revenue loss due to increased site downtime. By staying vigilant and proactive in renewing SSL certificates, you can ensure a secure and reliable online experience for your users.