Announcement that the validity period of all global SSL Certificates will be shortened to 200 days starting from March 15, 2026

According to the SC-081v3 proposal, all SSL Certificates have a maximum validity period of 200 days starting from March 15, 2026. Those issued before March 15, 2026 will remain valid and will not be affected.

This means that there are still 18 days from now, global CAs will no longer issue SSL Certificates for more than 200 days.

If you need a one-year certificate, you need to contact customer service to purchase it as soon as possible before March 15.

What are SSL Certificates?

SSL Certificates (Secure Sockets Layer Certificates) are a type of digital certificates. They are equivalent to the "network ID" of a website and also create an encrypted network connection channel.

Simply put, when a website installs SSL Certificates, a "lock" will be displayed in the browser address bar, and the URL will change from http://to https://. Two core functions are mainly implemented behind this:

1. Encrypted communication (anti-peeping)

What: Ensure that the data transmitted between users and the website is encrypted, so that even if it is intercepted by hackers, all you see is garbled code.

Example: When you enter your bank card password during online shopping, or enter your account password in the login box, SSL Certificates will "lock" these information. Without this lock, this sensitive information would be transmitted in clear text on the network and could easily be stolen.

2. Authentication (anti-counterfeiting)

Function: Verify the true identity of the website and ensure that users are visiting the real official website, not a phishing website forged by hackers.

Example: You receive an email from a "bank", click on the link and go to a website. The browser address bar displays a lock and green business name (for OV/EV certificates), which helps you confirm that you are visiting a real bank website and not a fake website built by a scammer.

Why is it important?

Data security: Protect users 'private data, payment information, etc. from being stolen or tampered with.

Build trust: The "lock" sign in the browser's address bar will make visitors feel that the website is safer and more trustworthy.

SEO (Search Engine Optimization) Points: Search engines such as Google and Baidu will give websites that enable HTTPS higher search rankings.

Compliance requirements: For websites that need to process user payment information, SSL Certificates are mandatory requirements for industry compliance.