Websites and Apps Have One Year to Adhere to New Security Measures

  • By Sydny Shepard
  • Jan 04, 2016

Websites and apps have been given the deadline of January 1, 2017 to adhere to new security standards to minimize the risk of hacking and prevent a “mini-Y2K,” or have access to their websites taken away.

Over the course of the year browsers like Google Chrome will require tighter security measures if websites are going to work, or risk compatibility issues. Chrome is already issuing an onscreen warning to users when they visit a website that has a SHA-1 signed certificate, informing them of the “weak security configuration.” But from January 2017 some browsers will begin to stop supporting SHA-1 certificates, so users trying to access those websites will trigger a fatal network error.

In order to process information securely, websites and apps use a Secure Hash Algorithm, known as SHA, to encrypt and protect data. The industry has agreed to phase out the older version of this algorithm, SHA-1, as experts believe it is too vulnerable to attacks.

Websites and apps will now be required to use the newer version, SHA-2, which address the security weaknesses of SHA-1. While SHA-2 has been around for more than a decade and has long been the accepted standard, some websites and apps are still using SHA-1.

Over the course of 2016, Microsoft, Google and other browser vendors will start phasing out support for SHA-1 security certificates, with an expected end date of January 1, 2017. Starting then, you’ll get a warning notice that the webpage is unavailable due to security concerns.

About the Author

Sydny Shepard is the Executive Editor of Campus Security & Life Safety.

Featured

  • Ransomware Attacks Rise for the First Time in Six Months

    Ransomware attacks have risen for the first time in six months, increasing by 28% month-on-month to 421 attacks. While overall attack volume remained below 500, the uptick may signal a renewed escalation heading into the year’s most active period for cyber criminals. Read Now

  • Report: 47 Percent of Security Service Providers Are Not Yet Using AI or Automation Tools

    Trackforce, a provider of security workforce management platforms, today announced the launch of its 2025 Physical Security Operations Benchmark Report, an industry-first study that benchmarks both private security service providers and corporate security teams side by side. Based on a survey of over 300 security professionals across the globe, the report provides a comprehensive look at the state of physical security operations. Read Now

    • Guard Services

  • Identity Governance at the Crossroads of Complexity and Scale

    Modern enterprises are grappling with an increasing number of identities, both human and machine, across an ever-growing number of systems. They must also deal with increased operational demands, including faster onboarding, more scalable models, and tighter security enforcement. Navigating these ever-growing challenges with speed and accuracy requires a new approach to identity governance that is built for the future enterprise. Read Now

  • Eagle Eye Networks Launches AI Camera Gun Detection

    Eagle Eye Networks, a provider of cloud video surveillance, recently introduced Eagle Eye Gun Detection, a new layer of protection for schools and businesses that works with existing security cameras and infrastructure. Eagle Eye Networks is the first to build gun detection into its platform. Read Now

  • Report: AI is Supercharging Old-School Cybercriminal Tactics

    AI isn’t just transforming how we work. It’s reshaping how cybercriminals attack, with threat actors exploiting AI to mass produce malicious code loaders, steal browser credentials and accelerate cloud attacks, according to a new report from Elastic. Read Now

Most   Popular

New Products

  • AC Nio

    AC Nio

    Aiphone, a leading international manufacturer of intercom, access control, and emergency communication products, has introduced the AC Nio, its access control management software, an important addition to its new line of access control solutions.

  • Automatic Systems V07

    Automatic Systems V07

    Automatic Systems, an industry-leading manufacturer of pedestrian and vehicle secure entrance control access systems, is pleased to announce the release of its groundbreaking V07 software. The V07 software update is designed specifically to address cybersecurity concerns and will ensure the integrity and confidentiality of Automatic Systems applications. With the new V07 software, updates will be delivered by means of an encrypted file.

  • FEP GameChanger

    FEP GameChanger

    Paige Datacom Solutions Introduces Important and Innovative Cabling Products GameChanger Cable, a proven and patented solution that significantly exceeds the reach of traditional category cable will now have a FEP/FEP construction.