In the digital age, trust is paramount, especially when it comes to online security. We rely on secure connections to protect our sensitive data, and that security hinges on a system of trust involving Certificate Authorities (CAs). When you see that little padlock icon in your browser, it means a CA has vouched for the website's identity. But what happens when the trustworthiness of a CA itself is questioned? Let's dive into the world of Comodo (now Sectigo) and explore its place in the complex landscape of digital security, separating fact from fiction and helping you understand its current standing.

So, Who Was Comodo, Anyway? And What's Sectigo?

Comodo, founded in 1998, quickly became a major player in the digital security market. They offered a wide range of products and services, including antivirus software, internet security suites, and, most importantly for our discussion, digital certificates. These certificates are the cornerstone of secure communication online, enabling HTTPS and verifying the identity of websites.

In 2017, Comodo's certificate authority business was acquired by Francisco Partners and rebranded as Sectigo. While the name changed, the underlying infrastructure and many of the practices remained the same. Therefore, when discussing historical events or practices, it's important to remember that "Comodo" and "Sectigo" are often referring to the same organization, albeit under different ownership and branding. We'll primarily use "Sectigo" going forward, but historical references to "Comodo" will be retained for accuracy.

Why the Trust Concerns? Digging into the Past

The question of Comodo/Sectigo's trustworthiness isn't a simple yes or no. It's rooted in past incidents and perceptions within the security community. While Sectigo is currently a widely used CA, concerns have lingered due to historical events. Here's a breakdown of some key issues:

  • Past Security Incidents: In 2011, a Comodo reseller was compromised, leading to the fraudulent issuance of digital certificates for several high-profile domains, including Google, Yahoo, and Skype. This incident raised serious questions about the security practices of Comodo and its partners. While Comodo (now Sectigo) quickly revoked the fraudulent certificates and implemented measures to prevent future occurrences, the damage to its reputation was significant.

  • Aggressive Marketing Tactics: Comodo was known for its aggressive marketing strategies, particularly in the early days. This included bundling its security software with other applications and sometimes using tactics that were perceived as intrusive. While not directly related to certificate security, these practices contributed to a negative perception of the company among some users.

  • Perceived Lack of Transparency: Some critics have argued that Comodo (and later Sectigo) wasn't always as transparent as it could have been regarding its security practices and incident responses. This lack of transparency fueled suspicion and made it difficult for the security community to fully assess the company's trustworthiness.

  • The Sheer Volume of Certificates Issued: Comodo (now Sectigo) was, and still is, one of the largest certificate authorities in the world. While issuing a large volume of certificates isn't inherently bad, it means that any security vulnerabilities or missteps have the potential to affect a large number of websites and users. This high volume also puts a greater strain on their infrastructure and processes.

These historical issues contributed to a lingering perception among some security professionals that Comodo/Sectigo was not as trustworthy as other CAs. However, it's important to note that the company has taken steps to address these concerns and improve its security practices.

What Has Sectigo Done to Improve Security? A Look at Present-Day Practices

Recognizing the need to rebuild trust, Sectigo has implemented several measures to enhance its security and transparency. These include:

  • Enhanced Security Protocols: Sectigo has invested heavily in improving its security infrastructure and processes. This includes implementing stricter vetting procedures for certificate requests, enhancing its monitoring capabilities to detect and prevent fraudulent certificate issuances, and adopting industry best practices for key management and certificate lifecycle management.

  • Increased Transparency: Sectigo has made efforts to be more transparent about its security practices and incident responses. This includes publishing regular security audits and reports, participating in industry forums and discussions, and engaging with the security community to address concerns and feedback.

  • Compliance with Industry Standards: Sectigo adheres to industry standards and best practices, such as the CA/Browser Forum's Baseline Requirements. These requirements set minimum security standards for certificate authorities and help ensure the trustworthiness of the certificates they issue.

  • Advanced Certificate Management Platforms: Sectigo offers robust certificate management platforms that allow organizations to easily manage their digital certificates, automate certificate renewals, and monitor certificate expiration. This helps prevent certificate-related outages and security vulnerabilities.

  • Focus on Automation and Validation: Sectigo has embraced automation to streamline the certificate issuance process and reduce the risk of human error. They also offer a variety of validation options, including automated domain validation and extended validation (EV), which provides the highest level of assurance.

These improvements have helped Sectigo regain some of the trust that was lost due to past incidents. However, the company still faces the challenge of overcoming lingering perceptions and demonstrating its commitment to security.

So, Is Sectigo Trusted Now? A Balanced Perspective

The question of whether Sectigo is "trusted" is subjective and depends on individual risk tolerance and security priorities. While past incidents raised legitimate concerns, Sectigo has taken significant steps to improve its security and transparency.

Here's a balanced perspective:

  • Sectigo is widely used and accepted: Major browsers and operating systems trust Sectigo's root certificates. This means that websites using Sectigo certificates will generally be recognized as secure by most users.

  • Sectigo complies with industry standards: Sectigo adheres to the CA/Browser Forum's Baseline Requirements, which provides a baseline level of security and trustworthiness.

  • Sectigo has a history of security incidents: Past incidents, such as the 2011 reseller compromise, serve as a reminder of the potential risks associated with any certificate authority.

  • Sectigo has improved its security practices: Sectigo has invested in enhancing its security infrastructure, processes, and transparency, which has helped to mitigate some of the risks associated with its past.

Ultimately, the decision of whether to trust Sectigo is a personal one. Organizations should carefully consider their own risk tolerance and security requirements before choosing a certificate authority. It's crucial to conduct thorough due diligence, review security audits and reports, and assess the CA's track record and reputation.

Alternative CAs: Weighing Your Options

While Sectigo is a viable option, it's essential to be aware of alternative certificate authorities. Some popular and well-regarded options include:

  • Let's Encrypt: A free, automated, and open certificate authority. It's a great option for individuals and small businesses that need basic SSL/TLS certificates.

  • DigiCert: A leading provider of high-assurance digital certificates, known for its strong security and customer support.

  • GlobalSign: Another reputable CA that offers a wide range of digital certificates and security solutions.

  • Entrust: A long-standing CA with a strong focus on enterprise security solutions.

When choosing a CA, consider factors such as:

  • Price: Certificate prices vary widely depending on the type of certificate and the CA.
  • Security: Evaluate the CA's security practices, incident response capabilities, and compliance with industry standards.
  • Support: Consider the CA's level of customer support and documentation.
  • Features: Some CAs offer additional features, such as certificate management platforms and automated validation.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Is Sectigo safe to use? Sectigo is widely used and complies with industry standards, but past security incidents should be considered. Conduct due diligence to assess if it meets your specific security needs.

  • What happened to Comodo? Comodo's certificate authority business was acquired in 2017 and rebranded as Sectigo. The underlying infrastructure largely remained the same.

  • Is Let's Encrypt a good alternative to Sectigo? Let's Encrypt is a good option for basic SSL/TLS certificates and is free. However, it may not be suitable for organizations requiring higher levels of assurance or specialized features.

  • What is a certificate authority? A certificate authority (CA) is a trusted entity that issues digital certificates to verify the identity of websites and other entities. These certificates are used to establish secure connections and protect sensitive data.

  • What is SSL/TLS? SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) and TLS (Transport Layer Security) are cryptographic protocols that provide secure communication over a network. They encrypt data transmitted between a web server and a web browser.

Making the Right Choice for Your Security Needs

Ultimately, choosing a certificate authority is a critical decision that should be based on careful consideration of your organization's specific security requirements and risk tolerance. While Sectigo has taken steps to improve its security and transparency, it's essential to be aware of its past incidents and to conduct thorough due diligence before entrusting them with your digital security. Explore alternative CAs and weigh the pros and cons of each option to make an informed decision that aligns with your needs.