TLS certificates: shorter validity periods, a technical challenge... and a human one
For several years now, cybersecurity has been evolving at a rapid pace. Among the recent changes, one seemingly minor technical issue is beginning to have a very real impact on businesses: the gradual reduction in the validity period of TLS certificates, with a clear trajectory towards certificates that are valid for only 47 days.
Behind this technical evolution lies a much broader reality: that of risk management, operational workload, and, above all, the ability of IT teams to keep up with these changes without being subjected to unnecessary pressure.
Reminder: what are TLS certificates used for?
TLS certificates are at the heart of digital exchange security. They enable:
- to encrypt communications between a user and a service,
- to guarantee the identity of the server contacted,
- to protect data from interception or alteration.
They are everywhere: websites, business applications, APIs, internal tools, remote access... Often invisible to end users, they are nevertheless essential to smooth operation and digital trust.
Why reduce the validity period of certificates?
Historically, TLS certificates could be valid for several years. This approach is no longer appropriate for today's cybersecurity challenges.
Reducing their lifespan serves several purposes:
- Limit exposure in case of compromise: a stolen or misused certificate becomes obsolete more quickly.
- Encourage best practices: regular rotation, automation, accurate inventory of certificates.
- Adapting to a more dynamic world: cloud infrastructure, DevOps, ephemeral services.
After shifting from several years to 398 days, then to even shorter periods, the sector is now moving toward a standard of 47 days.
What this means in practical terms for businesses
On paper, shortening the validity period improves security. In practice, this raises several very concrete challenges.
- Increased pressure on IT teams
Renewing certificates every 47 days manually is simply not realistic. Without automation, the risk is clear:
- oversights,
- unexpected expirations,
- service interruptions,
- unnecessary stress for teams.
Security must not become a source of human overload.
- A strong dependence on automation
This evolution makes automation non-negotiable. Centralized certificate management, alerts, automatic renewals, integration with IT pipelines: these topics are becoming fundamental, even for medium-sized environments.
- A direct impact on service continuity
An expired certificate is not just a technical issue:
- an unavailable site,
- a blocked application,
- a loss of user confidence.
Cybersecurity directly affects the customer experience and the credibility of the company.
A technical evolution... that calls for a human approach
At Darest Informatic, we have noticed that this type of change is often seen as an additional burden by IT teams. And that's understandable.
The question is not simply, "How can we comply?" but rather:
How can security be enhanced without making daily life more difficult for teams?
This involves:
- appropriate tools,
- clear processes,
- but also through support, teaching, and time.
Cybersecurity should not rely solely on human vigilance. It should be designed to provide relief, not overload.
Plan ahead today to avoid emergencies tomorrow
The reduction to 47 days is not a distant possibility: it is already underway. Waiting means exposing yourself to urgent adjustments, which are often more costly and stressful.
Anticipating means:
- map your certificates,
- identify critical services,
- implement appropriate automation solutions,
- support teams through this transition.
Darest support, backed by a trusted partnership
In partnership with MAYI ID, we help companies navigate this change with confidence. MAYI ID is the Swiss specialist in automation and digital certificate management.
In practical terms, we assist our clients in mapping their certificates, implementing reliable automation solutions, ensuring uninterrupted service renewal, and reducing the risks associated with expirations.
Beyond the tool itself, our added value lies in our human support: understanding environments, adapting to business constraints, and developing the skills of IT teams. The goal is clear: to strengthen security without complicating everyday life.
In conclusion
Reducing the validity period of TLS certificates is a logical development in the cybersecurity landscape. But as is often the case in IT, success does not depend solely on technology.
It depends on the ability of organizations to put people first, support their teams, and transform technical constraints into opportunities for maturity and peace of mind.
At Darest Informatic, we firmly believe that sustainable security requires a balanced approach: secure, automated, and deeply human.