Security concerns are on the rise and a huge number of consumers, as well as companies, are being ambushed with trojan malware that pretends to be actually certified with a valid Digital Certificate. While browsers and the certificate authorities ensure that such illegal activities don’t take place, when you use digital certificates, notorious people have now found ways to steal private keys by injecting malware into your computer. As you might have already heard, the virus, worms, and malicious codes are capable of retrieving any data within your computer once they enter the restricted premises in any form. Basic protection can be offered by free SSL. This is achieved through e-mail, links, social media website sharing, and many other doorways. Stuxnet is one of the most notoriously known malware in security threat history and was recognized for using malware which was illegally signed with private keys issued by valid, widely recognized companies around the globe. Digital certificates ensure that the intended recipient receives your communication without the message being compromised in any way.
Facets Of Malware – How Digital Certificates defends them?
Among other types of certs issued, the Extended Validation or EV SSL is considered the strict of all because it will be issued only after confirming the existence of an organization, its operation, and credibility. Besides, consumers believe that if they receive a mail from their bank, social media, or financial company, it is from the right person and provide their information without second thoughts. To make use of this trust, the hackers now claim legit names and have also started using sophisticated methods to alter the private key, password to represent themselves as the recognized body using digital certificates. Back door Trojan is the most widely used malware which gains access to every data on your computer. When they try to compromise a large number of computers, stealing the private keys and digital certificates will become tough, yet it is possible to execute it with a specific set of codes.
Smaller organizations do rely on free SSL which is a wise move but it is vital to know who’s on the other end before sending information. Besides, it is also the responsibility of the companies to keep track of their keys, encrypted data, and digital certificates. Sometimes, because of their lack of knowledge, they are being used by malware creators around the globe who impersonate the companies and steal information of all sorts from users, who are unaware of the proceedings. In common terms, it is evident that if they lose their trust, it is bad for the business and the companies will face a severe loss, as suggested by a recent survey. Digital certificates play a vital role in any organization and it is your responsibility to prevent the wrong people from using it.
Protecting Private Keys From Impersonated Certs
There are various methods through which you can protect private keys and find digital certificates that are impersonating the original ones. The procedure in securing multiple domains that run on wildcard SSL will vary but the common methods are applicable for all types of certs. Segregating the network is a good way to start off because if the credential network is different from the development network, you can secure them with different passwords. Besides, keeping track of the private keys, the places where they are deployed, and the domains secured by digital certificates is vital. It allows you to identify in case they are being misused by an unauthorized person.
The EV SSL provider recognized by the certificate authority allows you to ensure that your clients stay safe.