The 47-day update: an expected evolution in digital security
The passage of the CA/Browser Forum ballot to reduce the maximum certificate lifespan to 47 days represents a natural and anticipated progression in the industry’s ongoing effort to enhance security and streamline certificate management. This move, while significant, is neither surprising nor disruptive to those who have been following the industry’s trajectory over the past decade. Rather, it is a continuation of a well-documented trend toward shorter certificate lifetimes - a trend that has consistently aligned with the need for improved security, agility, and automation.
Not a surprise, but a step forward
For years, the industry has been shifting toward shorter-lived certificates. The move from three-year certificates to two years, then to one-year certificates, and more recently, Google's advocacy for 90-day certificates all signaled the inevitability of further reductions. Security professionals, browser vendors, and certificate authorities have long recognized the fundamental benefits of shorter lifespans: reduced exposure to compromised credentials, quicker response times to evolving threats, and a greater emphasis on automated management systems.
The outcome of the CA/B Forum ballot should be viewed in this context - not as an abrupt or radical change but as an incremental step forward. Apple, Google, and Mozilla have all supported the reduction, reinforcing their ongoing commitment to enhancing the security of web authentication. As with previous changes, this decision is based on data-driven security imperatives rather than mere industry preference.
Automate today
For organizations that have already adopted automation in their certificate management workflows, this shift will likely have minimal impact. The reliance on manual certificate renewal has long been recognized as inefficient and error-prone, and this ballot outcome will serve as yet another incentive for businesses to fully embrace automation. Companies that still depend on legacy methods will need to adapt quickly to avoid the increased operational overhead associated with more frequent renewals.
Security and efficiency
From an industry-wide perspective, the decision highlights the continued alignment between security priorities and real-world implementation. While some certificate authorities expressed concerns over the shorter renewal periods, the broader consensus remains clear: agility and proactive risk management must take precedence over static, outdated processes. As history has shown, each reduction in certificate lifespan has been met with initial resistance, but the long-term benefits in terms of security and efficiency have always justified the change.
Be proactive today, not tomorrow
Organizations that want to ensure a smooth transition should prioritize implementing automated certificate management solutions, conducting internal training to educate IT teams on new workflows, and integrating renewal processes into existing security frameworks. These proactive steps will help mitigate any potential disruptions while maximizing the security benefits of more frequent certificate rotations.
As we look ahead, the 47-day certificate lifecycle should be seen as an affirmation of the industry's collective commitment to improving security. While there may be challenges in implementation for some, the broader implications are overwhelmingly positive. Organizations that take this change as an opportunity to refine their security infrastructure will ultimately be better positioned to respond to future shifts in the digital security landscape.
Maintaining security first
By investing in automation, streamlining certificate management processes, and adopting best practices for rapid certificate renewals, businesses can ensure seamless compliance while maintaining a robust and resilient security posture. With this shift, the industry takes another important step toward a more secure, resilient, and automated digital ecosystem.