Problem
Learn about the difference between a subscription period and a certificate validity period when purchasing a multi-year subscription in the Entrust online store. Find out how the subscription works and why certificate renewal is still required despite the longer subscription duration.
Summary
Learn about the difference between a subscription period and a certificate validity period when purchasing a multi-year subscription in the Entrust online store. Find out how the subscription works and why certificate renewal is still required despite the longer subscription duration.
Understanding the SSL Certificate Validity Period with a Multi-Year Subscription in the Entrust Online Store
When considering a multi-year subscription in the
Entrust self-serve online store
, it’s essential to understand that the subscription period and certificate validity period are not the same. While the subscription period allows you to commit to a fixed price for up to 5 years, the actual
validity period
of an issued
SSL certificate
depends on specific regulations. In this article, we explain the distinction between the subscription period and certificate validity period, shedding light on why certificate renewal is necessary despite the longer subscription duration.
Understanding the Subscription Period
The subscription period, also known as the
term
, refers to the number of years you choose to commit to using your certificate licenses. By opting for a multi-year subscription in the Entrust online store, you secure a fixed price for the duration of the subscription. This provides cost predictability and flexibility in managing your certificate licenses.
During the subscription period, you have the freedom to issue,
reissue
,
revoke
, and reuse licenses as much as needed. This ensures that you can adapt to any changes in your certificate requirements without additional costs or limitations.
Differentiating the Certificate Validity Period
While a multi-year subscription lets you use your certificate licenses for an extended period, the validity period of an issued certificate is subject to regulations. Publicly trusted
TLS/SSL certificates
, for example, are typically issued with a maximum validity period of 12 months.
Certificate validity periods are determined by regulatory bodies and industry standards to ensure security and maintain trust in digital certificates. Despite having a multi-year subscription, you will still need to renew your certificate four times after the initial issuance to comply with these regulations.
Why Certificate Renewal is Required
Certificate renewal is necessary to maintain the security and integrity of your digital certificates. As industry standards dictate, shorter validity periods reduce the risk associated with compromised certificates. By adhering to these guidelines, Entrust ensures that your certificates remain trustworthy and valid throughout their lifecycle.
During the subscription period, you have the flexibility to renew your certificate at each renewal cycle without incurring additional charges for the licenses. This allows you to seamlessly maintain your certificate’s validity and ensures ongoing security for your online operations.
Choosing a multi-year subscription in the Entrust online store gives you long-term cost predictability and flexibility in managing your certificate licenses. However, it’s important to note that the subscription period and certificate validity period are distinct concepts. While the subscription period extends for five years, the validity period of an issued certificate typically adheres to industry regulations, often limited to 12 months.
By understanding this distinction, you can effectively plan for certificate renewals within your subscription period, ensuring ongoing security and compliance with industry standards. Entrust’s subscription model empowers you to manage your certificates efficiently and adapt to evolving security requirements without incurring additional costs.