Yesterday, Comodo CA announced today that it will now be known as Sectigo (pronounced sec-tee-go) moving forward.
Why the name change?
Comodo’s Certficate Authority (CA) business was acquired by Francisco Partners last year. Much like the Symantec deal with DigiCert that saw its entire CA operation switch hands, Comodo sold its Certificate Authority, but continued on offering other security products like its popular anti-virus product.
Given the fact that both companies – which are now distinct entities – operate in the same industry, go to the same trade shows and deal with the same media, there was the potential for confusion.
What is changing now that Comodo CA is Sectigo? This is primarily a branding change, so pretty much anything with Comodo CA branding is being updated to the new Sectigo logos and colors. Sectigo is also using this as an opportunity to streamline its website and interfaces with the aim of improving customer experience. Right away the two biggest places you’ll probably notice a difference will be the Sectigo site seal and some of the product names. Specifically the eponymous Comodo SSL/TLS certificate line will now be the Sectigo line. Others, like PositiveSSL and InstantSSL will now be “powered by Sectigo.”
What Is Changing And How Will It Impact Your Website?
This is primarily a branding change, so pretty much anything with Comodo CA branding is being updated to the new Sectigo logos and colors.
The biggest changes you will notice are the Sectigo site seal and some of the product names. Specifically the Comodo SSL/TLS certificate line will now be the Sectigo line. Others, like PositiveSSL will now be powered by Sectigo.
What Is Not Changing?
Sectigo is still the same company that has over 20 years of industry experience and the largest market share of any commercial CA. Its DNA is still the same. It is still the company that has issued over 100,000,000 SSL certificates in over 150 countries.
It is just rebranding to distance itself from the Comodo group. And though some products may be going by different names, all of the same products will still be available.
Will your Comodo CA SSL/TLS certificate still work?
Yes. All of the Comodo CA roots and their descendants will continue to be trusted and you may continue on using your Comodo CA digital certificates, along with any associated site seals, until their expiration date.
Sectigo will also send you directions on how to update the seal in case you would like to. And should you choose to renew the certificate the only difference will be that it will now be a Sectigo certificate instead of a Comodo one.
You have nothing to worry about from a customer standpoint.
Does Sectigo have its own Root certificates?
Not yet. Getting a root certificate included in a root program is neither simple, nor quick. Since a trusted root certificate is such a precious and powerful commodity, root programs are very stringent. As of now, Sectigo hasn’t even attempted to get its root added.
Until Sectigo can get its root certificates added, it will continue to use the existing Comodo CA roots. It is unclear whether or not it has already spun up intermediates to begin cross-signing, but it will likely be a while before Sectigo can get its new roots added to the major root stores.
When will these changes take effect?
Immediately. As of 1st November 2018, Comodo CA exists only in a legacy capacity and all new business will now be conducted under the banner of Sectigo.
