Deprecation of SHA-1 Hashing Algorithm for Microsoft Root Certificate Program

[NewsArchive]

All,

Okay, here is the story. Microsoft has published a security advisory on
"Deprecation of SHA-1 Hashing Algorithm for Microsoft Root Certificate
Program". The new policy takes effect after January 1, 2016 and requires
CAs to migrate to the stronger SHA-2 hashing algorithm.

In summary, Windows will cease accepting SHA-1 certificates on January 1,
2017. To continue to work with Microsoft platforms, all SHA-1 SSL
certificates issued before or after this announcement must be replaced with
a SHA-256 (SHA-2) equivalent by January 1, 2017. Organizations need to
develop a migration plan for any SHA-1 end-entity SSL certificates that
expire after January 1, 2017 and SHA-1 code signing certificates that expire
after January 1, 2016. SHA1 code signing certificates that are time stamped
before 1 January 2016 will be accepted until such time when Microsoft
decides SHA1 is vulnerable to pre-image attack. Microsoft will give new
consideration to the SHA deprecation deadlines in July 2015.

1. Customers should "renew" with SHA-2 end-entity and intermediate
certificates.

2. Microsoft will cease trusting Code Signing Certificates using SHA-1 on
January 1, 2016.

Most applications, servers and browsers now support SHA-2, however some
older operating systems such as Windows XP prior to Service Pack 3, and some
mobile devices do not.

For example:
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/2763674

Before the SHA-1 algorithm is formally deprecated by Microsoft, it is
important to ensure your organization and those relying on your
infrastructure are benefiting from SHA-2 support by installing the latest
version of the application or browser and applying all known security
updates to your operating system.

Comodo will support only SHA-2 on all 3 year code signing certificates.
They will also confirm policies at this time regarding 2 year SHA-1 code
signing certificates.

http://www.comodo.com/e-commerce/SHA-2-transition.php

More SetupBuilder 8.x with built-in support for SHA-2 information to follow
soon.

Friedrich

--
Friedrich Linder
Lindersoft
www.lindersoft.com
+1.954.252.3910

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