Once considered a secure algorithm, SHA-1 has proved to be getting weaker year after year. Search engines, including Google, are finally pushing web users to move on from SHA-1.
What Is SHA-1?
SHA-1 is the widely used security algorithm that secures sensitive and personal websites, software, and corporate servers.
According to Netcraft.com, almost 90% of websites that use SSL (Secure Socket Layer) encryptions, such as https, use SHA-1 to protect themselves from being impersonated. For example, when you want to visit http://www.keystoneclick.com, SHA-1 ensures that you’re visiting the actual website and not giving your password or information to an attacker or fake website.
What You Can Do
SHA-1 is not an immediate threat, but it will become one in the next few years. Luckily, the ability to transition your website from SHA-1 to SHA-2 is now an option, and, according to NIST.gov, SHA-3 is even available as a secure algorithm. As certificates start to expire, Keystone Click will also start updating websites, ensuring the security of our client’s websites.