Updated
Updated · Meduza · Jul 23
Russia Urges Domestic SSL Installs as GlobalSign Revocations Threaten 20,000 Domains
Updated
Updated · Meduza · Jul 23

Russia Urges Domestic SSL Installs as GlobalSign Revocations Threaten 20,000 Domains

1 articles · Updated · Meduza · Jul 23

Summary

  • Russia’s Digital Development Ministry told users to install state-backed SSL certificates via the Gosuslugi portal so Russian banks, stores and other sites keep loading in foreign browsers.
  • Chrome, Safari and Edge users are already hitting security warnings or connection failures because global certificate authorities have been revoking certificates issued to Russian companies.
  • GlobalSign began forced revocations in mid-June, and sources told RBC the move could affect 15,000 to 20,000 second-level domains.
  • More than 300 domains tied to 44 companies were later added to GlobalSign’s revocation list, including sites linked to Rosneft, Gazprombank, Alrosa and VEB.RF.
  • The push highlights Russia’s broader effort to replace foreign internet infrastructure with domestic alternatives as outside providers cut off Russian entities.

Insights

With state-issued certificates, is the Russian internet safer for users or just easier for the Kremlin to watch?
Is Russia's 'sovereign internet' a defensive shield or a blueprint for a globally fractured web?