Symantec cloud-based service seeks out 'rogue certificates'

Symantec this week introduced what it calls the Symantec Certificate Intelligence Center, a cloud-based service that works with an on-premises software component to keep track of SSL server certificates used by an organization.

"Every SSL certificate comes with a shelf life, as they expire in one, two or three years," says Amar Doshi, Symantec senior manager, product management. Symantec Certificate Intelligence Center lets IT managers track both public Web-facing and internally-used certificates in order to act before these certificates expire. The service is similar to one offered by competitor Venafi, he says.

In addition, Symantec's cloud-based service, working in conjunction with the on-premises component, which is available based on Red Hat Linux or VMware-based virtual appliance, can scan to detect so-called "rogue certificates," Doshi says.