COMODO SSL OFFERS FREE REPLACEMENT CERTIFICATE TO ANY INDIVIDUALS AFFECTED BY DEBIAN VULNERABILITY FLAW

Comodo issues security advisory on Debian vulnerability flaw, confirming that while Comodo Certificates are unaffected, some certificates created using Debian Distribution are vulnerable which is why Comodo is offering free replacement services for affected SSL certificates – regardless of original certificate provider

Jersey City, NJ (May 21, 2008) – Comodo, a global leader in Identity and Trust Assurance Management solutions, announced today that it would offer free SSL certificates to any online businesses affected by the security flaw recently detected in Debian – the LINUX distribution. While Comodo stressed that the SSL certificates it issued are not vulnerable (it is the private keys generated by the users that may be vulnerable), it is offering assistance to Comodo customers as well as to anyone using a competitive SSL certificate from VeriSign or others by offering a new SSL certificate free of charge.

The security flaw (discovered last week) affects Open SSL in Debian versions of the Linux operating system. The security flaw allows brute forcing of vulnerable keys and could lead to a compromise of secure communications using the keys. To support and assist affected merchants in their efforts to remedy the problem, Comodo is offering free replacement certificates for any certificate that may have been compromised, even if the original certificate was provided by another company.

Affected users are advised to replace their certificates in order to ensure the security of their sensitive data including passwords, financial accounts, credit card numbers, and identities. Comodo customers can log into their accounts and replace their certificates with a new CSR (Certificate Signing Request). Customers should update the Open SSL package to the latest version, create a new CSR and key pair then proceed to replace the affected certificate. Non Comodo customers can visit: instantssl.com ssl-certificate-support/debian/ssl-certificate-contact.html to get the free certificate. Other security information regarding this vulnerability can be viewed at; lists.debian.org/debian-security-announce/2008/msg00152.html

“We are making this offer for a free replacement SSL certificate to any affected business, regardless of their original provider because we recognize that SSL certificates are a pivotal foundation of a trusted Internet,” said Melih Abdulhayoglu, CEO and Chief Security Architect of Comodo. “SSL certificates working properly are essential to the success of online commerce, and we are giving free certificates as an incentive to encourage immediate remedial action. Our free offer is intended to remove any barriers from businesses needing to correct these certificates.”

About Comodo

The Comodo companies provide the infrastructure that is essential in enabling e-merchants, other Internet-connected companies, software companies, and individual consumers to interact and conduct business via the Internet safely and securely. The Comodo companies offer PKI SSL, Code Signing, Content Verification and Email Certificate; award winning PC Security software;  Vulnerability Scanning services for PCI Compliance; secure e-mail and fax services.

Continual innovation, a core competence in PKI, and a commitment to reversing the growth of Internet-crime distinguish the Comodo companies as vital players in the Internet’s ongoing development. Comodo secures and authenticates online transactions and communications for over 200,000 business customers and 3,000,000 users of our desktop security products.

For additional information on Comodo – Creating Trust Online® visit Comodo.com

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Comodo
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