Get Ready: May 31st Is Almost Here
As the month of May comes to an end, businesses are gearing up for the latest change that is coming their way. May 31st marks an important date that will affect any website that relies on third-party services to enhance their functionality. As the clock ticks, you need to prepare yourself for the changes that are going to happen. Get ready for May 31st by understanding what this change is all about and how it could impact your website.
What is May 31st and Why is it Important?
May 31st is the day when the TLS 1.0 and TLS 1.1 protocols will be discontinued. These protocols are used to protect the security of your website and its users. However, they have become outdated and no longer meet the security standards that are required for websites today. The discontinuation of these protocols means that websites must switch to the newer TLS 1.2 or TLS 1.3 protocols to ensure they remain secure.
This change affects websites that rely on third-party services such as payment gateways, ad networks, hosting providers, and content delivery networks. If any of these services are using the older protocols, they will no longer be able to communicate with your website, which could result in errors, security vulnerabilities, or even downtime.
What Do You Need to Do?
The first thing you need to do is check the protocols that are being used by your website and any third-party services you are using. You can use online tools or ask your service providers to confirm the protocols they are using. If any of them are using TLS 1.0 or TLS 1.1, you need to contact them and ask them to switch to TLS 1.2 or 1.3 before May 31st.
If you are using a hosting provider, make sure they have already implemented the new protocols. Most hosting providers have already made the switch, but it’s always best to confirm.
If you’re using any plugins or third-party software on your website, make sure they have been updated to support the new protocols. Otherwise, you may run into compatibility issues.
Finally, make sure you have a backup plan in case any service you rely on fails to make the switch in time. If you are using a payment gateway and it fails to switch to the newer protocols, you may need to find an alternative gateway or switch to a different e-commerce platform altogether.
What Happens If You Don’t Switch?
If you don’t switch to the new protocols, your website will become vulnerable to security risks. Hackers may be able to intercept data sent between your website and third-party services, compromising the personal information of your users. In addition, your website may become unavailable if any service you rely on fails to make the switch, which could result in lost revenue and damage to your reputation.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What are TLS 1.0 and TLS 1.1?
TLS 1.0 and TLS 1.1 are encryption protocols that protect the security of websites and their users. However, they have become outdated and are no longer deemed secure. As a result, they will be discontinued on May 31st, 2021.
2. What are TLS 1.2 and TLS 1.3?
TLS 1.2 and TLS 1.3 are newer encryption protocols that provide enhanced security for websites and their users. These protocols are already in use by most modern browsers and websites.
3. How do I check which TLS protocols my website is using?
You can use online tools or contact your service providers to confirm which protocols they are using. To check your website’s protocols, you can use online tools such as SSL Server Test or Qualys SSL Labs.
4. What happens if I don’t switch to the new protocols?
If you don’t switch to the new protocols, your website may become vulnerable to security risks and may also become unavailable if any service you rely on fails to make the switch.
5. What should I do if any of my service providers fail to make the switch?
If any service provider fails to make the switch, you may need to find an alternative or switch to a different platform altogether. Make sure you have a backup plan in place to minimize any disruptions to your business.
Conclusion
May 31st is an important date for any business that relies on third-party services to enhance their website’s functionality. If you haven’t already done so, it’s time to check the protocols your website and services are using and take action to ensure you are using the latest and most secure protocols. Failure to do so could result in security vulnerabilities, downtime, and damage to your reputation. Prepare yourself for May 31st and stay ahead of the game!
