HID Acquires SSL Certificate Specialist

HID Global has acquired ZeroSSL, an Austria-based SSL certificate specialist. According to the companies, ZeroSSL issues over half a million certificates per month, and serves more than 2.4 million user accounts.

SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) certificates are essential for securing online communications, particularly for websites. They encrypt the data transmitted between a web server and a user’s browser, ensuring that sensitive information like personal details and credit card numbers are transmitted securely.

ZeroSSL made its mark in the industry by offering a user-friendly interface and free SSL certificates, positioning itself as an alternative to other SSL providers like Let’s Encrypt. Their services often appeal to small and medium-sized businesses and individuals who require a simple and cost-effective solution for website security.

In addition to free certificates, ZeroSSL also provides paid options which include features like extended validation certificates, which offer a higher level of security and trust.

Martin Ladstaetter, HID’s Senior VP and Managing Director for IAMS, said the acquisition “marks another step in expanding our PKI and IoT business,” adding, “Bringing ZeroSSL’s established expertise and strong brand into the HID portfolio reinforces our commitment to safeguarding digital transactions while expanding our suite of offerings.”

PKI provides the essential infrastructure for managing digital certificates and public-private key pairs. SSL protocols leverage these digital certificates, issued and verified by Certificate Authorities within the PKI system, to facilitate encrypted communication and authenticate the identity of entities on the internet, such as websites. This synergy ensures that data transmitted over the web remains secure and that the parties involved in the communication can trust each other’s identity, making SSL integral to maintaining the security and integrity of online transactions and data exchange.

The ZeroSSL deal offers the latest example of HID’s interest in strategic acquisitions. In 2018, for example, HID acquired the biometrics specialist Crossmatch, and it went on to buy De La Rue’s international identity solutions business in 2019.

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January 22, 2024 – by the FindBiometrics Editorial Team