There’s a change coming to something most firms rarely think about—until it breaks.

Beginning March 15, 2026, SSL/TLS certificates will no longer last 398 days. They will be limited to 200 days. The timeline continues:

  • March 15, 2026 – 200-day maximum

  • March 15, 2027 – 100-day maximum

  • March 15, 2029 – 47-day maximum

By 2029, certificates will renew roughly every month and a half.

If you’re wondering whether this matters to your firm, the honest answer is: yes.

But not in a way that should cause stress.

The Part No One Sees — Until It Stops Working

SSL/TLS certificates enable your systems to communicate securely. They sit quietly behind:

  • Remote access

  • Email systems

  • Cloud applications

  • Document management platforms

  • Client portals

  • Your public website

When they’re working, no one notices.

When they expire, everyone notices.

Attorneys can’t log in. Clients see browser warnings. Email connections fail. Court deadlines don’t pause because of a certificate error.

The industry is shortening certificate lifespans to improve security and reduce risk exposure. It’s the right move from a cybersecurity standpoint.

But it also means there are more renewal events. More chances for something to be missed. More room for human error—unless the process is structured and automated.

This Is Where We Lean In

If you are already a client of Innovative Computing Systems, you should know this: we are not waiting for March 2026.

Certificate lifecycle management is being reviewed as part of your broader infrastructure oversight. That includes inventorying certificates, identifying where automation is required, and integrating renewals into monitored processes.

Because that is how we operate.

Innovative Computing Systems provides comprehensive IT solutions built specifically for law firms and legal departments. Our Managed IT Services model is centered on proactive monitoring and issue prevention—not reactive cleanup.

When industry standards shift, we adjust your environment before the shift becomes a problem.

You should not be learning about certificate expiration from a frustrated attorney or a client who cannot access a portal.

If You’re Not Sure Who’s Watching This for You

If your firm is not currently working with us, this is a good moment to pause and ask a few quiet questions:

  • Do we have a complete inventory of certificates across all systems?

  • Is renewal automated, or is someone manually tracking it?

  • What happens if that person is out of the office?

  • Who verifies that renewals are successful?

Shorter certificate lifespans are manageable—but only with visibility and discipline.

Law firms are already facing increased security requirements from clients and insurers. Audits, compliance reviews, and layered protections are now standard expectations. Certificate management is part of that larger picture.

It’s not dramatic. It’s not flashy. But it is foundational.

We’ve Seen What Happens When Oversight Breaks Down

In a recent ransomware recovery engagement, one small lapse in oversight led to major operational disruption. Rapid detection and coordinated response allowed the firm to restore systems without paying a ransom.

The lesson wasn’t just about malware. It was about preparation.

The firms that recover quickly are the ones with structured processes, monitoring, and accountability already in place.

Certificate management belongs in that same category.

You Shouldn’t Have to Track This

Security standards will continue to evolve. Requirements will tighten. Deadlines will come and go.

You should not have to monitor browser consortium ballots or certificate authority policy changes to keep your firm operational.

That’s our role.

Since 1989, Innovative Computing Systems has helped law firms build technology environments that are stable, secure, and thoughtfully managed.

When the certificate clock shortens again in 2027—and again in 2029—you won’t need to scramble.

We’ll already be there.

Let’s review your environment before the March 2026 deadline. We’ll identify gaps, implement automation, and make sure nothing falls through the cracks.

Because when something changes in the security landscape, you deserve a partner who moves first.

We’ve Got Your Back.