To meet new security standards, such as a reduction in the validity time of SSL/TLS server certificates to 47 days, IBM Japan, Ltd. introduced a new solution based on HashiCorp Vault (henceforth referred to as “Vault”) and Red Hat Ansible Automation Platform (henceforth referred to as “AAP”).

This system improves security by automating the whole certificate lifecycle. Additionally, it makes it possible for effective and automated IT operations to manage the quick growth and growing complexity of server operations that accompany the proliferation of hybrid clouds.

The number of servers has skyrocketed in recent years due to the quick expansion of cloud computing, creating ever-larger and more complicated systems. Additionally, traditional manual certificate administration and operations are reaching their limits because of the shrinking workforce, which calls for increased automation and efficiency.

Additionally, starting on March 15, 2026, the expiration date of SSL/TLS server certificates will be gradually shortened from the current 398 days to 100 days by 2027 and 47 days by 2029 by the CA/Browser Forum, an organization that develops guidelines aimed at enhancing the security of communications using digital certificates.

Therefore, labor costs will rise significantly if certificate renewal work is done manually without automation, and there is a chance that the scheduled work won’t be finished in the allotted maintenance time.

The previously difficult process of renewing certificates will be greatly simplified by combining IBM Vault, which offers secrets management and data encryption to manage and protect access to confidential data, with AAP, an enterprise automation platform that can meet all automation needs in any environment, and IBM Concert, an IT operations advancement tool.

According to IBM Japan, many organizations currently have more than 100 certificates, which would require more than 100 hours each month to renew. However, by implementing this solution, this labor cost will be nearly eliminated, freeing up operations staff to concentrate on more strategic tasks.