
Various media have reported that on September 30 there will be an ” internet blackout ” with which millions of computers, smartphones and other devices connected to the internet, such as video game consoles, will no longer be able to connect to the network.
Is this true, or is it just a conspiracy theory? We tell you what we know
Certificate expiration
On September 30, 2021, the IdentTrust DST Root CA X3 certificate will expire.
What does this mean? Let’s Encrypt, a non-profit organization, issues certificates that encrypt the connections between your devices and the Internet in general, ensuring that no one can intercept and steal your data in transit.
To be clearer: every time you enter a website that starts with HTTPS, which means that it is secure, it is thanks to the certificate issued. But after September 30, Let’s Encrypt will stop using this old certificate.
What consequences will it have?
According to TechCrunch , this will have no consequences for the majority of internet users in the world. But, it does not mean that they will not be affected by this change:
… there will be computers, devices and browsers that could no longer connect to the internet if they are not up to date.
Which devices will not be able to connect to the internet?
According to the technology site, the devices that would be affected by the expiration of the certificate will be those that are not updated regularly, such as embedded systems that are designed not to update automatically or smartphones that run versions of software from years ago.
“Users running earlier versions of macOS 2016 and Windows XP (with Service Pack 3) are likely to face issues, along with clients that rely on OpenSSL 1.0.2 or earlier, and older PlayStations 4 that have not been upgraded to a newer firmware. ”
And what about Android devices?
In theory, devices with an Android operating system prior to version 7.1.1 would be affected, but Lets Encrypt would have already worked to extend the validity of the certificate for another three years. However, those that are version 2.3.6 could still be seen offline.
And the iPhone?
Those that will be affected will be those with an operating system prior to iOS 10. The iPhone 5 models is the lowest model that can have iOS 10, so the previous ones may have problems
What can you do?
Check your devices and make the corresponding updates. Most will not have problems, although inevitably there will be “victims” by this “blackout” of the internet.
You may be interested: WhatsApp will no longer work on these iOS and Android smartphones since November, is yours on the list?
Source: Alto Nivel – Entrepreneur