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Symantec To Buy VeriSign's Authentication Business

Posted by timothy on from the watch-that-basket-carefully dept.

overThruster writes "Security giant Symantec is taking another step toward global domination of the information security market with the purchase of VeriSign's authentication business. Back in April it purchased PGP Corporation and GuardianEdge. VeriSign is the best known Certificate Authority; they are virtually synonymous with certificates for SSL and PKI. It seems like this could dilute the trust value of their brand rather than enhance it. It is not clear yet what effects this will have on VeriSign customers but the cynic in me says it can't be good. In terms of putting all your eggs in one basket, this will sure make Symantec a juicy target for hackers (as if they weren't already). Imagine you could hack one company and control a large chunk of endpoint security software and the bulk of the Internet's public key infrastructure."

6 of 97 comments (clear)

  1. Surely they can't... by dov_0 · · Score: 5, Funny

    Find a way to make SSL certification slow down your computer as well? Maybe they intend to slow down the whole internet?!?

    --
    sudo mount --milk --sugar /cup/tea /mouth /etc/init.d/relax start
    1. Re:Surely they can't... by MrEricSir · · Score: 4, Funny

      And once you install an SSL certificate, you'll never be able to completely remove it.

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      There's no -1 for "I don't get it."
    2. Re:Surely they can't... by ascari · · Score: 5, Funny

      Your computer is at risk!

      Your Symantec SSL subscription has expired. All your secrets are visible to all users on the Internet. Click HERE to renew your Symantec SSL subscription.

  2. Re:FP by MightyMartian · · Score: 4, Funny

    Oh look, Darth Vader has switched allegiances... to Sauron!

    --
    The world's burning. Moped Jesus spotted on I50. Details at 11.
  3. But surely they run antivirus by Culture20 · · Score: 5, Funny

    Imagine you could hack [Symantec] and control a large chunk of endpoint security software and the bulk of the Internet's public key infrastructure.

    I'm sure they buy anti-virus and firewall software from a reputable vendor.

  4. Re:FP by dgatwood · · Score: 4, Funny

    Actually, I think it's great. Symantec builds lousy, overpriced products, Verisign sells insufficiently verified, overpriced EV certificates. It's a match made in heaven. Better yet, we only have to hate one company instead of two, because what's left of Verisign should be mostly harmless.

    --

    Check out my sci-fi/humor trilogy at PatriotsBooks.