Let's Encrypt now issues free TLS certificates for IP addresses

Let's Encrypt offers free TLS certificates for IPs to secure networking.

: Let's Encrypt has expanded its scope by offering free TLS certificates to secure IP addresses, targeting niche use cases in network encryption. Originally founded by Mozilla employees J. Alex Halderman and Peter Eckersley, the project now secures over 600 million websites. The organization issued its first IP address certificate shortly after announcing this decision in January 2025, rolling it out to more users through 2025. Offering encryption for IP addresses is especially valuable in shared hosting environments and infrastructures that lack registered domain names, boosting security and usability.

Let's Encrypt has made waves by choosing to issue free TLS certificates specifically for IP addresses, an area traditionally overlooked, now pushing boundaries in network security. Established in 2012 by Mozilla members J. Alex Halderman and Peter Eckersley, the organization skyrocketed to become a leading global certificate authority, securing over 600 million domains. With substantial advancements in TLS technology and network protections, the nonprofit has introduced a novel service that fills a crucial gap in cybersecurity, despite this area previously being largely ignored by most certificate authorities.

The push for IP address certificate issuance stems from the need to enhance encryption within shared hosting environments and infrastructure-level services, effectively mitigating risks like IP spoofing and data interception. While domain names offer a user-friendly interface for accessing websites, actual data transit happens across assigned IP addresses. Let's Encrypt aims to address this part of network interaction, offering a robust response to evolving threats on the internet. This strategic expansion aligns with ongoing efforts to bolster DNS infrastructure amid evolving internet threats.

In January 2025, Let's Encrypt unveiled its decision to provide TLS certification for IP addresses, soon followed by issuing its inaugural certificate. The rollout is designed to ensure greater security flexibility for various internet use cases, including supporting smart home devices using remote access and providing temporary or internal connections within cloud hosting setups. This innovative feature leverages Let's Encrypt's ACME protocol, facilitating easy integration with minimal configuration adjustments for current clients who seek to utilize these new certificates.

The market for IP address certification is notably different from web domains, as major companies might not require these specific certificates due to other protective layers already in place. Nonetheless, the move underscores a significant step for domains without registered names and infrastructure services that directly interact with TCP/IP traffic. By fortifying these interactions with TLS, Let's Encrypt helps prevent significant vulnerabilities in these specific networking scenarios.

Although the rollout for these certificates will continue through the latter half of 2025, the offering is anticipated to fundamentally change perspectives on network-level security. Let's Encrypt’s approach exemplifies the commitment to enhancing internet safety for assorted users and stakeholders, safeguarding against an expanding array of cyber threats. The success and widespread adoption of these certificates could potentially inspire a shift across other certificate authorities, emphasizing the need for diverse security measures to keep pace with technological advances.

Sources: TechSpot, Let's Encrypt

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