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John McAfee launches cert authority but it's got a POODLE problem

BlackCert working on internet-of-thing security bling

Eccentric infosec man John McAfee is now the proprietor of a Certificate Authority named BlackCert.

Fresh from a shootout friendly discussion with police over drug and firearm possession, the one-time anti-virus boss has made what is badged as a disruptive play into SSL.

BlackCert will offer unlimited use of SSL certificates for basement prices designed to undercut the competition.

The certificate packages include unlimited server use, US$1 million liability protection, and use 2048 bit encryption. McAfee's machine will also offer a trust logo to be displayed on customer sites.

The "high level" assurance offering involves authenticating registered business names including third party information, the controlling entity name, and placing a phone verification call.

Can you trust McAfee's new venture? Not according to Qualys SSL labs, which says BlackCert's site is susceptible to the POODLE bug.

BlackCert says it has a 99.3 percent recognition rate with browsers.

The standard package will cost US$69. It also offers a free 90 day certificate and a top tier unified communications package covering MDC, UCC, UC or SAN certificates for $1299.

The company is, according to SiliconAngle, working on "proprietary technology" to make "personal certificates" affordable for internet of things devices.

It is the latest manoeuvre for McAfee who has in recent months championed defensive security practices like encryption and user privacy. ®

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