Let’s Encrypt, a trusted authority in providing free, automated, and open TLS certificates, has announced a significant expansion of its services. As of July 3rd, 2025, the organization has begun offering free security certificates for IP addresses. This groundbreaking initiative aims to enhance the security and privacy of a wider range of internet-connected devices and services that traditionally rely on IP addresses for identification.
For years, Let’s Encrypt has been instrumental in promoting secure web browsing by providing free SSL/TLS certificates to websites, enabling encrypted connections through HTTPS. This new offering extends that vital protection to a new, often overlooked, segment of the internet infrastructure.
Previously, obtaining security certificates for direct IP address access was often a complex and costly endeavor, limiting its widespread adoption. This new service from Let’s Encrypt democratizes access to this essential security layer, allowing individuals and organizations to secure direct connections to servers, devices, and applications that are identified by their IP addresses rather than domain names.
This development is particularly impactful for a variety of use cases, including:
- Internal Network Services: Many organizations utilize internal servers and services that are accessed via IP addresses within their private networks. Securing these connections with TLS certificates will significantly improve the confidentiality and integrity of data exchanged within the organization.
- IoT Devices: The burgeoning Internet of Things (IoT) ecosystem often involves devices that communicate directly via IP addresses. Offering free certificates for these devices can bolster their security against unauthorized access and data interception.
- Development and Testing Environments: Developers and testers frequently work with services hosted on specific IP addresses. Having the ability to easily secure these environments with TLS will improve the security posture of the development lifecycle.
- Direct Server Access: In situations where a domain name is not practical or necessary, direct IP address access is still common. This new offering ensures that even these connections can be encrypted and authenticated.
Let’s Encrypt’s commitment to making the internet a safer place is further underscored by this expansion. By removing the cost barrier and simplifying the process of obtaining IP-based security certificates, they are empowering a broader spectrum of users to adopt essential security practices. This move is expected to contribute to a more secure and trustworthy internet ecosystem for everyone.
The technical details of how these IP address certificates will be managed and validated are expected to be published by Let’s Encrypt in due course, but the anticipation is that the process will align with their user-friendly and automated approach that has made them so popular. This initiative represents a significant step forward in securing the underlying infrastructure of the internet, ensuring that more connections, regardless of how they are identified, can be trusted.
Let’s Encrypt rolls out free security certs for IP addresses
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