Datasur-Hosted-Services

SSL Certification & Xolphin Update

In this update we would like to inform you about a number of relevant external developments, which, for example, also affect our validation procedures. This is all to make the client certificate request process easier.

This message applies to customers who generate their own CSR and send it to us.

Minimum key length Code Signing certificates to 3072 bits

The CA/Brower forum has tightened the requirements for code signing certificates; from June 1, 2021, a minimum key length of 3072 bits is required. Currently, the minimum key size is still 2048 bits. The reason for this is to improve security, in order to be better prepared for future technological advances that enable additional computing power.

Vulnerability in OpenSSL

In OpenSSL, widely used software for setting up HTTPS connections, two vulnerabilities were found at the end of March that can lead to reduced accessibility of websites. Do you use OpenSSL? Then check your OpenSSL version so that you can update quickly if necessary.

End of TLS 1.2 in sight

In January, the National Cyber ​​Security Center (NCSC) amended its security guidelines, including the recommendation to switch to the encryption protocol TLS 1.3. This protocol is more resistant to (future) attack techniques and is also easier to securely configure than its predecessor TLS 1.2

Validation procedure changes digital signatures

The controls for the issuance of certificates are continuously monitored and tightened up if necessary. Recently, two changes have been made in the field of digital signatures:

From March 2021, it is necessary to send a copy of the applicant’s ID when applying for a Sectigo code signing and EV code signing certificate. Both a passport, identity card and driver’s license are allowed.

From April 2021, an additional validation of the applicant is required to apply for an Ensured eSign (personal) certificate. We do this by signing a short contract, and in specific cases – such as a sole proprietorship or an application from an HR department – via a short video call, in which the applicant is asked to show his ID.

For more information please email us support@datasur.sr

Whitney de Rijp, MBA in Innovation and Technology.
Whitney de Rijp is a young driven Surinamese woman. She has been working at Datasur for over 6 years. Together with her top team, they ensure that customer data is stored securely all over the world which helps them focus on their core business.

Integrity, authenticity and just being herself is the mode for success as a Commercial Affairs Manager. Furthermore, she finds it very important to maximize effectiveness and of course lead by example. For both the internal and the external organization she is very transparent, which also fosters loyalty and engagement with the company goals.

Jurgen Schmeltz has as a Bachelor's degree in Information and Communication Technology and several IT certifications. His IT career started in Johannesburg, South Africa at IBM where he gained international experience for 5 years. When he came back to Suriname, he worked for two IT companies and also gained experience in VOIP, Backup Solutions and Microsoft Products.

At the moment Jurgen is a Cloud and Datacenter Infrastructure Specialist with many years of experience in the field of Microsoft Virtualization, Workplace Automation, Backup, Replication and Data Center Infrastructure. He currently holds the position of Operations Manager and is responsible for managing the Datacenter Operations such as Cloud and Network infrastructure.

Furthermore, he is also responsible for managing daily Facility Operations of the Datasur Datacenters and Project Lead for Cloud and Datacenter expansion projects. In his free time he’s a parttime lecturer at the two technical Universities in Suriname.

On behalf of Datasur Jurgen Schmeltz is also chairman of SUR-IX. The Suriname Internet Exchange Point which will be operational before the end of 2022

Sheetal Ganput works as the General Affairs Manager at Datasur. In this role she is part of the management team and reports to the CEO of Datasur.

She is a very self-driven, detail-oriented & hardworking young professional. She has helped to reorganize the company in the field of Office, HRM and Supply Chain Management.

Sheetal has her B.Sc. in Business Management and also completed her M.Sc. completed in Business Management with a specialization in Strategy, Entrepreneurship and Leadership. She is very progressive and is currently doing her Ph.D. study in Leadership & Management

Our CEO, Dr. Anvit Ramlakhan is a prolific strong inspiring inclusive young professional leader from Suriname, working in different fields to contribute for the betterment of humanity and the world. He is an experienced executive with a demonstrated history of working in the ICT industry for several years, with a widespread of skills in operations, quality, risk, project, business, strategy, product portfolio management (just to name a few). At Datasur Anvit oversees the total company performance on strategical level, with a strong focus on business growth, innovation, customer experience and financial profitability.

Furthermore, Anvit contributes to development of the Surinamese youth by lecturing and tutoring at four university study organizations in Suriname on undergraduate and postgraduate levels within study fields such as ICT, Electrical engineering, Organization management, Process management, Business intelligence, MBA, etc.

He has a strong professional background with a cum laude doctorate (Ph.D. in Management- Information and Technology) from the Akamai University in USA, Master of Science (M.Sc.) with merit in Information Systems from Anglia Ruskin University in London, UK and Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) in Telecommunications from Anton de Kom University in Paramaribo, Suriname. He currently is finishing up his MBA in Strategic Management and Leadership at the London School of International Business, London, UK.

Anvit has several prolific leadership and business certifications, ongoing humanity service, extensive spiritual drive and a personal theme which is as follows: “Continuous progressive successful excellence”. He is part of volunteer organization HSS for 20+ years, through which character molding, collaboration and way of living for the youth is created and augmented.

In January 2022 he has been elected for two years as Chairman of the ICT Association in Suriname, in order to help strategize the sustainable digital economic development of Suriname. Furthermore he also has been elected as Chairman for the Suriname Business Youth Association in June 2021 for a period of two years, whereby development and support of young entrepreneurs and professionals is one of the main goals. Anvit is also part of the presidential working groups on areas of e-Government and wage council.