Security News > 2021 > September > 3 years, 17 alphas, 2 betas, and over 7,500 commits later, OpenSSL version 3 is here

The OpenSSL team has released version 3.0 of its eponymous secure communications library after a lengthy gestation period.

Coming nearly three years after its predecessor, version 1.1.1, the update lays claim to 17 alpha releases, two beta releases, and more than 7,500 commits.

"OpenSSL 3.0 is a major release and not fully backwards compatible with the previous release," explained Matt Caswell of the OpenSSL Management Committee.

FIPS-validated cryptographic algorithms are important to have for users seeking US government work, and its omission from version 1.1.1 of OpenSSL has caused the odd headache.

The new architecture of version 3.0 restores the module and introduces the "Provider" concept, where different algorithm implementations can be made available.

The number of alpha and beta releases over the years should, hopefully, mean that developers looking to make the move won't get any nasty surprises.

News URL

https://go.theregister.com/feed/www.theregister.com/2021/09/08/openssl_3/