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Template - SSL Expiry Alert System

This workflow is primarily used for the automatic monitoring of SSL certificate validity. It regularly retrieves a list of URLs to be monitored from Google Sheets on a weekly basis, calls the SSL-Checker.io API to check the certificate status, and updates the results back to the spreadsheet. Based on the certificate status, the system automatically sends email and Telegram notifications to ensure that users are promptly informed about the certificate's validity period and potential issues. This helps maintain website security and reduces the risks and operational pressures associated with certificate expiration, making it suitable for IT operations teams and website administrators.

Workflow Diagram
Template - SSL Expiry Alert System Workflow diagram

Workflow Name

Template - SSL Expiry Alert System

Key Features and Highlights

This workflow automates the process of monitoring SSL certificates by weekly retrieving a list of URLs to be monitored from Google Sheets. It utilizes the SSL-Checker.io API to check the SSL certificate status and expiry dates for each URL, then automatically updates the results back into Google Sheets. Based on the certificate status (invalid, expiring soon, warning, or normal), the system sends tiered email alerts via Gmail and Telegram notifications to ensure users are promptly informed and can address potential SSL certificate issues, thereby preventing security risks and service interruptions caused by expired certificates.

Core Problems Addressed

Expired SSL certificates can trigger website security warnings, reduce user trust, and even cause service outages. Traditional manual monitoring is time-consuming and prone to errors. This workflow automates certificate status monitoring and alerting, enabling IT and operations teams to proactively manage certificate lifecycles, reduce security vulnerabilities, and alleviate operational burdens.

Use Cases

  • IT operations teams regularly monitoring SSL certificate status for internal and external company websites.
  • Multi-site administrators managing certificate expiry dates in bulk to prevent missed renewals.
  • Security and compliance departments ensuring websites meet security standards.
  • Any enterprises or individual website managers needing to maintain long-term HTTPS availability.

Main Workflow Steps

  1. Scheduled Trigger (Weekly Trigger): The workflow initiates at a fixed weekly interval.
  2. Fetch URLs: Reads the list of URLs to monitor from a Google Sheets document.
  3. Check SSL Certificates: Calls the SSL-Checker.io API to retrieve certificate validity, expiry dates, and status information.
  4. Update Data: Writes the obtained SSL certificate details and status back to Google Sheets, updating the monitoring records.
  5. Classification (Switch): Categorizes certificates based on status and remaining validity days into invalid, warning (<30 days), reminder (<60 days), or normal.
  6. Send Notifications: Sends email alerts via Gmail for different statuses and pushes urgent invalid certificate notifications via Telegram; also supports ntfy for general notifications.

Systems and Services Involved

  • Google Sheets: Stores and manages the list of URLs to monitor and the SSL check results.
  • SSL-Checker.io API: Provides SSL certificate inspection services.
  • Gmail: Sends various alert emails.
  • Telegram: Pushes urgent notifications for invalid certificates.
  • ntfy: Sends general informational notifications.

Target Users and Value

  • IT administrators and cybersecurity engineers: Automate monitoring of SSL certificates across multiple sites to avoid oversight.
  • Operations teams: Reduce manual checking workload and improve certificate management efficiency.
  • Enterprise website administrators: Ensure website security and prevent access issues caused by expired certificates.
  • Any individuals or organizations concerned with website security and user experience.

This workflow not only enhances the automation and intelligence of SSL certificate management but also supports flexible configuration and scalability, allowing users to adjust monitoring frequency, notification content, and channels according to their specific needs. It is a practical tool for ensuring secure and reliable website operations.