[Contents] [Prev] [Next] [Index] [Report an Error]

Understanding Certificates

A digital certificate is an electronic means for verifying your identity through a trusted third party, known as a certificate authority (CA). Alternatively, you can use a self-signed certificate to attest to your identity. For details on self-signed certificates, see Understanding Self-Signed Certificates.

Before You Begin
For background information, read Understanding Public Key Cryptography.

The CA server you use can be owned and operated by an independent CA or by your own organization, in which case you become your own CA. If you use an independent CA, you must contact them for the addresses of their CA and certificate revocation list (CRL) servers (for obtaining certificates and certificate revocation lists) and for the information they require when submitting personal certificate requests. When you are your own CA, you determine this information yourself.

Note: The following CAs are supported: Entrust, Microsoft, and Verisign.

This topic covers:

[Contents] [Prev] [Next] [Index] [Report an Error]