A PKI certificate is created based upon the current standards for public key infrastructure. These standards can be applied to basic digital certificates, as well as those used as digital signatures. This type of certificate is designed to be used anytime organizations require increased security for various electronic processes and procedures. For each certificate request, there is a pair of certificates generated and created. One certificate should be retained by the user or business and never shared outside of the organization.

A root certificate is nothing more than a specific area contained in all types of digital certificates. The information contained within the root is responsible for calling for and processing authentication procedures. Whenever you create a new digital certificate, the root relies upon the kind of authentication you want to use. For example, if you want the certificate to be authenticated directly with your certificate authority (CA) system, then the root is created so it is directed to connect with the CA system.

SSL server and code sign certificates can be used to increase security whenever your organization relies upon single sign on authentication. This method of authentication is where users enter in a single user name and password to gain access to all approved resources on your network, as well as online. Because there is an increased risk with using single sign on, you need to take steps to improve security and prevent unauthorized access to your company’s data and resources.

Just about every digital certificate in use today follows the X509 certificate standards. These standards were created in order to simplify certificate creation and allow for certificate sharing between organizations and other individuals. Without these standards, companies would all have their own certificate versions in use. As a result, users would have to obtain a new certificate, every time they needed, to conduct business transactions with organizations outside of their own company. Further, certificate sharing would be completely eliminated.

A certification authority (CA) system is required anytime a business wants the ability to create digital certificates in-house on their own. There are several different options available to fit with needs of an organization, while still providing access to manage, control, and create digital certificates for a variety of purposes and functions. For instance, some businesses decide to purchase a software solution in order to install it onto a server and operate an internal CA system.

Many people automatically assume connecting over the internet provides a secure connection. However, this is not the case, because the internet is a public network. Without any security measures in place, your computer and data are at risk. As a result, numerous organizations use various methods involving public key cryptography, including SSL and two factor authentication, to create secure connections over the internet.

A Certificate Authority System Creates Certificates to Use with Public Key Cryptography

It is easy to make modifications to your existing processes used by your employees to gain access to resources on your network and online systems. Traditional log-on processes may not offer the level of security necessary in order to connect with certain applications. By adding two factor authentication, you are creating a second layer of strong protection which is simple to use.

Digital Certificates Are Commonly Created for Two Factor Authentication

An RSA token is a specific type of method used in order to create and maintain secure connections over network resources and online systems within your organization. The token is frequently loaded onto a portable device such as USB memory stick, smart card, or magnetic strip on employee IDs. Anytime an employee needs to gain access to secured resources, they must provide the appropriate token for authentication purposes.

An RSA Token Is Used for Other Functions besides Authentication

A secure connection is needed whenever you are connecting over a UK VPN. Without a secure connection, you may not be able to fully access resources and systems located within the United Kingdom. This is because the UK has specific requirements and regulations for access certain data types from outside of the county. Your computer and VPN connection have to make it appear as though you are connecting from within the country anytime you are traveling abroad in order to have full access.

Secure UK VPN Connections by Requiring Two Factor Authentication

You can convert your existing e signature into a digital or qualified signature by using a certificate authority system and embedding the signature into a digital certificate. By converting the signature into one of these two forms, you are able to increase the security of the signature. This will prevent others from being able to alter, modify or change the signature once it has been attached to a file, form, document or other data type.

To Authenticate an E Signature a Matching Private and Public Key Are Needed