A digital certificate is an electronic signature that establishes your credentials when doing business or other transactions on the Web. They can be used to encrypt email to authenticate the identity of the sender of an email message and ensure that the contents of the message are secure as well as help encrypt network traffic between computers.
Digital certificates are issued by a certification authority (CA),and can contain your name, identification number, expiration dates, a copy of the certificate holder's public key (used for encrypting messages and digital signatures), and the digital signature of the certificate-issuing authority so that a recipient can verify that the certificate is real.
The University provides InCommon digital certificates to faculty, staff and departments for accessing computer services that require them. Digital certificates are available for computer workstations as well as servers.
About This Service
Key Features
- Authentication: A digital certificate can help to authenticate the sender of an email message. This can help to reduce the risk of phishing and other email-based attacks by verifying that the email message was sent by a trusted source.
- Confidentiality: A digital certificate can be used to encrypt the contents of an email message. This can help to ensure that sensitive information remains confidential and is not intercepted or read by unauthorized parties.
- Non-Repudiation: A digital certificate can provide non-repudiation, meaning that the sender of an email cannot later deny having sent the message. This can help to provide a level of legal protection in situations where the contents of an email are disputed.
- Branding and Professionalism: Digital certificates can be used to provide a professional appearance for business or personal email correspondence. They can also include branding elements like logos and images, which can help to establish trust and enhance the reputation of the sender.
- Compliance: In some industries and regions, digital certificates for email may be required to comply with regulations and standards for secure email communication. By using a digital certificate, individuals and organizations can demonstrate compliance and reduce the risk of legal or financial penalties.
Getting and Using This Service
How do I access this service?
- For Your Computer: Go to Manage My Account, click on Apply for Digital Certificate, and follow the instructions.
- For Servers: Submit a ticket by clicking the Request Help button on the upper right hand corner of this page.
How do I request this service?
Submit a ticket by clicking the Request Help button on the upper right hand corner of this page.
Who can use this service?
Students, Faculty, Staff
Support and Hours
How do I get help?
Submit a ticket by clicking the Request Help button on the upper right hand corner of this page.