Getting a private key, public key, and public-key certificate
The following section describes the process for obtaining private and public keys.
To get a private key, a public key, and a public-key certificate:
1. Select a PKI vendor (CA) whose software is compatible with Microsoft Authenticode Technology and request a "software publishing digital certificate."
To get names of CAs, ask your PSC Product Marketing representative.
2. Install the software that generates and securely stores public keys and private keys on your system.
You can typically get the software from Microsoft or you can download it from the CA's Web site. You might have to provide a name for the certificate storage location.
3. Fill out the CA's request for information about you, your company, and how you are going to pay.
4. Submit the requested information and the stored public key to the CA.
5. Wait for the CA to verify your identity.
Note: The CA might use phone calls or personal visits to verify the information you supply.
6. If the CA can prove your individual and corporate identity, they will contact you and tell you how to obtain your digital certificate. Typically, this involves the same software and the same Web site that you used to apply.
Note: You can have digital certificates issued by multiple CAs for a single public/private key pair.
The digital certificates are stored on your system in the same named certificate location as the one used for the initial public/private key generation.
