CA, why?

[cspm2003]

Hi,

I have a question about CA:

why would I use it? I know its for better security, but is it for domain logins, or vpn connections?

I just didnt find anything specific on the microsoft tecnet, except thats its really great (I might have just overread it)

 

[aftertaf]

it lets you issue your own certificates, which you then use for different reasons, including:
-stricter authentification & secure comms between pcs on your lan/wan
-digitally signing e-mail to guarantee authenticity of the sender
-as with all PKI systems (pki = public key infrastructure: 1 private key you keep safe, used to encrypt & 1 public key you distribute which is linked to your private key and so the only one that can decrypt what you encrypt with the private key), you distribute your public key only to those you choose.

certificates contain extra information, but are also essentially a key-holder...

an off the rack and FAAAAAAR from complete explanation of CA...
reread technet, search on google for Enterprise Certificate Autority Windows 2003 and you'll end up finding detailed, accurate info on what, how and why.....
good luck

Aftertaf

"Solutions are not the answer." - Richard Nixon