A certificate server validates digital public keys to ensure the user is legitimate. Open source solutions are available for websites, commonly used by membership-based and high-security websites. The server checks the public key and examines records to limit hacker access.
A certificate server is a type of computer server that checks incoming public keys and validates them to ensure that the user or users are real. Digital public keys are similar to the physical keys used on doors, except that they consist of encrypted data. One of the main functions of a certificate server is to validate these keys or make sure that the keys are real and make sure that the person or persons linked to the keys are not hackers or malicious users. While most certificate servers are closed source, meaning people have to pay to use them, there are a number of free, open source solutions available for websites. These servers are mostly used on membership-based websites and websites as safe as government and medical websites.
A public key is a digital string of information provided to each website member. Just like a physical key that has unique teeth to fit only one lock, a public key consists of encrypted data and is given to only one user. This key protects the user, because he is able to access the website securely; it also ensures the security of the website, as the public is prohibited from accessing the website without providing the correct key.
The process of validating a certificate server is complex, with many algorithms involved, but it’s simple to understand. When someone tries to access a website, the certificate server checks their public key. The server examines its records to make sure that the key is real and that the member attached to the key is in good standing. While this can’t keep hackers out if they have one of the public keys, it otherwise works very well at limiting their access.
Most certificate servers are closed source, but there are a number of open source servers that website owners can use for security purposes. In terms of functionality, both closed and open source tend to be nearly identical. However, the open code of open source servers has a unique advantage, as software engineers and programmers can manipulate the open code to create new tools.
The two most common users of a certificate server are membership-based websites and high-security websites. Membership-based websites include forums, news groups, and any website that requires user membership; these websites may or may not charge for access. High security websites typically include medical and government websites. Most of these websites have a public section, but the secure areas can only be accessed by going through the certificate servers.
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