With a view to provide better security solutions and to restrict the usage of certificates in the digital world, popular web browsers like Mozilla, Chrome, IE limit the number of authorities and provides access to only those who are recognized in the industry. In recent times, most e-commerce websites and other sites which acquire sensitive information have started using SSL certificates to gain the trust of their customers. But, due to various reasons, customers look forward to using their own certs or those issued by companies that are not immediately recognized by the Certificate Authorities commonly known as CA. In such a scenario, it became essential to allow new, existing, and less known companies to certify websites without compromising on the security factor.
What are the chain certificates?
As suggested by the name itself, it is a very simple concept. It is a digital SSL Certificate that is used to bridge the gap between the products offered by recognized providers and those who are new or less popular in the industry. It not only allows new players into the market but also provides you more freedom to create your own encryption system or get assisted by other companies who have all the features that you expect to use for your website.
Certified Companies
For an increased security environment, all major browsers including Mozilla Firefox, Internet Explorer, Google Chrome, Opera, and Safari recognize the same set of certificate providers around the globe. This allows them to authorize faster, without encountering bugs or security breaches from unknown vendors. The certified companies in the list are Comodo, Verisign, DigiCert, Thawte, and GoDaddy. You can establish a link between these major providers with your own SSL Certificate and get your eCommerce website secured the right way.
In web lexicon, they are referred to as intermediary certificates because of the process involved and the goal that they accomplish. The browser is shipped only with a limited set of keys designed for the verified cert providers. It is practically impossible for them to generate keys for all types of companies around the globe which is why such a system is being used. Once you connect them with the recognized companies, you can use it as you require without any issues and the browsers will authenticate them automatically.
Guide To Using Root Certs
A specific set of instructions has to be followed in order to successfully get the SSL certificates verified. There are different types available that can be implemented with new methods based on your domain needs. Even though the entire operation should be carried out by a certified programmer or an individual with coding knowledge to implement it successfully, it’s good if you know the working structure. The concept is simple when you establish a connection with the root SSL certificates and extend it using intermediate or chains as long as you like. Usually, there is no limit to the number of links that you use but in the end, it should again be connected to the root so that a properly secured network connection is established.
Similarly, the same establishment structure can be used to link a user certificate as well. Companies like Google use their own certificate solutions to encrypt sensitive data and avoid relying on a third party to provide them assistance. The option is applicable for an end-user as well, based on the level of security they require.