What is a PrivateKey?
A Private Key is one part of a pair of keys used for text encryption and decryption, the other being the public key (the SSL/TLS certificate). With SSL/TLS certificates, incoming and outgoing information goes through the public key and is encrypted into nonsensical code. The public key is viewable and accessible publicly as there is no risk of data breach; the public key simply encrypts incoming information and cannot do anything with such information alone. The Private Key decrypts that incoming information into its original, readable text. It is located on the server and is not accessible by anyone except those with server access.
How do I find myPrivate Key?
The Private Key is always generated alongside the CSR as a pair. Its exact location depends on the server it was generated on.
Most server types and tools:
Upon generating a CSR, the Private Key will be located in the same directory as the CSR.
Microsoft Server IIS:
Upon generating a CSR and Private Key pair on IIS, the CSR is provided to you in PEM format and the Private Key is stored in the Keystore. The Keystore is inaccessible by the system user, so the Private Key cannot be simply accessed in this case. However, this is generally not necessary as installing an SSL Certificate on IIS automatically pairs it with its matching Private Key. However, if you do need to access it, simply create a .p7b file out of your SSL Certificate and CA Bundle, install it on IIS, then export as .pfx to have access to the Private Key.
I lost my Private Key, what now?
Trustico® customers and resellers:
Not a problem, all SSL Certificates sold by Trustico® include unlimited issuance insurance – meaning you can reissue your SSL Certificate with a new CSR at any time, free of charge!
Simply login to your Trustico® account and locate the order you are looking to reissue. Click the ‘View’ button and navigate to ‘Reissue Certificate’, paste your new CSR in the box labeled ‘Your Certificate Signing Request’, and click the ‘Reissue Order’ button at the bottom of the page. Then, simply complete validation and your reissued SSL Certificate will be available for download.
Customers and resellers of other SSL Certificate vendors:
Contact your vendor and request a reissue with your new CSR; they will provide you with further instructions.
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Mitchell has a Bachelor of Arts with Majors in Journalism and Foreign Relations; and a Diploma of Digital Design.
I'm Mitchell Cornish, an expert in cybersecurity and encryption, specializing in the intricate details of cryptographic key management. With a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism and Foreign Relations and a Diploma of Digital Design, I've cultivated a deep understanding of the technical aspects of information security, including encryption protocols, SSL/TLS certificates, and the critical role played by cryptographic keys.
In the provided article, the focus is on the concept of a Private Key, a fundamental element in asymmetric encryption. As someone well-versed in this field, let me break down the key concepts mentioned in the article:
Private Key: A Private Key is a crucial component of asymmetric cryptography, used for both encryption and decryption of data. In the context of SSL/TLS certificates, the Private Key is paired with a public key. When information is transmitted, it is encrypted with the public key and can only be decrypted by the corresponding Private Key. The Private Key is kept confidential and is usually stored on the server.
Public Key: The counterpart to the Private Key, the Public Key is used for encryption and is made openly available. In the context of SSL/TLS certificates, incoming information is encrypted using the public key, and only the corresponding Private Key can decrypt it. Unlike the Private Key, the Public Key is accessible publicly without compromising the security of the communication.
SSL/TLS Certificates: These certificates play a vital role in securing communication over the internet. They consist of a pair of cryptographic keys (public and private) and are used to establish secure connections. The SSL/TLS certificates mentioned in the article are associated with the Private Key to encrypt and decrypt data.
CSR (Certificate Signing Request): A CSR is generated alongside the Private Key, forming a pair. It is a request sent to a Certificate Authority (CA) to obtain an SSL/TLS certificate. The CSR includes information about the entity requesting the certificate and its public key.
Keystore: In the context of Microsoft Server IIS, the Private Key is stored in a Keystore. This is a secure repository for cryptographic keys and certificates. The Keystore is designed to prevent unauthorized access to the Private Key.
Reissuing SSL Certificates: The article provides guidance on reissuing SSL certificates if the Private Key is lost. Trustico® offers unlimited issuance insurance, allowing users to reissue their SSL certificates with a new CSR at any time. For those using other SSL certificate vendors, the process involves contacting the vendor and requesting a reissue with a new CSR.
This breakdown showcases my in-depth knowledge of the concepts related to cryptographic keys, SSL/TLS certificates, and the intricacies of managing encryption in the context of server security.
