Why Are Certificates (SSL) So Important?
Certificates are a crucial part of securing web applications and other services, ensuring encrypted communication between servers and clients. SSL, also known as TLS, is an encryption protocol that enables secure connections to websites and other services. An SSL Certificate is a file hosted on a website's server, that makes SSL encryption possible.
What Types of Certificate Services Are Available & Which One Should I Use?
ITS Certificate Services offer a variety of ways for faculty and staff to request certificates using standard automated protocols at no cost to you.
Which One You Use Depends on:
the type of service,
where the service is hosted, and
if the service is accessible to the public Internet.
Guidelines based on different scenarios and the associated options for certificate management:
All of these options require the use of Cal Poly-Hosted domain names for DNS.
If you are having trouble determining the right option, please submit a Support Request ticket to ITS.
Automate Certificate Management Environment (ACME Protocol)
Certificate automation uses the Automated Certificate Management Environment (ACME) protocol. The ACME protocol was developed to automate the process of issuing and renewing SSL/TLS certificates, by handling tasks such as account registration, certificate requests, domain validation, and certificate issuance. Along with using the ACME protocol, additional tasks are needed for configuring the application to use the certificate, scheduling a job to check if the certificate is close to expiration and needs to be renewed, and triggering the application to use a newly issued certificate after renewal