UKIT Offering SSL Certificates at No Cost

This new certificate service is now available to all UK departments and affiliates and replaces the Thawte certificates previously issued.

An SSL certificate creates a secure link between a website and a visitor's browser. By ensuring that all data passed between the two remains private and secure, SSL encryption prevents hackers from stealing private information such as credit card numbers, names and addresses.

This service will reduce UKIT operational costs. It also enhances security by encouraging UK colleges and departments to use certificates signed by a legitimate certificate authority, rather than using self-signed certificates, which are vulnerable to "Man-in-the-Middle" attacks.

To request a certificate, department administrators or IT representatives may contact security@uky.edu to establish a profile in the InCommon Certificate Manager portal. UKIT Security personnel will collect additional information as needed; this process can take up to 24 hours. Once a department/unit is defined to the InCommon Certificate Manager, it can request, receive and install SSL certificates as desired for the department/unit.

For additional information, visit the UKIT Security Certificate site at www.uky.edu/ukit/shared/security/certs, contact security@uky.edu, or call the UKIT Service Desk at (859) 218-4357.