Services → Certificates

SWITCHpki: a basis for trust

Secure network communications hinge on two key factors, namely encryption and the reliable identification of communication partners. SWITCHpki provides universities with digital certificates tailored specifically to their needs.

Trust is good, control is better. That's especially true on the Web. Trusted information exchange over the network needs a system that authenticates content and protects it from unauthorised access. This system is known as a public key infrastructure (PKI). A PKI issues, distributes and verifies digital certificates. These are digitally signed files that associate a cryptographic key with a particular owner. Certificates can belong to an individual, a server, a service or a router.

Signalling in the browser

With a server certificate from SWITCHpki, website visitors can be safe in the knowledge that they are connected to the right system. The server presents them with its certificate as a kind of digital ID as soon as they connect. The browser checks it and then signals that it has successfully identified the server in two ways: with "https://" in the address bar and with a padlock symbol. SWITCHpki also offers universities an even more secure option in the form of Extended Validation certificates, which turn the address bar green.

Attractive terms

SWITCH offers universities two PKI options. The SWITCH registry helps smaller organisations with the task of issuing new certificates, while larger clients can handle the whole process themselves. Universities benefit from attractive terms and discounts in both cases.

Services at a glance
  • Negotiation of terms with certification service providers
  • Organisational review
  • Registry
  • Portal for ordering digital certificates, including delivery
Benefits for universities
  • Bespoke support
  • Attractive terms and discounts compared with commercial providers
  • Single point of contact

Any Questions? We Are Happy to Help!

Trust is an important part of today's internet. SWITCHpki is your basis for secure network communications. Don't hesitate to get in touch with us if you have any questions.

SWITCHpki
pki@switch.ch
www.switch.ch/pki

tb-switch

Your Contact
SWITCH
Thomas Bärecke
P.O. Box
8021 Zurich
+41 44 268 16 34
thomas.baerecke@switch.ch

SWITCHpki

Further information for users and IT departments.