Configuring Settings for Key Pairs and Digital Certificates
In order to encrypt communication with a remote device, an encryption key must be sent and received over an unsecured network beforehand. This problem is solved by public-key cryptography. Public-key cryptography ensures secure communication by protecting valuable information from attacks, such as sniffing, spoofing, and tampering of data as it flows over a network.
Key Pair
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A key pair consists of a public key and a secret key, both of which are required for encrypting or decrypting data. Data can be exchanged safely, because encrypted data cannot be decrypted without the other key in a key pair. You can register up to three key pairs (Using CA-issued Key Pairs and Digital Certificates). Key pairs can also be generated by the machine (Generating Key Pairs).
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CA Certificate
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Digital certificates including CA certificates are similar to other forms of identification, such as driver's licenses. A digital certificate contains a digital signature, which enables the machine to detect any spoofing or tampering of data. It is extremely difficult for third parties to abuse digital certificates. Digital certificates (including public keys) that are issued by a certificate authority (CA) are called CA certificates. You can register up to three CA certificates including the one that is preinstalled (Using CA-issued Key Pairs and Digital Certificates).
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Key and Certificate Operating Requirements
Certificates for key pairs generated with the machine must conform to X.509v3. If you install a key pair or a CA certificate from a computer, make sure that they meet the following requirements.
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Format
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Key pair: PKCS#12*1
CA certificate: X.509v1 or X.509v3, DER (encoded binary)
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Files extension
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Key pair: ".p12" or ".pfx"
CA certificate: ".cer"
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Public key algorithm
(and key length) |
RSA (512 bits*2, 1024 bits, 2048 bits, or 4096 bits)
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Certificate signature algorithm
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SHA1-RSA, SHA256-RSA, SHA384-RSA*3,
SHA512-RSA*3, MD5-RSA, MD2-RSA |
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Certificate thumbprint algorithm
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SHA1
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*1 Requirements for the certificate contained in a key pair shall follow the operating conditions for CA certificates.
*2 Not supported when the operating system of the communication partner device is Windows 8/Server 2012. Depending on the application of update programs, encrypted communication may also not be possible with other versions of Windows.
*3 SHA384-RSA and SHA512-RSA are available only when the RSA key length is 1024 bits or more.
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The machine does not support use of a certificate revocation list (CRL).
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