Enabling certificate privacy is a feature, specifically found in Windows 10 Creator's Edition, that encrypts the entire certificate with a password, rather than just the private key portion. This offers an extra layer of security for your digital certificates.
How Certificate Privacy Works
When you typically secure a digital certificate, only the private key is encrypted with a password. However, enabling certificate privacy extends this encryption to the entire certificate. This means both the private key and other certificate data are protected behind your chosen password.
Key Differences
| Feature | Traditional Certificate Security | Certificate Privacy Enabled |
|---|---|---|
| Encryption Scope | Only private key | Entire certificate |
| Password Protection | Private key only | Private key and certificate data |
| Security Level | Standard | Enhanced |
Practical Insights
- Enhanced Security: Encrypting the whole certificate prevents unauthorized access to any part of its information, not just the private key.
- Password Protection: It gives an option to password-protect private key, giving an extra security measure.
- Control: You have direct control over the password that protects the entire certificate data.
Enabling Certificate Privacy
If you are using Windows 10 Creator's Edition, you will have the option to enable this feature:
- During the process where you export a certificate.
- Look for the option to enable certificate privacy.
- Optionally you can check the box to password protect the private key.
- Set a strong password and complete the export.
Enabling certificate privacy provides a higher degree of security by encrypting all certificate data, whereas, without enabling it, only the private key is encrypted, giving a less security.
