Iridium Digital ID Service FAQ

Why should I encrypt?

On any network it is surprisingly easy to intercept data transmitted by other users through the network. Encrypting the data you send protects your privacy from hackers and others who may wish to discover information about you.

How do I encrypt?

It is very easy, first you will need to get a Digital ID, by filling out the form! After that you'll need to set up your programs to use the ID. Information on how to enable encryption in a variety of commonly used programs is given below.

• AOL Instant Messenger (AIM):

  1. In the menu bar, select: My AIM → Edit Options → Edit Preferences...
  2. Scroll down and select "Security".
  3. Click the "Advanced" button then click "Import" on the screen that appears.
  4. Select the certificate file sent to you, and click OK. (You will need to enter the password that you used when applying for the Digital ID in order to complete the import process.)

  Once this is done, you'll have a neat little padlock next to your screen name, and will be able to chat securely with any other AIM users who have also gone through this process.

  (Note: You will be asked to supply the password for the Digital ID whenever AIM starts as an added security measure.)

• Outlook Express:

  (Before following these instructions, ensure you have installed the certificate in Windows by double-clicking on the Digital ID file sent to you. You will only be able to apply a certificate to a mail account if the e-mail address on the certificate is identical to the e-mail address of the account you are applying it to.)

  1. In Outlook Express, go to the account properties (In the menu bar: Tools → Accounts, select the account and click "Properties").
  2. Click the "Security" tab.
  3. Under "Signing certificate", click the "Select..." button.
  4. Select your Digital ID and click "OK".
  5. Repeat the above, but click the "Select..." button under "Encryption preferences".

  Once complete you will be able to send signed e-mail (which others can verify came from you), and receive secure (encrypted) e-mail.

  (Note: In order to send secure e-mail, the recipient must also have a Digital ID.)

• SSL (Microsoft IIS):

  (Before following these instructions, ensure you have installed the certificate in Windows by double-clicking on the Digital ID file sent to you. You will only be able to apply a certificate to a webserver if the "Common Name" field on the certificate is identical to the domain name of the server you are applying it to.)

  1. Open the IIS Manager, right click the website you wish to secure and select "Properties".
  2. Click the "Directory Security" tab.
  3. Click the "Server Certificate..." button.
  4. Click "Next >".
  5. Select "Assign an existing certificate" and click "Next >".
  6. Select your Digital ID from the list, and click "Next >".
  7. Leave the SSL port as "443" and click "Next >".
  8. Click "Next >", then click "Finish".

  You should now be able to access your website using: https://your.site.name/

Go back to the Digital ID application form.