How to Apply for and Use an S/MIME Email Signing Certificate

Introduction to S/MIME Email Signing Certificates

S/MIME (Secure/Multipurpose Internet Mail Extensions) is an email security standard that uses digital signatures and encryption to protect the authenticity and confidentiality of emails. An S/MIME certificate acts like an electronic ID card to verify the identity of the email sender and ensure that the email content has not been tampered with.

Uses of S/MIME Certificates:

• Digital Signatures: S/MIME certificates can digitally sign emails to verify the identity of the sender and ensure the email content is not altered during transmission.
• Email Encryption: S/MIME certificates can encrypt email content to ensure only the recipient can read it, preventing theft or leaks.
• Increased Trust: Using S/MIME certificates enhances the credibility of emails, assuring recipients that the email comes from a legitimate sender.

Applying for an S/MIME Email Signing Certificate through ServBay

1. Open the SSL Certificate Management Panel: Click "SSL Certificates" in the sidebar of ServBay to enter the certificate management platform.
2. Click the Add Button: Click the "+" button in the upper right corner.
3. Fill in Certificate Information: On the "Request Certificate" page, fill in the following information:
   • Common Name: Enter your name, e.g., Sam NG.
   • Usage Purpose: Choose the certificate purpose, select S/MIME (E-mail Signing).
   • Request Method: Select ServBay CA.
   • Issuer: Choose ServBay User CA.
   • Algorithm: Choose an encryption algorithm, e.g., ECC or RSA.
   • Key Length: Select a key length, e.g., 384 or 2048.
   • Password: Important! Set a password to protect your private key. Remember this password as it cannot be recovered if lost. The default password is ServBay.dev.
   • E-Mail Address: Enter your email address.
4. Click the "Request" Button: After completing all steps, click the "Request" button to submit the certificate application. ServBay will automatically issue the certificate.

Certificate Export and Use

1. Access the SSL Certificate Management Panel.
2. Locate the Issued S/MIME Certificate.
3. Click the Action Button: Click the export icon on the right side of the certificate.
4. Select Export Directory: In the pop-up window, choose where to save the exported certificate.
5. Import to Email Client: Import the exported .p12 file into your email client (e.g., Apple Mail, Outlook, Thunderbird, etc.), and use the previously set password to unlock it. After this, you can use the certificate to digitally sign and encrypt emails.

Certificate Renewal

ServBay's S/MIME certificates are valid for 800 days. Before the certificate expires, you can click the button on the right to renew it. Each renewal extends the validity by 800 days from the current date.

Certificate Deletion

1. Access the SSL Certificate Management Panel.
2. Locate the Certificate to be Deleted.
3. Click the Action Button: Click the trash can icon on the right side of the certificate.
4. Confirm Deletion: In the pop-up menu, select "Delete" and confirm the deletion.

Summary

I hope this document helps you apply for and use an S/MIME email signing certificate on the ServBay platform. If you have any questions, please contact ServBay customer support for assistance.