Concepts You Should Know Before Deploying S/MIME

Before you deploy your mail system for S/MIME, be sure you are familiar with these concepts:

• Basic administrative procedures of your platform

• Structure and use of an LDAP directory

• Addition or modification of entries in an LDAP directory

• Configuration process for Sun Java System Directory Server

• Concepts and purpose of the following:

  • Secure Socket Layer (SSL) for a secured communications line

  • Digitally signed email messages

  • Encrypted email messages

  • Local key store of a browser

  • Smart cards and the software and hardware to use them

  • Private-public key pairs and their certificates

  • Certificate authorities (CA)

  • Verifying keys and their certificates

  • Certificate revocation list (CRL)