The University Computer Center offers a Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) in cooperation with the DFN-Verein: GÉANT-TCS (GÉANT Trusted Certificate Service) is a PKI service that the DFN-Verein obtains via GÉANT - this realizes the service with the help of external providers who are found through regular tenders. The current service provider is HARICA

• GÉANT-TCS - HARICA
  • Provider: Hellenic Academic & Research Institutions Certification Authority
  • Issue period: since 2025-01

• GÉANT-TCS - SCM
  • Provider: Sectigo Limited
  • Exhibition period: 2021-10 - 2025-01

The Trusted Certificate Services enable the following services by issuing digital certificates:

• User Certificates:
  • Signing and encryption of files and documents
  • Signing and encryption of e-mails
• Server certificates:
  • Tap-proof network connections via SSL/TLS

In the architecture of a PKI, there are one or more digital certificate authorities (CAs) that issue digital certificates. These certification authorities must be known to the operating system and/or the software used so that the validity of a digital certificate can be checked.

• The first step is therefore to check whether these certification authorities are already present in the operating system / in the software to be used.
• The second step is to apply for and use a digital certificate.

The control and, if necessary, integration of the certification authorities into the operating system / the software used is described in the subsection certification authorities.

University members - with the exception of students - can obtain digital user certificates according to the X.509 standard. The application process is described in the subsection User certificates.

University members - with the exception of students - can obtain digital server certificates according to the X.509 standard. The application process is described in the subsection server certificates.