Automated SSL Certificate Issuance via Hosting Provider Mediation
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing process of obtaining an SSL certificate for a Web site is cumbersome for subscribers, requiring them to manage Certificate Signing Requests (CSRs) and certificates between hosting providers and Certificate Authorities, which can lead to errors and is complex for those unfamiliar with the process, especially when using proxy domain name registrations that obscure the subscriber's identity.
Innovation Solution
The solution involves direct communication between Hosting Providers and Certificate Authorities, allowing them to generate and verify SSL certificates without the subscriber as an intermediary, simplifying the process and enhancing security by enabling SSL-enabled Web sites with verified identities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the subscriber manages Certificate Signing Requests and certificates between hosting providers and Certificate Authorities, then the SSL certificate can be obtained, but the process becomes cumbersome and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an automated intermediary system that mediates between the subscriber, hosting provider, and certificate authority. This system automatically generates CSR files, submits them to CAs, receives certificates, and installs them on web servers, eliminating the need for manual subscriber management of certificates while ensuring reliable SSL acquisition.
2Ease of operation
If direct communication is established between Hosting Providers and Certificate Authorities, then the process is simplified, but the subscriber's identity verification becomes more challenging
Solution Approach 1:
The automated intermediary system serves as a trusted mediator that facilitates direct communication between hosting providers and certificate authorities while maintaining subscriber identity verification. The system captures and verifies subscriber information during the automated process, ensuring that identity verification occurs without requiring the subscriber to manually intervene in the simplified direct communication channel.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention provides methods for efficiently registering a domain name and issuing a certificate without a Subscriber submitting a separate request for the certificate. In some embodiments, a notice may be provided to the Subscriber, after requesting to register a domain name, that a certificate may be issued for the domain name. The certificate may be saved in a Subscriber's account to enable the Subscriber to use the certificate at a later time. In yet other embodiments, a single vetting process may be used to facilitate one or more of: creating a Subscriber's account; registering a domain name; and issuing a certificate.