Here’s a little guide for anyone looking to install an email certificate in Apple’s Mail client. I’ve only tried this in Leopard, but I’m assuming that the process is pretty similar in older versions.
Step 1. Get a digital email certificate. You can do this through a number of web services for free. I recommend a Thawte Email Certificate. Follow all the steps for registration and install the certificate. In the Thawte installation, Safari is not listed as one of the browsers – just choose Firefox and the certificate will be properly installed.
Step 2. Export your certificate. In Firefox, choose Preferences > Advanced > View Certificates. Highlight your new digital certificate and click ‘Backup’.
Step 3. Now that your certificate is stored locally, it’s time to import it into your Keychain. Open Applications > Utilities > Keychain Access. Make sure that ‘login’ is highlighted in the Keychains menu on the left, then select File > Import Items… and choose your certificate. To check that the certificate was installed correctly, click on ‘My Certificates’. You should see your certificate listed!
Step 4. Test drive. Go ahead and open up Mail, and compose a new message. If everything has been done correctly, you should see a small check icon right next to the signature drop down menu.
Congratulations! Your email messages are now digitally signed! Now when you exchange messages with those with signed emails, your emails will display the small lock icon, indicating that the message will be encrypted using your keys.
April 8th, 2008 at 11:20 am
This process can also be used in Entourage as well.
To import the certificate into Entourage:
Go to Account Settings > double click the account that needs the certificate > Mail Settings > click Select and the certificate should show up.
Add it and there you are!
August 16th, 2008 at 2:59 am
Your blog is interesting!
Keep up the good work!
April 10th, 2009 at 7:22 pm
Hi, I was wondering if it is possible to send and receive digitally signed and encrypted emails using the iPhone’s Mail App?
I think it is possible to transfer a mail certificate from your Mac’s Keychain to your iPhone using either iTunes or the iPhone Configuration Utility, but the point here is if the Mail app on the iPhone is actually capable to send and recive encrypted and digitally signed emails.
Many thanks,
Tarzan.
February 23rd, 2010 at 12:23 pm
The iPhone mail application does not support certificates at this time, Feb 23, 2010. Many people wish it did.
Comodo is a good source to obtain a free email certificate now that Thawte no longer offers personal email certificates.
http://www.instantssl.com/ssl-certificate-products/free-email-certificate.html
If you use Safari to obtain and install your Comodo cert, you do not need to go through any of the steps needed with FireFox. Using Safari, the retrieve certificate will be automatically placed on your keychain. Just follow along with the install prompts and you will be all set.