During a recent Paubox webinar, an attendee asked, "We are looking into billing Medicare, but Medicare is requiring a 509 compliant digital certificate. Do I have one through Paubox?”
The answer is yes, Paubox does have an X.509 compliant public key certificate, which is part of the way we handle Transport Layer Security (TLS). But what does that mean?
What is a public key certificate?
Also known as a digital certificate or identity certificate, a public key certificate is an important component of cryptography, the art of securing communications.
In order to ensure a connection is secure, you have to be able to confirm the identity of the people or companies at either end. When messages or data are encrypted, they are scrambled using a public key, which is basically a "decoder ring" that only the recipient has. A public key certificate proves the ownership of the public key, and allows those interacting with that owner to verify the owner's identity.
Between using public keys to encrypt messages and public key certificates to identify their owners, everyone has greater confidence that their information is secure and private.
What is Transport Layer Security (TLS)?
Public key cryptography provides a way to confirm the identity of people or organizations involved in an exchange of information. Transport Layer Security (TLS) uses similar techniques to secure information passed between devices. These devices include computers and smartphones, servers, routers, and other networking hardware.
SEE ALSO: Why TLS Encryption is Essential to Safeguard Email
In much the same way a public key certificate keeps data and messages secure between people and organizations, Transport Layer Security protects connections across networks and among computers. And this technology is built into the standards that control how information travels across the Internet.
Transport Security Layer is the successor to Secure Sockets Layer (SSL), which you may still see referenced today. Both are what triggers the lock icon in your web browser, indicating a secure connection between your computer or smartphone and the website on the other end.
SEE ALSO: Free SSL Security Testing for HIPAA Compliance
What is an X.509 certificate?
An X.509 certificate is a kind of public key certificate, defined by a standard that has been around since 1988. In fact, SSL and TLS connections are frequently secured by using X.509 certificates. This means that you likely rely on X.509 certificates every day as you interact and explore on the Internet.
Does Paubox have an X.509 certificate?
If you're looking for a HIPAA compliant email provider, or if your business security protocols require X.509 certificates, rest assured that Paubox Email Suite has got you covered.
In addition, Paubox Email Suite Plus and Premium provide much more than just encrypted email; they offer an inbound security system that will leave your data heavily protected. Our technology is up-to-date on the latest scams, viruses, and phishing attacks. We provide innovative and advanced security measures to protect your healthcare data, including our ExecProtect software that prevents display name spoofing.
Try Paubox Email Suite for FREE today.
