# About SSL Web Server Certificates

## Overview of SSL Web Server Certificates

An SSL web server certificate authenticates the identity of a web site and encrypts information passed between the web server and the web client using Secure Sockets layer (SSL) technology.

#### A default self-signed SSL certificate is provided with the MSL server at no additional cost. You can instruct remote users to install this certificate in their workstations in order to prevent the “Certificate Error: Navigation Blocked” message from appearing when they attempt to log in to the MiCollab Server Manager.

For enhanced security and ease of use, obtain a signed SSL certificate from a third-party Certificate Authority (CA). Two options are available:

- Let's Encrypt: Let’s Encrypt is a free, automated, and open Certificate Authority. It enables you to obtain a valid SSL certificate simply by providing your domain settings and then clicking a button. The acquired certificate is monitored and renewed automatically. This service is supported on single-server, standalone MSL systems that are accessible to the Internet.

- Other 3rd-Party: An alternative third-party Certificate Authority issues an SSL certificate upon request, typically for a fee. Companies such as Entrust and GoDaddy provide such services. To obtain a generic SSL certificate, you must first generate a Certificate Signing Request (CSR) on the MSL system and send it to the CA. The CA will then return a package containing your web server certificate, plus any intermediate certificates that are required to maintain the certificate key chain. Optionally, you can download the SSL certificate and private key from the local MSL server, and upload these files to other servers in your domain.

As with the self-signed SSL certificate, a third-party SSL certificate enables remote users to log in to the MiCollab Server Manager without receiving an error message. It also allows MiCollab Mobile Client users to establish connections and receive their deployment configurations.

For more information and programming instructions, see:

- Manage Let's Encrypt Third-Party SSL Web Server Certificates

- Manage Alternate Vendor Third-Party SSL Web Server Certificates

- Manage Self-Signed SSL Web Server Certificates