Importing client certificates by using ibmscp links

Simplify the distribution of client certificates by using ibmscp links.

Before you begin

This option is not supported by the Connections app for BlackBerry.

About this task

Add the client certificate to a server and link to it by using the ibmscp protocol. Your users can follow the link to install the certificate.

To import a client certificate by using an ibmscp link, complete the following steps:

Procedure

  1. Store the client certificate p12 file on a server where it can be accessed with an HTTPS link from the Connections mobile app.
    Tip: A .p12 file follows the PKCS #12 standard for storing cryptography objects as a single file. Each .p12 file bundles a private key with a corresponding X.509 certificate.
  2. Email the ibmscp link to your users, using the following syntax: 
    ibmscp://com.ibm.connections/importcert?url=<encode_p12_certificate_file_url>
    For example:
    ibmscp://com.ibm.connections/importcert?url=http%3A%2F%2Fconnections.example.com%2Fcertificates%2Fuser1.p12
  3. Provide the following instruction to your mobile users:
    1. From your device, tap the ibmscp link. The Connections app opens and prompts you to enter the password for the certificate.
    2. Import the certificate.
      • (Android only) When prompted, enter an alias for the certificate.
      • (iOS only) A confirmation message verifies that the certificate was successfully imported.
    3. Open the Connections mobile app and create an account.
      • (Android only) When prompted, select the alias for the certificate that you imported.
      • (iOS only) When prompted, select the certificate that you imported and enter the password.