Digital ID Project
What is a Public Key Infrastructure?
A Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) provides a means to bind public keys to their owners and to distribute and track these public keys in large networks. Public keys are bound to their owners by the Digital IDs or certificates. An effective PKI requires a trusted entity to issue and revoke Digital IDs, along with a registration entity that vouches for the identity of someone requesting a Digital ID.
The University of Texas System has commenced a project to install a PKI for The University System and all components. VeriSign has been approved as the trusted entity to issue and revoke Digital IDs. The University of Texas - Pan American will register, authenticate, and approve all requests for UT-PA Digital IDs. The University Information Security Officer will be the Digital ID Administrator.
What is a Digital ID?
A Digital ID in an electronic record with organizational and user data that is created and signed by a trusted entity that vouches for the certificate and user authenticity.
It can be used to "electronically sign" email messages to verify that you were the sender and that the email contents were not tampered with. This includes email correspondence used for transacting State business.
It can be used to "electronically sign" forms (as they are developed) to verify that you were the requester or approver and that the form contents were not tampered with.
Who can request a UTPA Digital ID?
All full-time University faculty and staff can request a UTPA Digital ID.
All persons who request a UTPA Digital ID will have their identity authenticated. This insures only authorized persons receive Digital IDs.
What are the system requirements for a UTPA Digital ID?
Windows 2000/XP or Mac OS systems;
Microsoft Internet Explorer; and
Microsoft Outlook Express, or Microsoft Outlook program.
How can I obtain a UTPA Digital ID?
For information on how to obtain a Digital ID, contact the IT Help Desk at 381-2020.
Expiration of UTPA Digital IDs:
All VeriSign/UTPA Digital IDs expire annually and must be renewed or reissued. The IT Help Desk will assist you in renewing or reissuing a Digital ID.
Forgotten Digital ID's Passphrases:
There is no way to retrieve or reset the Digital ID passphrase. If you forget your passphrase, contact the IT Help Desk to revoke your certificate and provide information for obtaining a replacement Digital ID.
If you get a new computer or upgrade your Internet Browser or Email program:
If you get a new computer you can "export" your Digital ID from your old computer to your new one. You will need to know your Digital ID passphrase to successfully export your Digital ID from the old computer and import your Digital ID to the new computer.
If you upgrade your Microsoft browser or email program, the Digital ID will continue to be valid until its' expiration date.
If you change browser or email program to another product to a non-Microsoft product, you will not be able to use the Digital ID.
Public Key Infrastructure information links:
Please contact the IT Help Desk at 381-2020 or Information Security Office at 316-7124 if you have any questions.
