Microsoft’s CSP (Cryptographic Service Providers) is responsible for creating, storing and accessing cryptographic keys – the underpinnings of any certificate and PKI (Public-Key Infrastructure). These keys can be symmetric or asymmetric, RSA, Elliptical Key or a host of others such as DES, 3DES, and so forth. Selecting a cryptographic provider determines what type, size and storage of key will be used – in our case, for a certificate. There are also 3rd party providers for devices such as smart cards and hardware security modules. For the purposes of this article, I will be addressing the standard Microsoft CSPs and the newer Crypto-Next Generation KSPs, their capabilities and the primary purposes you may use them.
Version 10.0 of the SafeNet Authentication Client released
Gemalto has recently announced the release of version 10.0 of the SafeNet Authentication Client (SAC). A first step towards integrating