Introduction
As an iOS signing industry editor, it’s important to understand the advanced abbreviations for Apple certificate signing. These abbreviations are commonly used in the industry and knowing them will help you communicate more effectively with other professionals in the field. In this article, we will discuss some of the most important advanced abbreviations for Apple certificate signing.
Certificate Signing Request (CSR)
A Certificate Signing Request, or CSR, is a message sent from an applicant to a Certificate Authority (CA) in order to apply for a digital identity certificate. When creating an SSL/TLS certificate for a server, the CSR is generated along with a private key. The private key is kept confidential, while the CSR is sent to the CA. The CA verifies the applicant’s information and issues a digital identity certificate.
Public Key Infrastructure (PKI)
A Public Key Infrastructure, or PKI, is a set of hardware, software, people, policies, and procedures used to create, manage, distribute, use, store, and revoke digital certificates. PKIs are used to secure online transactions, secure data transfers, and enable secure digital signatures. Apple is a trusted Certificate Authority and has created their own PKI to issue digital identity certificates.
Intermediate Certificate Authority
An Intermediate Certificate Authority, or ICA, is a Certificate Authority that has been delegated by a Root Certificate Authority (CA) to issue digital identity certificates. In the Apple PKI hierarchy, the Root CA is at the top, followed by Intermediate CAs, then end-entity certificates. The use of Intermediate CAs helps to increase security by creating a chain of trust.
Provisioning Profile
A Provisioning Profile is a collection of digital assets that allow a developer to test and distribute an app. It includes the app’s bundle identifier, a list of devices that can run the app, and the app’s entitlements. A Provisioning Profile is required to install a developer’s app on an iOS device for testing or distribution through the App Store. It is linked to the developer’s Apple Developer account and is signed by a digital identity certificate.
Apple Developer Enterprise Program (ADEP)
The Apple Developer Enterprise Program, or ADEP, is a program specifically designed for businesses that want to develop and distribute their own apps within their organization. The ADEP provides tools for creating and distributing custom apps, such as the ability to sign and distribute apps outside of the App Store. With an ADEP, businesses can create custom apps for their employees and distribute them securely without going through the App Store approval process.
Conclusion
Understanding the advanced abbreviations for Apple certificate signing is crucial for professionals in the iOS signing industry. It allows for clear and effective communication between individuals and organizations about digital identity certificates and the creation and distribution of apps.
