Use directory servers to store user certificates



Directory servers are commonly used as centralized repositories of identities within an organization. As such, the server acts as an ideal location to store user certificates in enterprises that use certificate encryption. Directory servers help you locate certificates from network servers, including LDAP (Lightweight Directory Access Protocol) servers. After you locate a certificate, you can add it to your list of trusted identities so that you don’t have to look it up again. By developing a storage area for trusted certificates, you or a member of your workgroup can facilitate the use of encryption in the workgroup.

For more information about directory servers, see Digital Signature User Guide for Adobe Acrobat and Adobe Reader (PDF) at www.adobe.com/go/learn_acr_security_en.

Import directory server settings (Windows only)

You import directory server settings from an FDF file. Make sure that you trust the provider of the FDF file before opening it.

  1. To open the FDF, double-click it, or do one of the following:

    • In Acrobat, choose Advanced > Security Settings.

    • In Reader, choose Document > Security Settings.

  2. Select Directory Servers on the left, and then click Import. Select the FDF file, and click Open.
  3. If the FDF file is signed, click the Signature Properties button to check the current signature status.
  4. Click Import Search Directory Settings.
  5. Click OK if prompted to confirm your choice.

    The directory server appears in the Security Settings dialog box.

Export directory server settings (Windows only)

Although it is preferable to export security settings, you can export directory settings as a Form Data Format (FDF) file. Use the FDF file to configure the directory server on another computer.

  1. Open the Preferences dialog box, click Identity, and enter your name, organization, and email address to create your profile.
  2. Do one of the following:

    • In Acrobat, choose Advanced > Security Settings.

    • In Reader, choose Document > Security Settings.

  3. Select Directory Servers on the left, and then select one or more servers on the right.
  4. Click Export, select a destination, and click Next.
  5. To prove that the file came from you, click Sign, add your signature, and then click Next.
  6. Do one of the following:

    • To save the file, specify a name and location for it, and click Save.

    • To send the file as an email attachment, type an email address in the To box, click Next, and then click Finish.