Logging in to your security store

Logging in to your security store gives you access to your digital ID A digital ID contains cryptographic data, including your keys and certificates. It is used to perform secure operations such as encrypting, digitally signing, or viewing secure files. It can be used to verify your identity and your right to access files, Web sites, or physical locations., which in turn allows you to use the installed functionality of Security Provider for Windows. This functionality includes decrypting and digitally signing files.

You are prompted to log in when:

●       you right-click the icon and select Log In.

●       an application requires access to your Entrust security store

For example, when you sign Digital signatures are used to verify that a file or message comes from you and that it has not been tampered with after it was signed. an email message, Outlook prompts you to log in to your Entrust security store so that it can access your signing key. Certain applications may also require access to your digital ID, causing the login dialog box to appear when you do not expect it to appear.

Note: After you log in, the requesting application is able to use your private keys to sign, decrypt To make an encrypted file readable., and authenticate on your behalf. This is not a concern if you instigated the action, for example when you double-click an encrypted file or encrypted email. However, if you are unaware of what application is using your ID or what action is about to be performed, you should not log in. Contact your administrator if that happens.

For more information on how to log in, see:

●       “Logging in to your Entrust desktop security store”

Your digital ID is in this security store if you saved your digital ID directly on your computer.

●       “Logging in to your Entrust roaming security store”

Your digital ID is in this security store if you saved your digital ID on a directory server so it can be accessed remotely.

●       “Logging in to your third-party security store”

Your digital ID is in this security store if you saved your digital ID in a non-Entrust security store, such as the Microsoft security store or smart card store.

Note: If your digital ID is stored in an Entrust security store, you can right-click the  icon and select Options to determine your security store type.

Logging in to your Entrust desktop security store

You can log in to your Entrust desktop security store online and offline. The procedures are identical. There is no delay when you log in offline.

To log in to your Entrust desktop security store

1.      Right-click the  icon in the Windows system tray and click Log in on the pop-up menu, or double-click the icon.

The Entrust Security Store Login dialog box appears.

Note: The Entrust Security Store Login dialog box also appears when an application tries to access your digital ID to perform a secure operation. In some cases, the Browse button may be disabled because the application expects a specific digital ID. In this case, either enter your password or click Cancel.

2.      If the name of your security store does not appear in the Name field, Browse to the location of your security store.

If you have trouble locating your security store, refer to “Locating your Entrust security store” for more information.

The Entrust desktop security store name has an .epf file extension.

3.      Enter your Entrust desktop security store password in the Password field.

4.      Click OK.

The Entrust Security Store Login dialog box disappears and you are logged in to your Entrust desktop security store. You can now use Security Provider for Windows to perform secure operations.

Logging in to your Entrust roaming security store

You can log in to your Entrust roaming security store online and offline. The procedures are identical. There is no delay when you log in offline.

To log in to your Entrust roaming security store

1.      Right-click the  icon in the Windows system tray and click Log in on the pop-up menu, or double-click the icon.

The Entrust Security Store Login dialog box appears.

Note: The Entrust Security Store Login dialog box also appears when an application tries to access your digital ID to perform a secure operation.

2.      In the Name field, enter your Entrust roaming security store name without the file extension.

3.      Enter your Entrust roaming security store password in the Password field.

4.      Click OK.

The Entrust Security Store Login dialog box disappears and you are logged in to your Entrust roaming security store. Updates to your Entrust digital ID are performed in the background. If your are logging in offline, updates cannot be performed.

You can now use Security Provider for Windows to perform secure operations.

Logging in to your third-party security store

If your digital ID is stored in a third-party security store, such as the Microsoft security store or smart card, you will probably be prompted to log in to the security store if you perform a secure operation..

For more information about login procedures for your third-party security store, contact your administrator.

Note: Depending on the type of third-party security store you use, you may not need to enter a password to perform secure operations, such as signing an email.