North Carolina's Balance of State Homeless Management Information System

What is PKI?

There is some confusion about PKI and why it is important for the security of client data in the Carolina Homeless Information Network. First off, the data in the network is already secure using industry-standard encryption technology.

PKI or Public Key Infrastructure is an additional HUD-recommended security measure for HMIS, as well as an item on the SuperNOFA application. The technology is called Public Key because it works with a pair of keys. One of the two keys can be used to encrypt information that can only be decrypted with the other key. One key is made public and the other is kept secret. The secret key is usually called the private key. Since anyone can obtain the public key, users can initiate secure communications without having to previously share a secret through some other medium with their correspondent. The Infrastructure is the underlying system needed to issue keys and certificates and to publish the public information. In an effort to meet or exceed all HUD HMIS recommendations, CHIN has purchased PKI security certificates for participating agencies. 

The Current PKI security certificate will expire at the end of this month, May 29th.  Attached is a new certificate that will last until 2012.  All HMIS users must have the new PKI certificates installed on their computers by May 30th to continue uninterrupted access to the network.  http://tracker.phaseware.com/nchc.

 

How do I make sure I am updated?

Before installing the new certificate you must remove the old one.  Follow the instructions below to remove the old certificate.

  1. From the Desktop, open Internet Explorer (IE) by clicking on the IE icon.
  2. Click Tools, then Internet Options…
  3. In the window that appears, select the Content tab from the Certificates pane,
  4. click Certificates…
  5. Select the Certificate(s) to be deleted, “chin.servicept.com” and click Remove.
  6. In the next window click Yes.

To add the new certificate …

  1. Click on the certificate link: PKI-CHIN Client 2009-2012
  2. Follow the instructions clicking next when prompted.
  3. When asked for the password type the password retrieved from Phaseware, or
    check the "Newsflash" area on the right side of the screen in ServicePoint.

If you have any trouble please contact the help desk at 1-877-703-3176

 

Can I install PKI on more than one computer?

Yes, you can install the certificate on more than one computer; however, we ask that you only install the certificate on computers that are used to access the network.

 

Is technical assistance available to help me install PKI ?

Absolutely. Call the Help Desk, 1-877-703-3176, or contact your Regional Coordinator.

 

What is the deadline for installing PKI ?

The Current PKI security certificate will expire at the end of this month, May 29th.  The new certificate will last until 2012.  All HMIS users must have the new PKI certificates installed on their computers by May 30th to continue uninterrupted access to the network. 

 

 

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