Check for the MIT CA

Check for the MIT CA

The MIT CA (Certification Authority) authenticates the secure Web server to your computer. MIT CA certificates obtained after April, 2006, are valid until August, 2026. MIT CA certificates obtained before April, 2006, expired on July 13, 2006.

Firefox

1. In Firefox open:
   • On Athena, Linux, and Macintosh: Preferences > Advanced > View Certificates
     
   • On Windows: Tools > Options > Advanced > View Certificates
2. In the Certificate Manager window, click the Authorities tab.
3. Scroll to find Massachusetts Institute of Technology: MIT Certification Authority (listed alphabetically, or at the end of the list).

Internet Explorer on Windows

1. In IE, open Tools > Internet Options, then click the Content tab.
2. Click the Certificates button.
3. In the Certificates window, click the Trusted Root Certificate Authority tab.
4. Scroll to find the MIT CA (alphabetically or at end of list).

Safari on Macintosh (assumes 10.4)

1. Open Keychain Access: [Macintosh HD] > Applications > Utilities > Keychain Access.
2. If necessary, click the Show Keychains button in the bottom left corner of the Keychain Access window.
3. In the Keychains list at the top left, select X509Anchors.
4. Scroll down "MIT Certification Authority."
   Result: You need to have one and only one "MIT Certification Authority". If you click on it to highlight it, you can see its expiration date. It should expire in August 2026.

MIT CA Not Found?

If you did not find an MIT-identified certificate authority, you must get the MIT CA before you can get a personal certificate. Details.

Get the MIT CA

Note: If the MIT CA is present and you click the link above, a small window will tell you that the certificate already exists.

Getting Help

• Athena users: Athena Consulting
• Macintosh, Windows, or Linux users: Computing Help Desk