On Mon, 05 Nov 2001 19:12:13 GMT, Robert Relyea <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
allegedly wrote: 

> I wouldn't expect mom and pop to use it, but then I wouldn't expect mom
> and pop to understand what PEM format is, or how and why they would
> want to export it to their website. 

OK, I hear what you're saying... but what about import.  If I publish my 
certificate in this format, I'd like anyone to be able to import this and 
send me an encrypted message.  This could be important in a business 
scenario where our customers/clients aren't always technically minded, but 
want to send me an encrypted mail (after all, I'm always harping on about 
it!)

> I think the goal should be that the
> expert users can accomplish the things they need but concentrate on 
> those issues that prevent the more naive users from safely using this 
> feature.

I don't think that the export of a person's personal certificate could be 
considered a security risk.  However, I can see that you wouldn't want to 
overload the user with technical issues.  But the fact is that IE users 
have this feature already, and I think it's one of the good ones. :)  In 
fact it's probably better if the export defaulted to just the X.509 
certificate, and not the private key - that would be the "safe" option.

- Dave.

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