How to Install Network Certificates on Samsung Devices: A Comprehensive Guide

In this ever-evolving digital world where security always comes as the first priority, a network certificate is something that contributes to the safety of your data. It mainly refers to the digital security of your network especially when you are connecting with a public WiFi hotspot. The network certificate works like a security guard that not only verifies the information but also encrypts it to make it harder for hackers to steal it.

1Understanding Network Certificates

1What Does Install Network Certificates Mean?

A network certificate in easy definition is a layer of protection or a digital ID card for the WiFi Network that you connect to. A network certificate uses fancy encryption techniques such as cryptography to scramble the data that you send or receive. Such a security practice can make it highly difficult for anyone who is trying to eavesdrop in order to understand the information.

Installing a network certificate on your Samsung device would mean that you have added an ID to your device’s redox of the trusted network. Such a certificate could be helpful in recognizing the network, activating the secure encrypted connection and verifying its legitimacy.

2Benefits of Installing Network Certificates to Device

There are multiple benefits of installing the network certificates to the device. The very first one is the enhanced security. Network certificates ensure that your data travels through a safe funnel and make it harder for hackers to get access to information. Apart from this, network certificates understand the risks that are associated with Public WiFi networks, which is why, it provides an extra layer of protection and security when public WiFi is being used.

2What Are the Common Certificates for on Samsung Devices and How to Get Them?

The Samsung device encounters various certificates, and each of them plays a significant and critical role in securing your online activities. Below are some of the most common ones

1Common Types of Certificates

By Technology Type and Function:

1.Identity Certificates:

Function: Identity certificates are just like digital passports for websites or servers. They verify the website's identity, ensuring you're connecting to a legitimate one and not a fake imposter site that may cause any security concerns overall. This is also referred to as certificate-based authentication (CBA)

Formats: Typically in .p12 and .pfx formats.

2. CA Certificates (Certificate Authority):

Function: The main function is to establish the trustworthiness of the provided certificates. They are issued by trusted Certificate Authorities (CAs) and act as root certificates, verifying the legitimacy of other certificates (like identity certificates).

Formats: Typically come in .cem, .pem and .der formats

By Usage and Application Scenario:

1.Wi-Fi Certificates:

Usage: The main purpose of these certificates is to secure your Wi-Fi connection. It does the encryption of data that is going to be transferred between your device and the Wi-Fi network, protecting your information from prying eyes.

Application Scenario: Essential for public Wi-Fi networks (coffee shops, airports) where eavesdropping is a potential threat.

VPN Certificates:

Usage: Virtual Private Network (VPN) certificates secure your connection even in a private network. This kind of certificate is majorly used by businesses. They create a secure tunnel, encrypting all your data traffic to and from the network.

Application Scenario: Ideal for business use when accessing sensitive company data on public networks or while travelling.

Additional Certificate Types:

Email Certificates (S/MIME):

These are the ones that encrypt emails and digitally sign them, ensuring that the message that is sent remains confidential and authentic.

Client Certificates:

Used for two-way authentication, where both the server and your device verify each other's identities before establishing a connection.

Root Certificates:

The foundation of trust, these pre-installed certificates on your device verify the legitimacy of CA certificates.

Enterprise Certificates:

Issued by organizations for internal use, granting access to company resources or applications on your device.

SSL Certificates:

You might encounter this term interchangeably with identity certificates. SSL certificates secure website connections, establishing a safe encrypted channel for data transfer (often indicated by a padlock symbol in your browser).

2How to Get/Download the Certificates

There are multiple ways through which you can get the certificates, below are some of them.

Work Network

This works when you contact your IT department for the Virtual Private Access or Enterprise certificate in order to access the company’s information securely.

Special WiFi:

Network administrators or service providers might provide certificates for secure Wi-Fi networks (e.g., office buildings).

Advanced Users Only:

Certificate Authorities (CAs) issue certificates, but this is a technical process best left to IT professionals.

3How to Install Network Certificates on Samsung Devices?

There are a bunch of steps you need to follow in order to install the network certificates on Samsung Devices.

Step 1.First off, download the certificate file in the memory of your device.
Step 2.In settings, click WiFi settings and go towards Advanced settings
Step 3.Once you are there, touch on the “Install Network Certificate” select the network certificate file and select done.
Step 4.In this step, a system may first ask you to enter the PIN or pattern of your phone lock, once you are done with that, enter the name of your certificate and tap ok.

4How to Install SSL Certificate on Samsung Devices?

If you want to install an SSL Certificate on Samsung Devices, then there are a bunch of steps you can follow.

Step 1.Go to the settings page and then security and privacy.
Step 2.Here you will be able to find other security setting, tap it.
Step 3.Once you have clicked other security settings, you will be able to see the “device storage”, tap it.
Step 4.The next step would be to select the CA certificate and then tap on the downloaded certificate.
Step 5.When it is done, you have to name the certificate and tapping on the option “ok” will get it installed.

5Simplifying Certificate Installation with AirDroid Business

Step 1.Go onto the Admin console, find Policy and Kiosks and tap Policy and Kiosk config files on the sidebar.
Step 2.The first step would pop up a screen for creating a new policy where you need to tap on +Create Config File, choose “policy” and then OK.
Step 3.After 2nd step, hop on to the general setting and then tap on credential settings where you can add the credentials.
Step 4.1st method is to tap on the add credential button, add the file name and password of the certificate and click ok.
Step 5.The 2nd method of adding a credential is to navigate to policy and kiosks and the credential library then the add credential button and lastly upload credential files with the other needed information.
Step 5.The 2nd method of adding a credential is to navigate to policy and kiosks and the credential library then the add credential button and lastly upload credential files with the other needed information.
Step 6.Once any of the methods for adding credentials is applied, choose the credentials and tap on the save button.
Step 7.Now in the policy management section, you will have to select the policy created and apply those policies to your chosen devices or groups.
Step 8.If the status becomes Applied separately, it means the policies for credentials have been applied.

6Common Issues When Installing Network Certificates

Installation of certificates in Samsung devices is usually a smooth process, but occasional bumps can occur. Let's troubleshoot some common issues you might face on your Samsung device:

Issue 1: Incompatible Certificate Files

The solution could be to ensure the certificate file format (PEM or DER) is compatible with your device and double-check if you received the correct certificate type (Wi-Fi, VPN, etc.)

Issue 2: Certificate Installation Failure

One of the solutions could be to verify that the certificate is from a trusted source. Also, Check for typos when entering the certificate password (if applicable). You can also restart your Samsung device and try again.

Issue 3: Unable to Connect to a Protected Network

For a solution, ensure that you have the correct certificate installed for that specific network. Check if the network requires additional login credentials besides the certificate.

7Conclusion

For a smoother and more manageable experience for certificate installation for enhanced security practices, consider using AirDroid Business. This tool helps IT departments effortlessly deploy and manage certificates across company devices, saving time and ensuring consistent security.