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Network Solutions Certification Practice Statement

Version 1.4.1

Table of Contents

  1. General

    1.1. Network Solutions
    1.2. Network Solutions CPS
    1.2.1. Network Solutions CPS Suitability, Amendments and Publication
    1.3. Other Practice Statements & Agreements
    1.4. Liability of Network Solutions
    1.5. Compliance with applicable standards
    1.6. Digital Certificate Policy Overview
    1.7. Network Solutions PKI Hierarchy
    1.8. Network Solutions Certification Authority
    1.9. Network Solutions Registration Authorities
    1.10. Subscribers
    1.11. Relying Parties

  2. Technology

    2.1. Network Solutions CA Infrastructure
    2.1.1. Network Solutions Root CA Signing Key Protection & Recovery
    2.1.2. Network Solutions CA Root Signing Key Generation Process
    2.1.3. Network Solutions CA Root Signing Key Archival
    2.1.4. Procedures employed for CA Root Signing Key Changeover
    2.1.5. Network Solutions CA Root Public Key Delivery to Subscribers
    2.1.6. Physical CA Operations
    2.2. Digital Certificate Management
    2.3. Network Solutions Directories, Repository and Certificate Revocation List
    2.4. Types of Network Solutions Certificates
    2.4.1. Network Solutions Certificates
    2.4.2. Reserved
    2.4.3. Site Seal
    2.4.3.1. Site Seal
    2.4.3.2. Site Confirm Seal
    2.5. Reserved
    2.6. Extensions and Naming
    2.6.1. Digital Certificate Extensions
    2.6.2. Incorporation by Reference for Extensions and Enhanced Naming
    2.7. Subscriber Private Key Generation Process
    2.8. Subscriber Private Key Protection and Backup
    2.9. Subscriber Public Key Delivery to Network Solutions
    2.10. Delivery of Issued Subscriber Certificate to Subscriber
    2.10.1. Secure Server Certificate: SiteSafe SSL - Basic, SiteSafe SSL - Pro, SiteSafe SSL - Wildcard
    2.11. Delivery of Issued Subscriber Certificate to Wholesale Partners
    2.12. Network Solutions Certificates Profile
    2.12.1. Key Usage extension field
    2.12.2. Extension Criticality Field
    2.12.3. Basic Constraints Extension
    2.12.4. Certificate Policy (CP)
    2.13. Network Solutions Certificate Revocation List Profile

  3. Organization

    3.1. Conformance to this CPS
    3.2. Termination of CA Operations
    3.3. Form of Records
    3.4. Records Retention Period
    3.5. Logs for Core Functions
    3.5.1. CA & Certificate Lifecycle Management
    3.5.2. Security Related Events
    3.5.3. Certificate Application Information
    3.5.4. Log Retention Period
    3.6. Business Continuity Plans and Disaster Recovery
    3.7. Availability of Revocation Data
    3.8. Publication of Critical Information
    3.9. Confidential Information
    3.9.1. Types of Information deemed as Confidential
    3.9.2. Types of Information not deemed as Confidential
    3.9.3. Access to Confidential Information
    3.9.4. Release of Confidential Information
    3.10. Personnel Management and Practices
    3.11. Privacy Policy
    3.12. Publication of information

  4. Practices and Procedures

    4.1. Certificate Application Requirements
    4.1.1. Methods of application
    4.2. Application Validation
    4.2.1. Secure Server Certificate Application Three Step Validation Process
    4.2.2. SiteSafe SSL Certificate - Basic, SiteSafe SSL Certificate - Pro, SiteSafe SSL Certificate - Wildcard
    4.2.3. Reserved
    4.3. Validation Information for Certificate Applications
    4.3.1. Application Information for Organizational Applicants
    4.3.2. Supporting Documentation for Organizational Applicants
    4.3.3. Application Information for Individual Applicants
    4.3.4. Supporting Documentation for Individual Applicants
    4.4. Validation Requirements for Certificate Applications
    4.4.1. Third -Party Confirmation of Business Entity Information
    4.4.2. Serial Number Assignment
    4.5. Time to Confirm Submitted Data
    4.6. Approval and Rejection of Certificate Applications
    4.7. Certificate Issuance and Subscriber Consent
    4.8. Certificate Validity
    4.9. Certificate Acceptance
    4.10. Verification of Digital Signatures
    4.11. Reliance on Digital Signatures
    4.12. Certificate Suspension
    4.13. Certificate Revocation
    4.13.1. Request for Revocation
    4.13.2. Effect of Revocation
    4.14. Renewal
    4.15. Notice Prior to Expiration

  5. Legal Conditions of Issuance

    5.1. Network Solutions Representations
    5.2. Information Incorporated by Reference into a Digital Certificate
    5.3. Displaying Liability Limitations, and Warranty Disclaimers
    5.4. Publication of Certificate Revocation Data
    5.5. Duty to Monitor the Accuracy of Submitted Information
    5.6. Publication of Information
    5.7. Interference with Network Solutions Implementation
    5.8. Standards
    5.9. Network Solutions Partnerships Limitations
    5.10. Network Solutions Limitation of Liability for a Network Solutions Partner
    5.11. Choice of Cryptographic Methods
    5.12. Reliance on Unverified Digital Signatures
    5.13. Rejected Certificate Applications
    5.14. Refusal to Issue a Certificate
    5.15. Subscriber Obligations
    5.16. Representations by Subscriber upon Acceptance
    5.17. Indemnity by Subscriber
    5.18. Obligations of Network Solutions Registration Authorities
    5.19. Obligations of a Relying Party
    5.20. Legality of Information
    5.21. Subscriber Liability to Relying Parties
    5.22. Duty to Monitor Agents
    5.23. Use of Agents
    5.24. Conditions of usage of the Network Solutions Repository and Web site
    5.25. Accuracy of Information
    5.26. Obligations of Network Solutions
    5.27. Fitness for a Particular Purpose
    5.28. Other Warranties
    5.29. Non Verified Subscriber Information
    5.30. Exclusion of Certain Elements of Damages
    5.31. Certificate and Site Seal Relying Party Guarantee
    5.31.1. SiteSafe SSL Certificate - Basic
    5.31.2. SiteSafe SSL Certificate - Pro
    5.31.3. SiteSafe SSL Certificate - Wildcard
    5.31.4. Reserved
    5.31.5. Network Solutions Site Seal
    5.31.6. SiteSafe Site Confirm Seal
    5.32. Financial Limitations on Certificate Usage
    5.33. Reserved
    5.34. Conflict of Rules
    5.35. Intellectual Property Rights
    5.36. Infringement and Other Damaging Material.
    5.37. Ownership
    5.38. Governing Law
    5.39. Jurisdiction
    5.40. Dispute Resolution
    5.41. Successors and Assigns
    5.42. Severability
    5.43. Interpretation
    5.44. No Waiver
    5.45. Notice
    5.46. Fees
    5.47. Reissue Policy
    5.48. Refund Policy

  6. General Issuance Procedure

    6.1. General
    6.2. Certificates issued to Individuals and Organizations
    6.3. Content
    6.3.1. Secure Server Certificates
    6.3.2. Reserved
    6.4. Time to Confirm Submitted Data
    6.5. Issuing Procedure:

Terms and Acronyms Used in the CPS Acronyms:

CA Certificate Authority
CPS Certification Practice Statement
CRL Certificate Revocation List
CSR Certificate Signing Request
EPKI Enterprise Public Key Infrastructure Manager
FTP File Transfer Protocol
HTTP Hypertext Transfer Protocol
ITU International Telecommunication Union
ITU-T ITU Telecommunication Standardization Sector
PKI Public Key Infrastructure
PKIX Public Key Infrastructure (based on X.509 Digital Certificates)
PKCS Public Key Cryptography Standard
RA Registration Authority
SSL Secure Sockets Layer
TLS Transaction Layer Security
URL Uniform Resource Locator
X.509 The ITU -T standard for Certificates and their corresponding authentication framework

Terms:

Applicant: The Applicant is an entity applying for a Certificate.

Certificate Policy: The Certificate Policy is a statement of the issuer that corresponds to the prescribed usage of a digital certificate within an issuance context.

Digital Certificate or Certificate shall mean a digitally signed message that contains a Subscriber's public key and associates it with information authenticated by Network Solutions or a Network Solutions-authorized entity.

Network Solutions Site Seal shall mean a hyperlinked graphic provided by Network Solutions to a Subscriber for display on the Subscriber's Web site that identifies the Subscriber as the holder of a Network Solutions Digital Certificate and/or having been properly vetted as a valid entity as defined in this CPS. A Network Solutions Site Seal can be a Network Solutions Secure Site Seals or a Network Solutions Site Confirm Seal.

Network Solutions Secure Site Seal shall mean a hyperlinked graphic provided by Network Solutions to a Subscriber for display on the Subscriber's Web site that identifies the subscriber as the holder of a Network Solutions SSL Certificate and that the Subscriber has been validated in accordance with the standards set forth in the Network Solutions CPS related to SSL Certificates. When the Secure Site Seal is selected by a user, the user's browser is directed to open a SSL-encrypted link to a Network Solutions site to verify that the Secure Site Seal holder has been issued a Network Solutions SSL Certificate and has been validated in accordance with the standards set forth in the Network Solutions CPS. The Network Solutions site sends to the user's browser over the SSL-encrypted link a message indicating the results of the verification along with other information. The response from the Network Solutions site can be displayed on the user's browser as a graphic or web page (that can include client-executable code) containing information about the organization or person to whom the Secure Site Seal pertains and the result of the requested verification. The Secure Site Seal accompanies any issued Network Solutions SSL Certificate and shares the guarantee level associated with the SSL Certificate it accompanies.

Network Solutions Site Confirm Seal shall mean a hyperlinked graphic provided by Network Solutions to a Subscriber for display on the Subscriber's Web site to indicate that the Subscriber has been validated in accordance with the standards set forth in the Network Solutions CPS related to Digital Certificates. When the Site Confirm Seal is selected by a user, the user's browser is directed to open a SSL-encrypted link to a Network Solutions site to verify that the Network Solutions Site Confirm Seal holder has been validated in accordance with the standards set forth in the Network Solutions CPS. The Network Solutions site sends to the user's browser over the SSL-encrypted link a message indicating the results of the verification along with other information. The response from the Network Solutions site can be displayed on the user's browser as a graphic or web page (that can include client-executable code) containing information about the organization or person to whom the Site Confirm Seal pertains and the result of the requested verification.

Relying Party: The Relying Party is an entity that relies upon the information contained within the Certificate and/or Network Solutions Site Seal.

Relying Party Agreement: The Relying Party Agreement is an agreement which must be read and accepted by a Relying Party prior to validating, relying on or using a Certificate, relying on a Network Solutions Site Seal, or accessing or using Network Solutions' Repository, and is available for reference at http://www.networksolutions.com/legal/SSL-legal-repository-rpa.jsp.

Subscriber: The Subscriber is an entity that has been issued a Certificate and/or Network Solutions Site Seal.

Subscriber Agreement: The Subscriber Agreement is an agreement which must be read and accepted by an Applicant before applying for a Certificate or a Network Solutions Site Seal. The Subscriber Agreement is available for reference at http://www.networksolutions.com/legal/SSL-legal-repository-sa.jsp.

1. GENERAL

This document is the Network Solutions Certification Practice Statement (CPS) and outlines the legal, commercial and technical principles and practices that Network Solutions employs in providing certification services that include, but are not limited to approving, issuing, using and managing of Digital Certificates and in maintaining a X.509 Certificate -based public key infrastructure (PKIX) in accordance with the Certificate Policies determined by Network Solutions. It also defines the underlying certification processes for Subscribers and describes Network Solutions' repository operations. The CPS is also a means of notification of roles and responsibilities for parties involved in Certificate-based practices within the Network Solutions PKI. Some of the services and/or the practices described in this CPS may be performed on Network Solutions' behalf by third-party vendors selected by Network Solutions. Consequently, references in this CPS to activities, practices, etc., of "Network Solutions" shall mean Network Solutions and/or its selected third-party vendors.

1.1) Network Solutions

Network Solutions is a Certification Authority (CA) that issues high quality and highly trusted Digital Certificates to entities including private and public companies and individuals in accordance with this CPS. In its role as a CA Network Solutions performs functions associated with public key operations that include receiving requests, issuing, revoking and renewing a Digital Certificate and the maintenance, issuance and publication of Certificate Revocation Lists (CRLs) for users within the Network Solutions PKI. Network Solutions extends, under agreement, membership of its PKI to approved third parties known as Registration Authorities. The international network of Network Solutions RA's share Network Solutions' policies and practices and CA infrastructure to issue Network Solutions Digital Certificates, or if appropriate, private labeled Digital Certificates.

1.2) Network Solutions CPS

The Network Solutions CPS is a public statement of the practices of Network Solutions and the conditions of issuance, revocation and renewal of a Certificate issued under Network Solutions' own hierarchy. Pursuant to the division of the tasks of a CA, this CPS is largely divided in the following sections: Technical, Organizational, Practices and Legal.

This CPS, related agreements and Certificate policies referenced within this document are maintained by the Network Solutions Certificate Policy Authority. The Certificate Policy Authority may be contacted at the below address:

Certificate Policy Authority
13861 Sunrise Valley Drive, Suite 300
Herndon, VA 20171, USA
Telephone 703-668-4600
Fax 703-668-5959
Attention: Digital Certificates Support
Email: sslcpa@networksolutions.com
This CPS, related agreements and Certificate policies referenced within this document are available online at http://www.networksolutions.com/legal/SSL-legal-repository-sa.jsp.

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1.2.1) Network Solutions CPS Suitability, Amendments and Publication

The Network Solutions Certificate Policy Authority is responsible for determining the suitability of certificate policies illustrated within the CPS. The Authority is also responsible for determining the suitability of proposed changes to the CPS prior to the publication of an amended edition.

Upon the Certificate Policy Authority accepting such changes deemed by the CA's Policy Authority to have significant impact on the users of this CPS an updated edition of the CPS will be published at the Network Solutions repository (available at http://www.networksolutions.com/legal/SSL-legal-repository-sa.jsp), with thirty days notice given of upcoming changes and suitable incremental version numbering used to identify new editions.

Revisions not denoted "significant" shall be those deemed by the CA's Policy Authority to have minimal or no impact on subscribers and relying parties using Certificates and CRLs issued by CA. Such revisions may be made without notice to users of the CPS and without changing the version number of this CPS. Controls are in place to reasonably ensure that the Network Solutions CPS is not amended and published without the prior authorization of the Certificate Policy Authority.

1.3) Other Practice Statements & Agreements

The CPS is only one of a set of documents relevant to the provision of certification services by Network Solutions and that the list of documents contained in this clause are other documents which this CPS will from time to time mention, although this is not an exhaustive list. The document name, location of and status, whether public or private, are detailed below:

Document Status Location
Network Solutions Certification Practice Statement Public Network Solutions Repository: http://www.networksolutions.com/legal/SSL-legal-repository-cps.jsp
Relying Party Guarantee Public Network Solutions Repository: http://www.networksolutions.com/legal/SSL-legal-repository-rpg.jsp
Relying Party Agreement Public Network Solutions Repository: http://www.networksolutions.com/legal/SSL-legal-repository-rpa.jsp
Network Solutions Certificate and Site Seal Subscriber Agreement (including Schedules for each Certificate and Site Seal type) Public Network Solutions Repository: http://www.networksolutions.com/legal/SSL-legal-repository-sa.jsp
Network Solutions Wholesale Agreement Confidential Presented to partners accordingly.
SRSPlus Agreement Confidential Presented to partners accordingly.
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1.4) Liability of Network Solutions

For legal liability of Network Solutions under the provisions made in this CPS, please refer to section 5; legal conditions of issuance.

1.5) Compliance with applicable standards

The practices specified in this CPS have been designed to meet or exceed the requirements of generally accepted and developing industry standards including the AICPA/CICA WebTrust Program for Certification Authorities, ANS X9.79:2001 PKI Practices and Policy Framework, and other industry standards related to the operation of CAs. An annual audit is or will be performed by an independent external auditor to assess Network Solutions' compliancy with the AICPA/CICA WebTrust program for Certification Authorities. Topics covered by the annual audit include but are not limited to the following:

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1.6) Digital Certificate Policy Overview

A digital certificate is formatted data that cryptographically binds an identified subscriber with a public key. A digital certificate allows an entity taking part in an electronic transaction to prove its identity to other participants in such transaction. Digital certificates are used in commercial environments as a digital equivalent of an identification card. As detailed in this CPS, Network Solutions offers a range of distinct certificate types. The different certificate types have differing intended usages and differing policies.

Applicant Certificate Type Channels Available Validation Levels1 Suggested Usage
Individual or Company Secure Server Certificate: SiteSafe SSL - Basic - Network Solutions Website
- Wholesale
- SRSPlus
Confirmation of right to use the business name used in the application through the use of internal and third party databases and / or business documentation plus right to use the domain name used in the application. Validation is a four step process, requiring both automatic and manual validation including direct contact with the client. Establishes SSL / TLS session between the server housing the Secure Server Certificate and a client / customer / website visitor. The protocol is designed to authenticate a server to a client and provide confidentiality of data passed through the SSL / TLS session.
Individual or Company Secure Server Certificate: SiteSafe SSL - Pro - Network Solutions Website
- Wholesale
- SRSPlus
Confirmation of right to use the business name used in the application through the use of internal and third party databases and / or business documentation plus right to use the domain name used in the application. Validation is a four step process, requiring both automatic and manual validation including direct contact with the client. Establishes SSL / TLS session between the server housing the Secure Server Certificate and a client / customer / website visitor. The protocol is designed to authenticate a server to a client and provide confidentiality of data passed through the SSL / TLS session.
Individual or Company Secure Server Certificate: Network Solutions SiteSafe SSL Wildcard - Network Solutions Website
- Wholesale
- SRSPlus
Confirmation of right to use the business name used in the application through the use of internal and third party databases and / or business documentation plus right to use the domain name used in the application. Validation is a four step process, requiring both automatic and manual validation including direct contact with the client. Establishes SSL / TLS session between the server housing the Secure Server Certificate and a client / customer / website visitor. The protocol is designed to authenticate a server to a client and provide confidentiality of data passed through the SSL / TLS session.

As the suggested usage for a Digital Certificate differs on a per application basis, Subscribers are urged to appropriately study their requirements for their specific application before applying for a specific Network Solutions Certificate.

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1.7) Network Solutions PKI Hierarchy

Network Solutions relies on BeTrusted (www.betrusted.com - AICPA/CICA WebTrust Program for Certification Authorities approved security provider) for its Root CA Certificate for Digital Certificates issued on or before July 20, 2006, and UTN-USERFIRST-Hardware and AddTrust External CA Root for its Root CA Certificates for Digital Certificates issued after July 20, 2006. These relationships allow Network Solutions to issue highly trusted Digital Certificates by inheriting the trust level associated with BeTrusted root certificate (named CyberTrust Root), the UTN root certificate named UTN-USERFIRST-Hardware and the AddTrust root certificate named AddTrust External CA Root. The following high-level representation of the Network Solutions PKI is used to illustrate the hierarchy utilized.

For GTE Certificates:

For UTN/AddTrust Certificates:
Visible on IE compatible browsers as follows:

Cross signed and therefore visible on Netscape compatible browsers as follows:

1.8) Network Solutions Certification Authority

In its role as a Certification Authority (CA) Network Solutions provides certificate services within the Network Solutions PKI. The Network Solutions CA will:

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1.9) Network Solutions Registration Authorities

Network Solutions, directly and/or through its third-party providers, has established the necessary secure infrastructure to fully manage the lifecycle of Digital Certificates within its PKI. Through a network of Registration Authorities (RA), Network Solutions also makes its certification authority services available to its subscribers. Network Solutions RAs:

A Network Solutions RA acts locally within their own context of geographical or business partnerships on approval and authorization by Network Solutions in accordance with Network Solutions practices and procedures.

RAs are restricted to operating within the set validation guidelines published by Network Solutions to the RA upon joining the programs. Certificates issued through an RA contain an amended Certificate Profile within an issued certificate to represent the involvement of the RA in the issuance process to the Relying Party.

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1.10) Subscribers

Subscribers of Network Solutions services are individuals or companies that use PKI in relation to Network Solutions supported transactions and communications. Subscribers are parties that are identified in a certificate and hold the private key corresponding to the public key that is listed in a subscriber certificate. Prior to verification of identity and issuance of a certificate a subscriber is an applicant for the services of Network Solutions.

1.11) Relying Parties

Relying parties use PKI services in relation with Network Solutions certificates and reasonably rely on such certificates and/or digital signatures verifiable with reference to a public key listed in a subscriber certificate.

To verify the validity of a Digital Certificate they receive, relying parties must refer to the Certificate Revocation List (CRL) prior to relying on information featured in a certificate to ensure that Network Solutions has not revoked the certificate. The CRL location is detailed within the certificate.

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2. Technology

This section addresses certain technological aspects of the Network Solutions infrastructure and PKI services.

2.1) Network Solutions CA Infrastructure

The Network Solutions CA Infrastructure uses trustworthy systems to provide certificate services. A trustworthy system is computer hardware, software and procedures that provide an acceptable resilience against security risks, provide a reasonable level of availability, reliability and correct operation and enforce a security policy.

2.1.1) Network Solutions Root CA Signing Key Protection & Recovery

Network Solutions ensures the protection of its CA Root signing key pairs with the use of IBM 4578 crypto processor devices, which are certified to FIPS 140-1 Level 4, for key generation, storage and use. The CA Root signing key pairs are 2048 bit and were generated within the IBM 4578 device using the RSA algorithm.

CA Number Description Usage Lifetime Size
28 'CyberTrustedSigned' Network Solutions Certificate authority Intermediate certificate for SSL certificates To 8 Feb 2012 2048
61 AddTrust/UTN signed Network Solutions Certificate authority Intermediate certificate for SSL certificates To 30 May 2020 2048
32 AddTrust signed UTN Hardware Certificate Authority Intermediate certificate for SSL certificates To 30 May 2020 2048
38 AddTrust External CA Root Root certificate for SSL certificates To 30 May 2020 2048
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For CA Root key recovery purposes, the Root CA signing keys are encrypted and stored within a secure environment. The decryption key is split across m removable media and requires n of m to reconstruct the decryption key. Custodians in the form of 2 or more authorized Network Solutions representatives are required to physically retrieve the removable media from the distributed physically secure locations.

Where CA Root signing keys are backed up to another cryptographic hardware security module, such keys are transferred between devices in encrypted format only.

BeTrusted ensures the protection of its CA Root signing key pair in accordance with its AICPA/CICA WebTrust program compliant infrastructure and CPS. Details of BeTrusted's WebTrust compliancy are available at its official website (www.betrusted.com).

In a similar manner, the UTN and AddTrust CA Root key pairs are protected in accordance with an AICPA/CICA WebTrust program compliant infrastructure and CPS. Details are available at the following website: www.comodogroup.com/repository/

2.1.2) Network Solutions CA Root Signing Key Generation Process

Network Solutions securely generates and protects its own private key(s), using a trustworthy system (IBM 4758 accredited to FIPS PUB 140-1 level 4), and takes necessary precautions to prevent the compromise or unauthorized usage of it. The Network Solutions CA Root key was generated in accordance with the guidelines detailed in the Root Key Generation Ceremony Reference. The activities undergone and the Network Solutions personnel involved in the Root Key Generation Ceremony are recorded for audit purposes. Subsequent Root Key Generation Ceremonies are to follow the documented reference guide also.

2.1.3) Network Solutions CA Root Signing Key Archival

When the Network Solutions CA Root Signing Key pair expire they will be archived for at least 7 years. The keys will be archived in a secure cryptographic hardware module as per their secure storage prior to expiration, as detailed in section 2.1.1 of this CPS.

2.1.4) Procedures employed for CA Root Signing Key Changeover

The Network Solutions CA root signing private key is valid until 11:59pm 08 February 2012. Towards the end of the private key's lifetime, a new CA signing key pair is commissioned and all subsequently issued certificates and CRLs are signed with the new private signing key. Both keys may be concurrently active. The corresponding new CA public key certificate is provided to subscribers and relying parties through the delivery methods detailed in section 2.1.5 of this CPS.

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2.1.5) Network Solutions CA Root Public Key Delivery to Subscribers

Network Solutions makes all its CA Root Certificate available at its online repository at http://www.networksolutions.com/legal/SSL-legal-repository-sa.jsp. The GTE CyberTrust Root certificate is present in Internet Explorer 5.00 and above, Netscape 4.5 and above and Opera 5.0 and above and is made available to relying parties through these browsers. The UTN USERFirst Hardware certificate is present in Explorer 5.01 and above and is made available to relying parties through this browser. The AddTrust External CA Root certificate is present in Netscape 4.77 and above and Opera 5.0 and above and is made available to relying parties through these browsers. Network Solutions provides the full certificate chain (see section 1.7 of this CPS) to the Subscriber upon issuance and delivery of the Subscriber certificate.

2.1.6) Physical CA Operations

Access to the secure part of Network Solutions (or its selected third-party vendors') facilities is limited through the use of physical access control and is only accessible to appropriately authorized individuals (referred to herein as Trusted Personnel). Card access systems are in place to control, monitor and log access to all areas of the facility. Access to the physical machinery within the secure facility is protected with locked cabinets and logical access control. Network Solutions has made reasonable efforts to ensure all secure facilities are protected from:

All secure facilities have a primary and secondary power supply and ensure continuous, uninterrupted access to electric power. Heating / air ventilation systems are used to prevent overheating and to maintain a suitable humidity level.

Network Solutions asserts that it makes every reasonable effort to detect and prevent material breaches, loss, damage or compromise of assets and interruption to business activities.

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2.2) Digital Certificate Management

Network Solutions certificate management refers to functions that include but are not limited to the following:

Network Solutions conducts the overall certification management within the Network Solutions PKI, either directly or through a Network Solutions approved RA. Network Solutions is not involved in functions associated with the generation, issuance, decommissioning or destruction of a Subscriber key pair.

2.3) Network Solutions Directories, Repository and Certificate Revocation List

Network Solutions manages and makes publicly available directories of revoked certificates through the use of Certificate Revocation Lists (CRLs). Users and relying parties are strongly urged to consult the directories of issued and revoked certificates at all times prior to relying on information featured on a certificate. Network Solutions updates and publishes a new CRL every 24 hours or more frequently under special circumstances. The CRL for end entity certificates can be accessed via the following URLs:
http://crl.netsolssl.com/NetworkSolutionsCA.crl
http://crl2.netsolssl.com/NetworkSolutionsCA.crl

Revoked intermediate and higher level certificates are published in the CRL accessed via:
http://www.public-trust.com/cgi-bin/CRL/2018/cdp.crl

Network Solutions also publishes a repository of legal notices regarding its PKI services, including this CPS, agreements and notices references within this CPS as well as any other information it considers essential to its services. The Network Solutions legal repository may be accessed at http://www.networksolutions.com/legal/SSL-legal-repository-sa.jsp.

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2.4) Types of Network Solutions Certificates

Network Solutions currently offers a portfolio of Digital Certificates and related products that can be used in a way that addresses the needs of users for secure personal and business communications, protection of online transactions and identification of persons, whether legal or physical, or devices on a network or within a community.

Network Solutions may update or extend its list of products, including the types of certificates it issues, as it sees fit. The publication or updating of the list of Network Solutions products creates no claims by any third party. Upon the inclusion of a new certificate product in the Network Solutions hierarchy, an amended version of this CPS will be made public within two days, or as soon thereafter as is commercially practicable, on the official Network Solutions websites.

Issued certificates are published in Network Solutions directories. Suspended or revoked certificates are appropriately referenced in CRLs and published in Network Solutions directories. Network Solutions does not perform escrow of subscriber private keys.

2.4.1) Network Solutions Certificates

Network Solutions makes available Certificates that in combination with a Secure Socket Layer (SSL) web server attest the public server's identity providing full authentication and enable secure communication with corporate customers and corporate business partners. Network Solutions Certificates are offered in three variants: SiteSafe SSL - Basic, SiteSafe SSL - Pro, and SiteSafe SSL - Wildcard. Pricing for the certificates are made available on the relevant official Network Solutions websites. All variants of the Secure Server Certificates are sold with a Secure Site Seal as specified in section 2.4.3.1 of this CPS.

a) SiteSafe SSL - Basic

SiteSafe SSL - Basic Certificates are the professional level Secure Server Certificates from Network Solutions. Their intended usage is for websites conducting high value ecommerce and transferring data and also within internal networks.

In accordance with section 4.2.3 (Validation Practices) of this CPS, SiteSafe SSL - Basic Certificates may also utilize private databases to assist as part of the certificate application. All SiteSafe SSL - Basic Certificate applications include a validation of the applicant's submitted information.

The maximum aggregate guarantee limit for all claims associated with a SiteSafe SSL - Basic certificate pursuant to the Relying Party Guarantee is $50,000, and $1,000 per incident. The terms of the Relying Party Guarantee can be found in the Repository.

Subscriber fees for a SiteSafe SSL - Basic Certificate are available from the official Network Solutions website.

b) SiteSafe SSL - Pro

SiteSafe SSL - Pro Certificates are the professional level Secure Server Certificates from Network Solutions. Their intended usage is for websites conducting high value ecommerce and transferring data and also within internal networks.

In accordance with section 4.2.3 (Validation Practices) of this CPS, SiteSafe SSL - Pro Certificates may also utilize private databases to assist as part of the certificate application. All SiteSafe SSL - Pro Certificate applications include a validation of the applicant's submitted information.

The maximum aggregate guarantee limit for all claims associated with a SiteSafe SSL - Pro certificate is $1,000,000, and $1,000 per incident. The terms of the Relying Party Guarantee can be found in the Repository.

Subscriber fees for a SiteSafe SSL - Pro Certificate are available from the official Network Solutions website.

c) SiteSafe SSL - Wildcard

SiteSafe SSL - Wildcard Certificates are professional level Secure Server Certificates used securing multiple sub -domains with a single Network Solutions SSL #2 Certificate. Their intended use is for websites conducting high value ecommerce and transferring data and also within internal networks.

In accordance with section 4.2.3 (Validation Practices) of this CPS, SiteSafe SSL - Wildcard Certificates may also utilize private databases to assist as part of the certificate application. All SiteSafe SSL - Wildcard Certificate applications include a validation of the applicant's submitted information.

The maximum aggregate guarantee limit for all claims associated with a SiteSafe SSL - Wildcard Certificate is $1,000,000, and $1,000 per person per incident. The terms of the Relying Party Guarantee can be found in the Repository.

Subscriber fees for a SiteSafe SSL - Wildcard Certificate are available from the official Network Solutions website.

2.4.2) Reserved

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2.4.3) Site Seal

"Network Solutions Site Seal" shall mean a hyperlinked graphic provided by Network Solutions to a Subscriber for display on the Subscriber's Web site that identifies the Subscriber as the holder of a Network Solutions Digital Certificate and/or having been properly vetted as a valid entity as defined in this CPS. A Network Solutions Site Seal can be a Network Solutions Secure Site Seals or a Network Solutions Site Confirm Seal.

2.4.3.1) Secure Site Seal

"Network Solutions Secure Site Seal" shall mean a hyperlinked graphic provided by Network Solutions to a Subscriber for display on the Subscriber's Web site that identifies the subscriber as the holder of a Network Solutions SSL Certificate and that the Subscriber has been validated in accordance with the standards set forth in the Network Solutions CPS related to SSL Certificates. When the Secure Site Seal is selected by a user, the user's browser is directed to open a SSL-encrypted link to a Network Solutions site to verify that the Secure Site Seal holder has been issued a Network Solutions SSL Certificate and has been validated in accordance with the standards set forth in the Network Solutions CPS. The Network Solutions site sends to the user's browser over the SSL-encrypted link a message indicating the results of the verification along with other information. The response from the Network Solutions site can be displayed on the user's browser as a graphic or web page (that can include client-executable code) containing information about the organization or person to whom the Secure Site Seal pertains and the result of the requested verification. The Secure Site Seal accompanies any issued Network Solutions SSL Certificate and shares the guarantee level associated with the SSL Certificate it accompanies.

2.4.3.2) Site Confirm Seal

"Network Solutions Site Confirm Seal" shall mean a hyperlinked graphic provided by Network Solutions to a Subscriber for display on the Subscriber's Web site to indicate that the Subscriber has been validated in accordance with the standards set forth in the Network Solutions CPS related to Digital Certificates. When the Site Confirm Seal is selected by a user, the user's browser is directed to open a SSL-encrypted link to a Network Solutions site to verify that the Network Solutions Site Confirm Seal holder has been validated in accordance with the standards set forth in the Network Solutions CPS. The Network Solutions site sends to the user's browser over the SSL-encrypted link a message indicating the results of the verification along with other information. The response from the Network Solutions site can be displayed on the user's browser as a graphic or web page (that can include client-executable code) containing information about the organization or person to whom the Site Confirm Seal pertains and the result of the requested verification.

2.5) Reserved

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2.6) Extensions and Naming

2.6.1) Digital Certificate Extensions

Network Solutions uses the standard X.509, version 3 to construct Digital Certificates for use within the Network Solutions PKI. X.509v3 allows a CA to add certain certificate extensions to the basic certificate structure. Network Solutions use a number of certificate extensions for the purposes intended by X.509v3 as per Amendment 1 to ISO/IEC 9594-8, 1995. X.509v3 is the standard of the International Telecommunications Union for digital certificates.

2.6.2) Incorporation by Reference for Extensions and Enhanced Naming

Enhanced naming is the usage of an extended organization field in an X.509v3 certificate. Information contained in the organizational unit field is also included in the Certificate Policy extension that Network Solutions may use.

2.7) Subscriber Private Key Generation Process

The Subscriber is solely responsible for the generation of the private key used in the certificate request. Network Solutions does not provide key generation, escrow, recovery or backup facilities as part of the Certificate services.

Upon making a certificate application the Subscriber is solely responsible for the generation of an RSA key pair appropriate to the certificate type being applied for. During application the Subscriber will be required to submit a public key and other personal / corporate details in the form of a Certificate Signing Request (CSR).

Typically, secure server Certificate requests are generated using the key generation facilities available in the Subscriber's webserver software.

2.8) Subscriber Private Key Protection and Backup

The Subscriber is solely responsible for protection of the Subscriber's private keys. Network Solutions maintains no involvement in the generation, protection or distribution of such keys as part of the Certificate services.

Network Solutions strongly urges Subscribers to use a password or equivalent authentication method to prevent unauthorized access and usage of the Subscriber private key.

2.9) Subscriber Public Key Delivery to Network Solutions

Secure server Certificate requests are generated using the Subscriber's webserver software and the request is submitted to Network Solutions in the form of a PKCS #10 Certificate Signing Request (CSR). Submission is made electronically via the Network Solutions website or through a Network Solutions approved RA.

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2.10) Delivery of Issued Subscriber Certificate to Subscriber

Delivery of Subscriber certificates to the associated Subscriber is dependent on the certificate product type:

2.10.1) Secure Server Certificate: SiteSafe SSL - Basic, SiteSafe SSL - Pro, SiteSafe SSL - Wildcard

SiteSafe SSL - Basic, SiteSafe SSL - Pro, SiteSafe SSL - Wildcard certificates are delivered via email to the Subscriber through the use of the administrator contact email address provided during the application process.

2.11) Delivery of Issued Subscriber Certificate to Wholesale Partners

Issued Subscriber secure server Certificates applied for through a Wholesale Partner on behalf of the Subscriber are emailed to the administrator contact of the Wholesale Partner account.

2.12) Network Solutions Certificates Profile

A Certificate profile contains fields as specified below:

2.12.1) Key Usage extension field

Network Solutions certificates are general purpose and may be used without restriction on geographical area or industry. In order to use and rely on a Network Solutions certificate the relying party must use X.509v3 compliant software. Network Solutions certificates include key usage extension fields to specify the purposes for which the certificate may be used and also to technically limit the functionality of the certificate when used with X.509v3 compliant software. Reliance on key usage extension fields is dependent on correct software implementations of the X.509v3 standard and is outside of the control of Network Solutions.

The possible key purposes identified by the X.509v3 standard are the following:

a) Digital signature, for verifying digital signatures that have purposes other than those identified in b), f) or g), that is, for entity authentication and data origin authentication with integrity

b) Non-repudiation, for verifying digital signatures used in providing a non-repudiation service which protects against the signing entity falsely denying some action (excluding certificate or CRL signing, as in f) or g) below)

c) Key encipherment, for enciphering keys or other security information, e.g. for key transport

d) Data encipherment, for enciphering user data, but not keys or other security information as in c) above

e) Key agreement, for use as a public key agreement key

f) Key certificate signing, for verifying a CA's signature on certificates, used in CA certificates only

g) CRL signing, for verifying a CA's signature on CRLs

h) Encipher only, public key agreement key for use only in enciphering data when used with key agreement

i) Decipher only, public key agreement key for use only in deciphering data when used with key agreement

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2.12.2) Extension Criticality Field

The Extension Criticality field denotes two separate uses for the Key Usage field. If the extension is noted as critical, then the key in the certificate is only to be applied to the stated uses. To use the key for another purpose in this case would break the issuer's policy. If the extension is not noted as critical, the Key Usage field is simply there as an aid to help applications find the proper key for a particular use.

2.12.3) Basic Constraints Extension

The Basic Constraints extension specifies whether the subject of the certificate may act as a CA or only as an end-entity certificate. Reliance on basic constraints extension field is dependent on correct software implementations of the X.509v3 standard and is outside of the control of Network Solutions.

2.12.4) Certificate Policy (CP)

Certificate Policy (CP) is a statement of the issuer that corresponds to the prescribed usage of a digital certificate within an issuance context. A policy identifier is a number unique within a specific domain that allows for the unambiguous identification of a policy, including a certificate policy.

Specific Network Solutions certificate profiles are as per the tables below:

Network Solutions Secure Server Certificate – SiteSafe SSL - Basic, SiteSafe SSL - Pro, SiteSafe SSL – Wildcard
Signature Algorithm Sha1
Issuer CN Network Solutions Certificate Authority
O Network Solutions LLC
C US
Validity 1 Year / 2 Year / 3 Year / 4 Year
Subject CN Domain Name
OU /*One of:*/ {
SiteSafe SSL Basic |
SiteSafe SSL Pro |
SiteSafe SSL Wildcard }
O Organization
OU Organization Unit
STREET Street Address
L Locality
S Street
PostalCode Zip / Postal Code
C Country
Authority Key Identifier KeyID= 3c 41 e2 8f 08 08 a9 4c 25 89 8d 6d c5 38 d0 fc 85 8c 62 17
Key Usage (NonCritical) Digital Signature , Key Encipherment(A0)
Netscape Certificate Type SSL Client Authentication, SSL Server Authentication(c0)
Basic Constraint Subject Type=End Entity
Path Length Constraint=None
Certificate Policies [1]Certificate Policy:
Policy Identifier=1.3.6.1.4.1.782.1.2.1.3.1
[1,1]Policy Qualifier Info:
Policy Qualifier Id=CPS
Qualifier:
http://www.networksolutions.com/legal/SSL-legal-repository-rpa.jsp
CRL Distribution Points [1]CRL Distribution Point
Distribution Point Name:
Full Name:
URL=http://crl.netsolssl.com.com/NetworkSolutions_CA.crl
[2]CRL Distribution Point
Distribution Point Name:
Full Name:
URL=http://crl2.netsolssl.com.com/NetworkSolutions_CA.crl
Thumbprint Algorithm SHA1
Thumbprint  
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2.13) Network Solutions Certificate Revocation List Profile

The profile of the Network Solutions Certificate Revocation List is as per the table below:

Version [Version 2]
Issuer Name commonName=[Root Certificate Common Name]
CN = Network Solutions Certificate Authority
O = Network Solutions L.L.C.
C = US
Effective Date [Date of Issuance]
Next Update [Date of Issuance + 24 hours]
Revoked Certificates CRL Entries
Certificate Serial Number [Certificate Serial Number]
Date and Time of Revocation [Date and Time of Revocation]
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3. Organization

Network Solutions operates within the United States. All sites relevant to the provision of the services described herein operate under a security policy designed to, within reason, detect, deter and prevent unauthorized logical or physical access to CA related facilities. This section of the CPS outlines the security policy, physical and logical access control mechanisms, service levels and personnel policy in use to provide trustworthy and reliable CA operations.

3.1) Conformance to this CPS

Network Solutions conforms to this CPS and other obligations it undertakes through adjacent contracts when it provides its services.

3.2) Termination of CA Operations

In case of termination of CA operations for any reason whatsoever, Network Solutions will provide timely notice and transfer of responsibilities to succeeding entities, maintenance of records, and remedies. Before terminating its own CA activities, Network Solutions will where possible take the following steps:

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3.3) Form of Records

Network Solutions retains records in electronic or in paper-based format for a period detailed in section 3.4 of this CPS. Network Solutions may require subscribers to submit appropriate documentation in support of a certificate application.

Network Solutions Registration Authorities are required to submit appropriate documentation as detailed in the RA agreements, prior to being validated and successfully accepted as an approved Network Solutions Registration Authority.

In their role as a Network Solutions Registration Authority, RAs may require documentation from subscribers to support certificate applications. In such circumstances, RAs are obliged to retain such records in line with the practices of record retention and protection as used by Network Solutions and as stated in this CPS.

3.4) Records Retention Period

Network Solutions retains the records of Network Solutions Digital Certificates and the associated documentation for a term of no less than 7 years. The retention term begins on the date of expiration or revocation. Copies of certificates are held, regardless of their status (such as expired or revoked). Such records may be retained in electronic, in paper-based format or any other format that Network Solutions may see fit.

Such records are archived at a secure off-site location and are maintained in a form that prevents unauthorized modification, substitution or destruction.

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3.5) Logs for Core Functions

For audit purposes Network Solutions maintains electronic or manual logs of the following events for core functions. All logs are backed up on removable media and the media held at a secure off-site location on a daily basis. These media are only removed by Network Solutions staff or other authorized personnel on a visit to the data center, and when not in the data center are held either in a safe in a locked office within the development site, or offsite in a secure storage facility.

An audit log is maintained of each movement of the removable media. Logs are archived by the system administrator on a weekly basis and event journals reviewed on a weekly basis by CA management. Both current and archived logs are maintained in a form that prevents unauthorized modification, substitution or destruction. When the removable media reaches the end of its life it is wiped by a third party secure data destruction facility and the certificates of destruction are archived.

All logs include the following elements:

3.5.1) CA & Certificate Lifecycle Management

CA Root signing key functions, including key generation, backup, recovery and destruction

3.5.2) Security Related Events

System downtime, software crashes and hardware failures

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3.5.3) Certificate Application Information

The documentation and other related information presented by the applicant as part of the application validation process

Storage locations, whether physical or electronic of presented documents

3.5.4) Log Retention Period

Network Solutions maintain logs for a period of 7 years, or as necessary to comply with applicable laws.

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3.6) Business Continuity Plans and Disaster Recovery

To maintain the integrity of its services Network Solutions implements, documents and periodically tests appropriate contingency and disaster recovery plans and procedures. Such plans are revised and updated as may be required at least once a year.

As well as a fully redundant CA system, Network Solutions maintains provisions for the activation of a backup CA and a secondary site should the primary site suffer a total loss of systems. This disaster recovery plan states that Network Solutions (and/or its selected third-party vendor(s)) will endeavor to minimize interruptions to its CA operations.

3.7) Availability of Revocation

Network Solutions publishes Certificate Revocation Lists (CRLs) to allow relying parties to verify a digital signature made using a Network Solutions issued SSL Certificate. Each CRL contains entries for all revoked unexpired certificates issued and is valid for 24 hours. Network Solutions issues a new CRL every 24 hours and includes a monotonically increasing sequence number for each CRL issued. Under special circumstances Network Solutions may publish new CRLs prior to the expiry of the current CRL. All expired CRLs are archived (as described in section 3.4 of this CPS) for a period of 7 years, or longer if applicable. Network Solutions does not support OCSP (Online Certificate Status Protocol).

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3.8) Publication of Critical Information

Network Solutions publishes any revocation data on issued Digital Certificates, this CPS, certificate terms and conditions, the relying party agreement and copies of all subscriber agreements in the official Network Solutions repository at http://www.networksolutions.com/legal/SSL-legal-repository-sa.jsp. The Network Solutions repository is maintained by the Network Solutions Certificate Policy Authority and all updates, amendments and legal promotions are logged in accordance with the logging procedures referenced in this CPS.

3.9) Confidential Information

Network Solutions observes applicable rules on the protection of personal data deemed by law or the Network Solutions privacy policy (see section 3.11 of this CPS) to be confidential.

3.9.1) Types of Information deemed as Confidential

Network Solutions keeps the following types of information confidential and maintains reasonable controls to prevent the exposure of such records to non-trusted personnel.

3.9.2) Types of Information not deemed as Confidential

Subscribers acknowledge that revocation data of all certificates issued by the Network Solutions CA is public information is periodically published every 24 hours at the Network Solutions repository. Subscriber application data marked as "Public" in the relevant subscriber agreement and submitted as part of a certificate application is published within an issued Digital Certificate in accordance with section 2.12.4 of this CPS.

3.9.3) Access to Confidential Information

All personnel in trusted positions handle all information in strict confidence. Personnel of RA/LRAs especially must comply with the requirements of the U.S. and/or English law on the protection of personal data.

3.9.4) Release of Confidential Information

Network Solutions is not required to release any confidential information, unless as otherwise required by law, without an authenticated, reasonably specific request by an authorized party specifying:

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3.10) Personnel Management and Practices

Consistent with this CPS Network Solutions follows personnel and management practices that provide reasonable assurance of the trustworthiness and competence of their employees and of the satisfactory performance of their duties. Trusted roles

Trusted roles relate to access to the Network Solutions account management system, with functional permissions applied on an individual basis.

Trusted personnel must identify and authenticate themselves to the system before access is granted. Identification is via a username, with authentication requiring both a password and SSL Certificate.

Personnel controls

All trusted personnel of Network Solutions or its selected third-party vendors, as applicable, have background checks before access is granted to Network Solutions' systems. These checks include, but are not limited to, credit history, employment history for references and a Companies House cross -reference to disqualified directors. Training of personnel is undertaken via a mentoring process involving senior members of the team to which they are attached.

3.11) Privacy Policy

Network Solutions has implemented a privacy policy, which is in compliance with this CPS. The Network Solutions privacy policy is published at the Network Solutions LLC website at http://customersupport.networksolutions.com/article.php?id=306.

3.12) Publication of information

The Network Solutions certificate services and the Network Solutions repository are accessible through several means of communication:

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4. Practices and Procedures

This section describes the certificate application process, including the information required to make and support a successful application.

4.1) Certificate Application Requirements

All Certificate applicants must complete the enrollment process which includes:

Certificate Type Enrollment Entity Processing Entity Issuing Authority
Secure Server Certificate - all types as per section 2.4.1 and 2.4.2 of this CPS. End Entity Subscriber Network Solutions Network Solutions
Secure Server Certificate - all types as per section 2.4.1 and 2.4.2 of this CPS. SRSPlus or Wholesale Partner on behalf of End Entity Subscriber SRSPlus or Wholesale Partner Network Solutions
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4.1.1) Methods of application

Generally, applicants will complete the online forms made available by Network Solutions or by approved RAs at the respective official websites. Under special circumstances the applicant may submit an application via e-mail, however this process is available at the discretion of Network Solutions or its RAs.

4.2) Application Validation

Prior to issuing a Certificate (which includes a Network Solutions Secure Site Seal) or issuing a Network Solutions Site Confirm Seal, Network Solutions employs controls to validate the identity of the subscriber information featured in the certificate application. Such controls are indicative of the product type:

4.2.1) Secure Server Certificate Application Three Step Validation Process

Network Solutions utilizes a three-step validation process prior to the issuance of a secure server Certificate.

This process involves Network Solutions, automatically and manually, reviewing the application information provided by the applicant (as per section 4.3 of this CPS) in order to check the following:

1. If the applicant is a consumer, verifying the applicant is listed as the registrant for the domain name used in the application and is an accountable legal entity.

If the applicant submits incorrect information, then services may be denied, or the applicant will be contacted regarding the incorrect information. If the application is rejected, the customer specified will be contacted.

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2. If the applicant is an organization, verifying the applicant is listed as the registrant for the domain name used in the application and the contact listed represents an accountable legal entity.

If the applicant submits incorrect information, then the applicant will be contacted regarding the incorrect information. If the application is rejected, the customer specified will be contacted.

4.2.2) SiteSafe SSL - Basic, SiteSafe SSL - Pro, SiteSafe SSL - Wildcard

SiteSafe SSL - Basic, SiteSafe SSL - Pro, SiteSafe SSL - Wildcard Certificates are processed by Network Solutions in accordance with the three-step process outlined in section 4.2.1 of this CPS.

Network Solutions may employ the data held in private databases to increase the integrity of the validation process. In any case, the application is processed manually by Network Solutions in accordance with the three-step process outlined in section 4.2.1 of this CPS.

4.2.3) Reserved

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4.3) Validation Information for Certificate Applications

Applications for Network Solutions Certificates are supported by appropriate documentation to establish the identity of an applicant. From time to time, Network Solutions may modify the requirements related to application information for individuals to respond to Network Solutions' requirements, the business context of the usage of a SSL Certificate, or as it may be prescribed by law.

4.3.1) Application Information for Organizational Applicants

The following elements are critical information elements for a Network Solutions certificate issued to an Organization. Those elements marked with PUBLIC are present within an issued certificate and are therefore within the public domain. Those elements not marked with PUBLIC remain confidential in line with the privacy and protection of data provisions outlined in this CPS.

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4.3.2) Supporting Documentation for Organizational Applicants

Documentation requirements for Organizational applicants include any / all of the following:

Network Solutions may accept at its discretion other official organizational documentation supporting an application.

4.3.3) Application Information for Individual Applicants

The following elements are critical information elements for a Network Solutions certificate issued to an individual:

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4.3.4) Supporting Documentation for Individual Applicants

Documentation requirements for Individual applicants shall include identification elements such as:

Network Solutions may accept at its discretion other official documentation supporting an application.

4.4) Validation Requirements for Certificate Applications

Upon receipt of an application for a Digital Certificate and based on the submitted information, Network Solutions confirms the following information:

In all types of Network Solutions Certificates the subscriber has a continuous obligation to monitor the accuracy of the submitted information and notify Network Solutions of any changes that would affect the validity of the Certificate. Failure to comply with the obligations as set out in the subscriber agreement will result in the revocation of the Subscriber's Digital Certificate without further notice to the Subscriber and the Subscriber shall pay any Charges payable but not yet paid under the Agreement.

4.4.1) Third -Party Confirmation of Business Entity Information

Network Solutions may use the services of a third party to confirm information on a business entity that applies for a SSL Certificate. Network Solutions accepts confirmation from third party organizations, other third party databases and government entities.

Network Solutions controls include Trade Registry transcripts that confirm the registration of the applicant company and state the members of the board, the management and Directors representing the company.

Network Solutions may use any means of communication at its disposal to ascertain the identity of an organizational or individual applicant. Network Solutions reserves right of refusal in its absolute discretion.

4.4.2) Serial Number Assignment

Network Solutions assigns certificate serial numbers that appear in Network Solutions certificates. Assigned serial numbers are unique.

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4.5) Time to Confirm Submitted Data

Network Solutions makes reasonable efforts to confirm certificate application information and issue a SSL Certificate within reasonable time frames.

Network Solutions assures that all certificates will be issued within 2 working days after the receipt of all required validation information as per this CPS.

4.6) Approval and Rejection of Certificate Applications

Following successful completion of all required validations of a certificate application Network Solutions approves an application for a SSL Certificate.

If the validation of a certificate application fails, Network Solutions rejects the certificate application. Network Solutions reserves its right to reject applications to issue a certificate to applicants if, on its own assessment, by issuing a certificate to such parties the good and trusted name of Network Solutions might get tarnished, diminished or have its value reduced and under such circumstances may do so without incurring any liability or responsibility for any loss or expenses arising as a result of such refusal.

Applicants whose applications have been rejected may subsequently re-apply.

4.7) Certificate Issuance and Subscriber Consent

Network Solutions issues a Certificate upon approval of a certificate application. A SSL Certificate is deemed to be valid at the moment a subscriber accepts it (refer to section 4.9 of this CPS). Issuing a Digital Certificate means that Network Solutions accepts a certificate application.

4.8) Certificate Validity

Certificates are valid upon issuance by Network Solutions. Generally the certificate validity period will be 1, 2, 3 or 4 years, however Network Solutions reserves the right to offer validity periods outside of this standard validity period.

4.9) Certificate Acceptance by Subscribers

A subscriber is deemed to have accepted a certificate when the certificate is either delivered to the Subscriber via email or installed on a subscriber's computer / hardware security module through an online collection method.

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4.10) Verification of Digital Signatures

Verification of a digital signature is used to determine that:

4.11) Reliance on Digital Signatures

The final decision concerning whether or not to rely on a verified digital signature is exclusively that of the relying party. Reliance on a digital signature should only occur if:

Reliance is accepted as reasonable under the provisions made for the relying party under this CPS and within the relying party agreement. If the circumstances of reliance exceed the assurances delivered by Network Solutions under the provisions made in this CPS, the relying party must obtain additional assurances.

4.12) Certificate Suspension

Network Solutions does not utilize certificate suspension.

4.13) Certificate Revocation

Revocation of a certificate is to permanently end the operational period of the certificate prior to reaching the end of its stated validity period. Network Solutions will revoke a Digital Certificate if: