System and method for retrieving certificates associated with senders of digitally signed messages

摘要

A system and method for retrieving certificates and/or verifying the revocation status of certificates. In one embodiment, when a user opens a digitally signed message, a certificate that is required to verify the digital signature on the message may be automatically retrieved if it is not stored on the user's computing device (e.g. a mobile device), eliminating the need for users to initiate the task manually. Verification of the digital signature may also be automatically performed by the application after the certificate is retrieved. Verification of the revocation status of a certificate may also be automatically performed if it is determined that the time that has elapsed since the status was last updated exceeds a pre-specified limit.

主权项

1. A method of retrieving certificates, the method comprising:
after a message comprising a digital signature of a sender is received at a communication device but before the message is user-selected for opening:
identifying a certificate associated with the sender, wherein the certificate is not included with the message;determining whether the certificate is stored on the communication device; andinitiating retrieval of the certificate.