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.
Firefox
- In Firefox open:
- On Athena, Linux, and Macintosh: Preferences > Advanced > View Certificates
- On Windows: Tools > Options > Advanced > View Certificates
- In the Certificate Manager window, click the Authorities tab.
- Scroll to find Massachusetts Institute of Technology: MIT Certification Authority (listed alphabetically, or at the end of the list).
Internet Explorer on Windows
- In IE, open Tools > Internet Options, then click the Content tab.
- Click the Certificates button.
- In the Certificates window, click the Trusted Root Certificate Authority tab.
- Scroll to find the MIT CA (alphabetically or at end of list).
Safari on Macintosh
- Open Keychain Access: [Macintosh HD] > Applications > Utilities > Keychain Access.
- If necessary, click the Show Keychains button in the bottom left corner of the Keychain Access window.
- In the Keychains list at the top left, select:
Mac 10.5.x: System (not System roots)
Mac 10.4.x.: X509Anchors - 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.
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: Service Desk
IS&T Service Desk
Monday-Friday
Telephone/Online: 8am - 6pm
Walk-In (N42) 9:15am - 5pm
Web: IS&T Service Desk
Email: computing-help@mit.edu
Phone: 617.253.1101

