apply a .cer certificate Ventura 13.2.1

I need to apply a .cer certificate so that I can access a remote system. This is an easy task on a Windows PC, but this is the first time I have had to do it on my MBP (M2 chip).

Looking on the web it looked like all I had to do was drag the .cer file into the Keychain Access app. I tried that, but it didn't work. I also tried using the Import option from the menu. That didn't work either.

At the moment the file is in Downloads.

Do I need to store it somewhere else?

How can I do this?

TIA

MacBook Pro 16″, macOS 13.2

Posted on Mar 16, 2023 09:35 AM

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Flybr1dge Author

Level 1

16 points

Posted on Mar 17, 2023 03:20 AM

Hi.

I decided to approach Apple Support and they got me fixed. It doesn't like the .cer file as it is seemingly from an unknown developer (which, in effect, it is). I had to use Get Info on the file and change the parameter to always trust (can't remember exactly where I did that - the file itself or somewhere in Settings>Privacy).

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Flybr1dge Author

Level 1

16 points

Mar 17, 2023 03:20 AM in response to Flybr1dge

Hi.

Mac Jim ID

Level 9

53,234 points

Mar 16, 2023 09:45 AM in response to Flybr1dge

It should be that easy. When you open the Keychain Access app, is either the "login" or "System" keychains selected? When you drag the certificate to Keychain Access, it should go into one of those folders. Are you getting any error messages?

Flybr1dge Author

Level 1

16 points

Mar 17, 2023 01:17 AM in response to Mac Jim ID

Hi. I did as you suggested. There was no error message given - nothing happened when I drag from the Downloads folder to the app. I also double clicked the .cer and, although it looked like something was happening because I was asked to enter my password, nothing appeared in the app.

Just to be sure, I attempted to connect to the remote system, but it didn't work.

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apply a .cer certificate Ventura 13.2.1