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Home / Glossary / PEM
Glossary · Security

PEM

Privacy Enhanced Mail

In plain language

A common text format for storing certificates and keys, with a header line saying what is inside.

The metaphor

Like a labelled envelope holding a certificate: the label on the front says what is inside.

Going deeper

How it works

  • The file opens as plain text with a BEGIN and END line.
  • The text between them is the encoded certificate or key.
  • Web servers and other tools read it.
  • It takes its name from an early secure email scheme.
In practice
  • A web host asks for the certificate in this format.
  • A technician pastes a key into a server setting.
  • A file with a .pem ending sits in a project folder.

A question owners ask

Is a file like this secret?

A certificate is meant to be shared. A private key inside one must be kept secret.

Related terms
AAAAuthentication, Authorization, and AccountingAccount takeoverACLAccess Control ListAdmin accountAESAdvanced Encryption StandardAES-256Advanced Encryption Standards 256-bitAISAutomated Indicator SharingAPTAdvanced Persistent Threat

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