How to open a DER file

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2023-07-10T03:42:44+00:00

How to open a DER file

The⁤ DER files are​ a special format used to store digital certificates and ⁢cryptographic keys. These files play a crucial role in the security of online communications by verifying the authenticity of websites and protecting confidential information. If you come across a DER file and need to access its contents, read on to discover how to open it simply and effectively.

Understanding DER Files

Before we dive into the process of opening a DER file, it is important to understand what they are and what they are used for. DER files, named after “Distinguished Encoding Rules” (Distinguished Encoding Rules), are a binary format used to encode ASN.1 data structures, such as digital certificates and cryptographic keys. These files guarantee the integrity and authenticity of the information they contain, making them an essential component in the security of online communications.

Methods to open DER files

There are several ways to open a DER file, depending on the operating system and the tools available. Below, we present some of the most common methods:

Use ‌Windows Explorer

If you use Windows, you can open DER files directly from⁢ Windows Explorer. Follow these steps:

  1. Double-click the DER file you want to open.
  2. The window will open "Certificate", showing the digital certificate information.
  3. You can explore different tabs, such as “General”, “Details” and “Certification Path”, to get more information about the certificate.

Use OpenSSL

OpenSSL is a widely used command line tool for working with certificates and cryptographic keys. If you have OpenSSL installed on your system, you can use it to open DER files:

  1. Open a terminal or command line.
  2. Navigate to​ the directory where⁢ the DER file is located.
  3. Run the following command: openssl x509 -in archivo.der -inform der -text
  4. OpenSSL will display ‌the content of the ‍certificate​ in readable ‌text format.

Employ an online certificate viewer

If you prefer a quick and easy solution,⁢ you can use a online certificate viewer. These services allow you to upload your DER file and view its contents without installing any additional software. Some popular viewers are: