Q. How many PKI certificates and card readers will I need if I use an Internet connection to DECS?   A. You will need a certificate for each individual within your company that will be accessing DECS. If more than one person will be accessing DECS at the same time, you will need a card reader for each person, as the card containing their certificate must be in the card reader whilst they are using DECS.

Q. Can I use another browser?

A. Microsoft Internet Explorer is the only browser supported for use on DECS.

Q. Can I use my ChamberCard certificate for non-DECS purposes?

 A. Yes. ChamberCard certificates are based on the internationally-recognised public key infrastructure X.509 standard. The ChamberCard certificate policy describes the allowed usage. For more information on the certificate policy, visit http://www.ChamberCard.co.uk

Q. Can I use my own smartcard reader?

A. Support will only be provided for ChamberCard smartcards used in conjunction with the reader and software issued by ChamberCard.

Q. Do I need a security certificate to join DECS? If so, what is the process for this being awarded, will there be an audit, and are there any hidden costs?

A.You only require a digital certificate for the web access (internet) connectivity option.  

Q. Do I need a specific Internet Service Provider to access DECS?

A. No, you can access DECS through any Internet Service Provider, or through your company network if it is connected to the Internet.  

Q. Does my certificate ever expire?

A. Yes. Although you have purchased a three-year entitlement, your certificate has a 1-year lifetime. Prior to its expiry you will be sent a new smartcard and certificate. This will be repeated prior to the end of the second year. Prior to the end of the third year Chambercard will write to you asking whether you wish to extend entitlement for a further three years.  

Q. What are my obligations?

A. In accordance with MOD policy, each user is responsible for:

  • Safeguarding their smartcard, and ensuring that their DECS password and smartcard PIN are not known by others
  • Notifying the DECS service desk in the event that they suspect that their smartcard is lost.
  • Changing the smartcard PIN or DECS password in the event that they suspect either has been compromised.
  • Logging out and closing all your browser windows when they have completed their DECS session and leave their secure area.

Q. What do I need to access DECS via the Web?

A. To access DECS via the web you will require a PC (Which must conform to the minimum specifications) with access to the internet and a browser. Your company will need to have registered at least one employee as a DECS User. Your DECS user will need to be in possession of a valid DECS logon account, password and digital identity certificate.  

Q. What if I change registration details?

A. Please log a call with the DECS service desk to notify them of any changes. You will be sent confirmation of the change, which you must arrange to be authorised and sent to your certificate manager. Changes affecting your email address, name or company name will result in a new digital certificate being issued and your existing certificate being cancelled.  

Q. What if I forget my PIN number or loose my smartcard?

A. You must notify the DECS service desk on +44(0)870 241 3569 in the event that you forget your PIN or believe that your smartcard is compromised or lost. Your DECS account will be disabled. You will be sent a form, which you must arrange to be authorised and sent to your certificate manager. Your certificate will then be cancelled and a new smartcard issued.  On receipt of your new smartcard you will be required to contact the DECS service desk in order for your account to be re-enabled. Note: There is a charge of £40 for a replacement card.

Q. What if I no longer subscribe to DECS & do not need my certificate ?

A. You must inform the DECS service desk in the event that you wish to cancel your subscription. You will be entitled to maintain your certificate until expiry of the entitlement period. If you wish to cancel your certificate, you should download and complete a certificate revocation form from http://www.ChamberCard.co.uk.

Q. What is a certificate and what does it look like?

A. A certificate is the digital equivalent of a passport. It is a file which has been uniquely issued by a trusted authority. Each certificate is stored on a smartcard - similar to a credit card but with an embedded electronic silicon chip which can be read by a smartcard reader. The smartcard provides an assurance that the user's private identity key is unique, since it cannot be extracted from the card. The card requires knowledge of a Personal Identity Number (PIN) to unlock it.  

Q. Why do I need a digital certificate?

A. Since DECS is connected to the internet, it is open to attack from any internet-connected device. Passwords alone provide insufficient security to restrict access only to legitimate users. DECS therefore requires that each user is in possession of a unique object - their certificate - in addition to their logon and password.