Step 5. Download IDP_CERT.cert from PingFederate Server

This section explains how to download the IdP signing certificate (IDP_CERT.cert) from the PingFederate server. The certificate is used to verify digital signatures on authentication responses and establish a trusted connection between PingFederate and integrated applications or services.

About this task

  1. Login as PingFederate Administrator

    • Access the PingFederate Admin Console (e.g., https://pingfederate.example.com:9999/pingfederate/app)
  2. Navigate to Digital Signatures

    • Go to SecuritySigning & Decryption Keys & Certificates
    • Or navigate to Server ConfigurationCertificates
  3. Locate the Signing Certificate

    • Find the certificate used for SAML Signing
    • This is typically under Signing Certificate in the IdP configuration
  4. Export the Certificate

    • Click on the certificate you want to export
    • Click Export or Download
    • Select X.509 Certificate (.cer or .crt format)
    • Save the file (e.g., pingfederate.cer or pingfederate.crt)
  5. Alternative Method - Download from Metadata

    • Navigate to your IdP metadata URL
      • Example: https://pingfederate.example.com/pf/federation_metadata.ping
    • Save the metadata XML file
    • Extract the certificate from the <X509Certificate> tag within <KeyDescriptor use="signing">
    • Create a file with the certificate in PEM format:
      -----BEGIN CERTIFICATE-----
      [Certificate content from XML]
      -----END CERTIFICATE-----