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FAQ

Public Key Infrastructure

What is cryptography?

Cryptography is the science of disguising information through encryption (scambling) and restoring it to its original form through decryption. It provides similar, but much stronger, security assurances that signatures, paper envelopes and codeboks have always provided.

What is encryption?

Encryption is a way of scrambling information so that the information cannot be understood by anyone other than the intended recipient.

What are public and private keys?

In a public key cryptography system, two related keys, a public and a private key, are required to exchange information securely. One key is used to encrypt a message and the other in the pair to decrypt the message. Although each key in the pair is mathematically related, it is impossible to derive one from the other. The private key is protected even when someone knows the public key, so it is safe to openly distribute public keys.

How do I get a private and public key?

A pair of keys is usually generated by an appropriately trusted program on your computer or server. When the private key is created it will be automatically scrambled with a passphrase you supply. The public key will be submitted to a Certification Authority along with a request for a digital certificate. These certificates are usually valid for one year and are then renewed on a yearly basis.

What does a Certification Authority do with my public key?

When the Certification Authority receives a public key it waits for a user’s registration form. The Certification Authority makes further checks and once satisfied creates a digital certificate. The certificate includes some of the information the user supplied and the user’s public key.

Can I share these keys with others, are they portable from home to work, how do I protect them?

The private key remains scrambled. Most secure communications programs will allow you to export and import the private key, keeping it encrypted. A private key must not be shared.

What are digital certificates?

A digital certificate is an electronic equivalent of your NRIC or passport. To guarantee authenticity, subscriber certificates are digitally signed by the issuing Certification Authority e.g. Netrust, using its private key. This is akin to a passport issuing authority signing off on your passport.

Why do I need a digital certificate?

There are many certificate-enabled applications such as online banking, cyber-shopping, electronic data interchange (EDI), secure electronic mail, government applications and services, online health services etc. These applications are expected to increase your productivity, reduce your costs and will make it very convenient for users to access many services from the comfort of their homes or offices. To access these applications securely, you will need to have a digital certificate.

Who can be issued with a digital certificate?

Individuals and members of organisations, including those who control servers.

What information is contained within a Netrust digital certificate?

The following specifies the information contained within a personal and corporate Netrust digital certificate. It may also contain additional information as agreed between the user and Netrust. A personal Netrust Digital Certificate will contain information such as:
  • The subscriber’s name and other unique identification information e.g. NRIC, passport number etc.
  • The subscriber’s public key
  • Name and digital signature of the issuing Certificate Authority
  • Expiry date of the certificate.A corporate Netrust Digital Certificate will contain the same information as for the “individual certificate” with the following additional fields:
    • Industry group name (optional)
    • Organisation name
    • Organisation unit/s (if applicable)

How are digital certificates used?

When you connect with a secure web server (e.g. by https://…), the server will present its certificate to your browser so it can check the certificates validity for you. Email programs use digital certificates to check the authenticity of digital signatures. Using another person’s digital certificate is how you scramble your email to them. (If you scramble it with public keys in their certificate, only that person can unscramble because they are the only ones with the matching private keys).

What is suspension and revocation of a digital certificate?

Netrust provides a service that allows you to suspend or revoke your certificate. You would suspend your certificate if you suspect that your private key has been compromised e.g. someone found out your passphrase. You would revoke it if you were certain it was compromised. An organisation can also revoke a certificate e.g. when an employee leaves.
Netrust Digital Certificate

What if I forget my password to my cryptographic token?

If the user forgets his/her password or the token is locked after fifteen (15) cumulative unsuccessful attempts to provide the correct password, the user has to contact Netrust Pte Ltd to arrange an appointment for a re-issuance of Netrust Digital Certificate. The user has the option to either visit the Netrust office in person or proceed with an online remote session to complete this process.
 
The cost of re-issuing the certificate is S$10.80 (inclusive of 8% GST). 
 
Who to contact for enquiries or help?

I need a strong password to protect my digital certificate, are there any rules for the password?

Yes, your Password must satisfy the following rules:
  1. must be at least 8 characters long;
  2. must be less than or equal to 16 characters long;
  3. must contain an uppercase character;
  4. must contain a lowercase character;
To prevent misuse and abuse of the digital certificate, the Cryptographic token has the security feature of locking itself after 15 cumulative entries of incorrect password. However, when the user enters the correct password before the token is locked, the tracking counter for wrong password attempts would be reset back to 15.

What if my token is damaged, lost or stolen?

Inform Netrust Pte Ltd immediately and notify the user to contact Netrust Pte Ltd to arrange an appointment to get a replacement of the token. The user has the option to either visit the Netrust office in person or proceed with an online remote session to complete this process.
To proceed with an online remote session, please take note that there is an additional courier fee of $18 (inclusive of 8% GST) for the delivery of the token.
 
Cost for replacement of cryptographic token is as follows:
 
S/No Item Prices
1. Administrative Fee $10 (one-time cost)
2. Cryptographic Token $100
All prices are subject to 8% GST.
 
Who to contact for enquiries or help?

How do I make payment?

Please visit the website https://www.netrust.net/eshop/payment/ and choose the option to proceed with the payment.
Who to contact for enquiries or help?
   

What are my responsibilities for using the Netrust Digital Certificate?

The cryptographic token with the Netrust Digital Certificate is like an identity card. The onus is on the Applicant to safeguard his/her token. If the token is stolen or lost, it must be reported to Netrust Pte Ltd immediately so that Netrust can revoke the certificate. The cryptographic token is protected with the user’s password. The password must always be kept private and confidential. There will be legal implications if the token is transferred or used by another person for unauthorized activities. The Applicant shall be held liable in the event of any breach of trust.
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For Other Projects

Please contact Netrust at:   Phone: +65 6212 1388
Email: infoline@netrust.net

For STARS E-Lodgement System (ELS)

Where do I register for a Netrust Digital Certificate?  
 
Please send an email to infoline@netrust.net to request for the application form and understand more about the cost and documents required for this process.
 
Upon completion of generating the certificate, applicants will be notified via email to proceed to Netrust office for the collection.


What types of Netrust Digital Certificates are available and what are the differences?
 

There are two (2) types of Netrust Digital Certificates, namely

  1. Corporate Net-ID Certificate; and
  2. Personal Net-ID Certificate.
The differences between the two types of certificate are as follows:
 

Corporate Net-ID Certificate:  
 

  1. The certificate bears the name of the firm/company of the applicant;
  2. Future annual subscription billing for the Netrust Digital Certificate will be addressed to the firm/company; &
  3. Netrust’s liability limit – Singapore Dollars Eighty Thousand (S$80,000.00).

Personal Net-ID Certificate:  
 

  1. The certificate does not bear the name of the firm/company of the applicant;
  2. Future annual subscription billing for the digital certificate will be addressed to the applicant; &
  3. Netrust’s liability limit – Singapore Dollars Ten Thousand (S$10,000.00)

What do I have to submit to register for a Netrust (Net-ID) Digital Certificate?  
 
For applicant applying for Personal Net-ID Certificate, please email item 1 to 3 in a .zip file, password protected. For applicant applying for Corporate Net-ID Certificate, kindly email item 1 to 5 in a .zip file, password protected.
 

  1. Copy of the identification document of Applicant – NRIC/Passport or Work Permit (for foreigners) – *Driving License will not be accepted
  2. Practicing Certificate
  3. Netrust Digital Certificate Application Form
    (download Interactive Corporate Net-ID Application Form here)
    (download Interactive Personal Net-ID Application Form here)
  4. Letter of Authorization, authorizing the Applicant to apply for the token (see Sample Letter);
    NOTE : This letter does not permit a proxy to come on behalf of the applicants.
  5. Copy of Business Profile/ACRA (must be generated within the year of application)

How much do I have to pay?  
 

S/No Items Prices
1 Netrust Digital Certificate (Corporate and Personal) $70 (renewable annually)
2 Registration Fee $10 (one-time cost)
3 Cryptographic Token $100
All prices are subject to 8% GST.
 

Mode of payment (upon collection):  
 

  • Cash
  • Cheque (made payable to Netrust Pte Ltd)
  • NETS
  • Visa
  • Mastercard
  • PayNow

What operating systems are supported by Netrust software?  
 

Supported platforms:

  • Windows 8
  • Windows 10
  • Windows 11
Lifespan of Certificate
 
The certificate has a lifespan of 3 years from the date of issue. Netrust Digital Certificate renewal can be done online using the Entrust Entelligence Security Provider (EESP). A dedicated update prompt will appear on the right hand side of the taskbar on the 30th to the 36th month of the certificate validity.
 
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Click on the icon and user’s information will display. Select “Update” to proceed with the Netrust Certificate Update. Once successful, the token validity will be extended to 3 years from the date of the update.

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Should your certificate become invalid due to failure to update your certificate online, please contact Netrust Customer Service to assist for a certificate recovery. This service is chargeable as stated in the Netrust FAQ.


Who to contact for enquiries or help?  
 

For CORENET

Where do I register for a Netrust USB-Token?
 
Please send an email to infoline@netrust.net to request for the application form and understand more about the cost and documents required for this process.
 
Upon completion of generating the certificate, applicants will be notified via email to proceed to Netrust office for the collection.
 
What do I have to submit to register for a Netrust (Net-ID) Digital Certificate?
 
Please check the pre-requisites for the application you would like to proceed with and email the required documents in a .zip file, password protected.

Pre-requisites (Corporate Net-ID Application)
 
  • Corporate Net-ID Interactive Application Form
  • Letter of Authorization, authorizing the Applicant to apply for the token under their Company. The Letter must be printed on the Company Letterhead.
  • Original or Certified True Copy of the Practicing Cert (Issued By Board of Architects, Professional Engineers Board, Public Utilities Board)
  • Copy of Business Profile/ACRA (Must be generated within the year of application)
  • Copy of the Identification document of Applicant – NRIC/Passport or Work Permit (foreigners) – *Driving License will not be accepted
Pre-requisites (Personal Net-ID Application)
 
  • Personal Net-ID Interactive Application Form
  • Original or Certified True Copy of the Practicing Cert (Issued By Board of Architects, Professional Engineers Board, Public Utilities Board)
  • Copy of the Identification document of Applicant – NRIC/Passport or Work Permit (foreigners) – *Driving License will not be accepted
Pre-requisites AP Builder (Corporate Net-ID Application)
 
  • Corporate Net-ID Interactive Application Form
  • Letter of Authorization, authorizing the Applicant to apply for the token under their Company. The Letter must be printed on the Company Letterhead.
  • Builder’s License letter / Update of Builder Key Personnel letter issued by BCA
  • Copy of Business Profile/ACRA (Must be generated within the year of application)
  • Copy of the Identification document of Applicant – NRIC/Passport or Work Permit (foreigners) – *Driving License will not be accepted
Pre-requisites AP Builder (Personal Net-ID Application)
 
  • Personal Net-ID Interactive Application Form
  • Builder’s License letter / Update of Builder Key Personnel letter issued by BCA
  • Copy of the Identification document of Applicant – NRIC/Passport or Work Permit (foreigners) – *Driving License will not be accepted
Pre-requisites Energy Auditor (Personal Net-ID Application)
 
  • Personal Net-ID Interactive Application Form
  • Certificate of Registration (Issued By BCA)
  • Copy of the Identification document of Applicant – NRIC/Passport or Work Permit (foreigners) – *Driving License will not be accepted
How much do I have to pay?
 
Item Price(SGD)
1. Netrust Digital Certificate (renewable annually) : $70
2. Registration Fee (one-time cost) : $10
3. Cryptographic Token: $100
4. GST (8%) : $14.40

TOTAL

$194.40

Mode of payment (upon collection):
 
  • Cash
  • Cheque (made payable to Netrust Pte Ltd)
  • NETS
  • Visa
  • Mastercard
  • PayNow

What operating systems are supported by Netrust software?
 
Supported platforms:
  • Windows 8
  • Windows 10
  • Windows 11
 
Lifespan of Certificate
 
The certificate has a lifespan of 3 years from the date of issue. Netrust Digital Certificate renewal can be done online using the Entrust Entelligence Security Provider (EESP). A dedicated update prompt will appear on the right hand side of the taskbar on the 30th to the 36th month of the certificate validity.
blank blank
 

Click on the icon and user’s information will display. Select “Update” to proceed with the Netrust Certificate Update. Once successful, the token validity will be extended to 3 years from the date of the update. blank

Should your certificate become invalid due to failure to update your certificate online, please contact Netrust Customer Service to assist for a certificate recovery. This service is chargeable as stated in the Netrust FAQ.

Who to contact for enquiries or help?
 

For LTALink (VRL)

Where do I register for a Netrust Digital Certificate?
 
Please send an email to infoline@netrust.net to request for the application form and understand more about the cost and documents required for this process.
 
Upon completion of generating the certificate, applicants will be notified via email to proceed to Netrust office for the collection.

Which type of Netrust Digital Certificate should I apply for?
 
You will obtain a Netrust Corporate Net-ID Certificate with the following information:
  1. The digital certificate would bear the name and masked NRIC number of the User;
  2. User shall be accountable for the certificate; and
  3. Future billing for digital certificate subscription renewal would be addressed to the User, unless otherwise specified
What do I have to submit to register for a Netrust (Net-ID) Digital Certificate?
 
Please email the following required documents in a .zip file, password protected.
  1. Copy of the Identification document – NRIC/ Passport or Work Permit (for foreigners) – *Driving License will not be accepted
  2. Netrust Digital Certificate Interactive Application Form
    (download Interactive Corporate Net-ID Application Form here)
  3. Letter of Authorisation (LOA Template Link) (printed on the company Letterhead). ALL Application submitted to Netrust must include a Letter of Authorization. Netrust token application will not be processed if this document is not submitted to Netrust.
  4. Copy of Business Profile/ACRA (Must be generated within the year of application)
  5. Copy of the Approval Email / completed and signed SA01 Form sent by LTA to the user stating the approval of company / ESA
How much do I have to pay?
 
S/N ITEM PRICE (SGD)
1. Netrust Corporate Net-ID Certificate (annual fee) $70
2. Registration fee $10
3. Cryptographic Token $100
Total

$180

All prices are subject to 8% GST.
 
Modes of payment (upon collection):
 
  • Cash
  • Cheque (made payable to Netrust Pte Ltd)
  • NETS
  • Visa
  • Mastercard
  • PayNow
 
Which Operating Systems are supported by Netrust software?
 
Supported platforms:
  • Windows 8
  • Windows 10
  • Windows 11
Lifespan of Certificate
 
The certificate has a lifespan of 3 years from the date of issue. Netrust Digital Certificate renewal can be done online using the Entrust Entelligence Security Provider (EESP). A dedicated update prompt will appear on the right hand side of the taskbar on the 30th to the 36th month of the certificate validity.
blank  blank
 
Click on the icon and user’s information will display. Select “Update” to proceed with the Netrust Certificate Update. Once successful, the token validity will be extended to 3 years from the date of the update.
 
blank
 

Should your certificate become invalid due to failure to update your certificate online, please contact Netrust Customer Service to assist for a certificate recovery. This service is chargeable as stated in the Netrust FAQ.

 
Who to contact for enquiries or help?
 

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