How to Deploy Certificates Using SCCM and PowerShell | Enterprise Guide

Deploy Certificates Using SCCM

In enterprise environments, deploying certificates across multiple computers can be automated using Microsoft System Center Configuration Manager (SCCM) and PowerShell scripting. This method ensures that all devices in your network receive the necessary certificates without manual intervention. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to achieve seamless certificate deployment using SCCM and PowerShell.

SCCM

Prerequisites for Certificate Deployment via SCCM

Before you begin, make sure you have the following in place:

1. SCCM Infrastructure: Ensure SCCM is correctly installed and configured in your environment.

2. Certificate File: Have your certificate file (.cer or .pfx) ready for deployment.

3. PowerShell Script: Prepare a PowerShell script for the certificate installation process.

4. SCCM Application: Create an SCCM application that will deploy the PowerShell script across the network.

Step-by-Step Guide to Deploy Certificates Using SCCM and PowerShell

Step 1: Create a PowerShell Script for Certificate Installation

To begin, you need to create a PowerShell script that will install the certificate into the local machine’s certificate store. Here's a sample script to install a .cer certificate into the Trusted Root Certification Authorities store:

$certPath = "C:\path\to\certificate.cer"
$certStore = "Cert:\LocalMachine\Root"

Import-Certificate -FilePath $certPath -CertStoreLocation $certStore

For .pfx certificates, which contain private keys and may require a password, use this script:

$certPath = "C:\path\to\certificate.pfx"
$password = ConvertTo-SecureString -String "YourPassword" -Force -AsPlainText
Import-PfxCertificate -FilePath $certPath -CertStoreLocation "Cert:\LocalMachine\My" -Password $password

Step 2: Set Up a Configuration Item in SCCM

1. Open SCCM Console: Navigate to the Assets and Compliance workspace.

2. Create Configuration Item:

   • Click Create Configuration Item in the Configuration Items node.

   • Provide a name and select "Windows" as the settings type.

   • Add your PowerShell script to the configuration item.

   • Define compliance rules to ensure the certificates are deployed and installed correctly.

Step 3: Create a Configuration Baseline in SCCM

1. Add Configuration Item:

   • In the Configuration Baselines node, create a new baseline.

   • Add the previously created configuration item to the baseline.

Step 4: Deploy the Configuration Baseline

1. Deploy the Baseline:

   • Right-click on the baseline and choose Deploy.

   • Assign the baseline to the collection of computers you want to target.

Step 5: Monitor Certificate Deployment Compliance

After deployment, you can monitor compliance by navigating to the Compliance section in the SCCM Monitoring workspace. This will allow you to verify that the certificates have been installed across all targeted devices.

Alternative Method: Deploying Certificates Using Group Policy (GPO)

If SCCM is unavailable, you can use Group Policy to deploy certificates. Here's how:

1. Add the certificate to a Group Policy Object (GPO).

2. Link the GPO to the appropriate Organizational Unit (OU) containing the target computers.

3. Once linked, Group Policy will automatically deploy the certificate to all computers within the selected OU.

Deploying Certificates Using Group Policy (GPO)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. How do I install certificates using PowerShell in SCCM?

Deploy Certificates Using SCCM and PowerShell by installing certificates via PowerShell in SCCM, you create a PowerShell script for importing certificates and then deploy this script through SCCM’s configuration management.

2. Can I deploy certificates without SCCM?

Yes, you can deploy certificates using Group Policy if SCCM is not available. This method requires setting up a GPO that distributes the certificate across target machines in the network.

3. What is the difference between a .cer and .pfx file in PowerShell?

A .cer file contains only the public key of a certificate, while a .pfx file includes both the public and private keys, often requiring a password for security.

Conclusion

By following this guide, you can automate certificate deployment using SCCM and PowerShell, streamlining the process across an entire enterprise. Testing the deployment on a subset of devices before rolling it out company-wide is essential to prevent unexpected disruptions. The combination of SCCM’s powerful management tools and PowerShell scripting flexibility provides a robust, scalable solution for enterprise-level certificate management.

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