What is Active Directory Certificate Services?

Active Directory Certificate Services (AD CS) is a Microsoft Windows Server role that allows you to build a public key infrastructure (PKI) and provide encryption, digital signatures, and authentication services. It enables organizations to issue and manage digital certificates for various purposes, such as securing network communications (VPNs, Wi-Fi), encrypting files (EFS), authenticating users and devices, and securing email (S/MIME). AD CS is commonly used to create a trusted environment within an organization, where digital certificates are used to verify the identity of users, computers, and services.