Adding SSL/TLS Certificate Sensor

1. Log in to your PRTG Network Monitor dashboard.
2. Navigate to the "Devices" tab and select the device hosting the SSL/TLS certificate.
3. Click on "Add Sensor" and search for the "SSL Certificate" sensor type.
4. Specify the target SSL/TLS certificate by entering its hostname or IP address.
5. Configure settings such as scanning intervals and warning/error thresholds.
6. Click "Create" to add the sensor to your monitoring setup.

Configuring OCSP Response Monitoring

1. Locate the added SSL/TLS certificate sensor in the device's sensor list.
2. Click on the sensor to open its settings.
3. Scroll down to the "Security" section and enable the "OCSP Stapling" option.
4. Provide the OCSP responder URL(s) for the monitored certificate(s).
5. Save the settings to apply the OCSP response monitoring configuration.

Setting Up Notifications

1. Navigate to the "Notifications" tab in the main menu.
2. Click "Add Notification" to create a new notification rule.
3. Choose your preferred notification method (email, SMS, etc.).
4. Define conditions for triggering notifications, such as OCSP response failures or certificate validation issues.
5. Specify recipients to receive the notifications.
6. Save the notification rule.

Monitoring and Troubleshooting

1. Monitor SSL/TLS certificate OCSP responses in real-time on the PRTG dashboard.
2. Receive notifications promptly if OCSP response difficulties are detected.
3. Investigate the root cause of OCSP response difficulties using PRTG's diagnostic tools, such as packet capture and log analysis.
4. Take appropriate actions to resolve difficulties, such as verifying OCSP responder availability, checking certificate configurations, or addressing network connectivity problems.

Optimization and Fine-Tuning

1. Regularly review monitoring thresholds and adjust them as needed to ensure accurate detection of OCSP response difficulties.
2. Fine-tune notification rules based on feedback and evolving security requirements.
3. Consider implementing additional security measures, such as certificate revocation checking and expiration alerts, to enhance the overall security posture.

By following the steps outlined in this manual, you can effectively utilize PRTG Network Monitor to monitor SSL/TLS certificate OCSP response difficulties and maintain the security and integrity of your network communications. Proactive monitoring, timely notifications, and thorough troubleshooting are essential for addressing certificate validation issues and ensuring a secure network environment.