How can you externalize a Mule runtime's certificate?

Externalizing a Mule runtime's certificate refers to storing the certificate in a separate, accessible location rather than keeping it confined within the Mule installation directory (Mule_HOME). This practice enhances security and flexibility in certificate management.

Using an external folder outside of the Mule_HOME allows for easier updates, better access control, and makes it simpler to manage certificates across different environments (e.g., development, testing, and production). By placing certificates in a designated external location, organizations can better maintain, rotate, or replace security credentials without needing to alter the core Mule installation, minimizing the risk of introducing errors during deployment or configuration changes.

This approach is often seen as a best practice in secure application development, ensuring that sensitive credentials are not hardcoded or stored within application directories where they may be more susceptible to unauthorized access.