What is a digital certificate?

What is a digital certificate?

A digital certificate is an electronic document used to prove the ownership of a public key. It includes information about the key, the identity of its owner, and the digital signature of an entity that has verified the certificate's contents.

How does a digital certificate work?

Digital certificates work by linking a public key with an identity, allowing secure communication and authentication. When you receive a digital certificate, you can trust that the public key it contains belongs to the entity it claims to represent.

What are the common uses of digital certificates?

Common uses include securing websites with HTTPS, signing software, and encrypting emails. They help ensure data integrity and authenticity.

Can you explain the difference between a digital certificate and a digital signature?

Sure! A digital certificate verifies the identity of the owner of a public key, while a digital signature is a way to ensure that a message or document has not been altered and confirms the identity of the sender.