Digital Certificate

Digital Certificates are the Most Common Method of Online Authentication

The most common method for authenticating the parties of an e-commerce transaction is via the exchange of digital certificates. A digital certificate is an electronic document that validates the identity of its owner. It is not a casual validation, nor is the digital certificate self-assigned. Rather, an independent entity, known as a certificate authority, conducts the validation process to confirm the identity of an applicant, and then issues the digital certificate. As the final step in this process, the certificate authority endorses the certificate with its digital signature, sealing the contents contained therein.

CA Digital Signature: Critical to the Integrity of a Digital Certificate

This digital signature is arguably the most important part of a digital certificate. It is not only the official "stamp" of the verification methods employed in creating this electronic document, it is also a unique representation of the certificate authority itself: the digital signature is a distinctive mark that cannot be replicated by another entity. When affixed to a digital certificate, the certificate authority's signature affirms that the registration and issuance process requirements have been satisfactorily met by the applicant, and that the identity of the certificate holder is valid as represented. Moreover, the user identity and credentialing information proscribed in the digital certificate cannot be manipulated once sealed; if attempted, then it is easily detectable.

It can be easily concluded, therefore, how much value this digital signature adds to an issued digital certificate, giving it the greatest assurance possible for both identity and document authenticity. As a result, it is the principle component of certificate authentication methods conducted by other parties. The Web is abounding with organizations and businesses; clients cannot possibly identify, much less confirm, which of these are legitimate and verifiable entities. But clients can identify a trusted third-party certification authority; particularly when SSL security technology in integrated into most Web browsers and servers, streamlining authentication security processes. For this reason, client browsers authenticate a presented digital certificate - and the identifiable information contained therein - by verifying the digital signature is that of a trusted certificate authority.

Entrust Digital Certificates are Sealed with Confidence

Increase the value of your digital certificates with the support of Entrust. Trusted by more than 99 percent of existing Internet browsers, Entrust certificates symbolize the company's integrity and commitment to PKI security and authentication practices. The Entrust digital signature is internationally recognized as the foundation of award-winning security solutions, providing further testament to the authenticity of the document and the user identity it represents. Entrust Authority public key infrastructure product portfolio is the most reliable, and relied upon, PKI security solution in the industry. So, provide your organization with the same reliable solution: authenticate your business identity with Entrust digital certificates.

Entrust Authentication and Information Security Solutions

Entrust is an industry recognized leader of information security solutions that help organizations protect critical information through innovative products and services. Our solutions enable risk based authentication, multifactor authentication, file encryption, and digital signatures along with numerous other security capabilities. Entrust provides trusted security and encryption software for less.