What is a digital certificate?
A digital certificate is an electronic document that is passed between a browser and a server in order to verify the identity of the senders identity. This is an assurance that the server and encryption methods used are secure. Digital Certificates are issued by organisations such as Thawte, who will carry out stringent checks on the security of a server before issuing a digital certificate for the server.
An electronic credential that vouches for the holder’s identity, a digital certificate has characteristics similar to those of a passport V it has identifying information, is forgery-proof, and is issued by a trusted third party. Digital certificates are published in on-line directories. Typically, a digital certificate contains: The user’s distinguished name (a unique identifier) The issuing Certification Authority’s distinguished name The user’s public key The validity period The certificate’s serial number The issuing Certification Authority’s digital signature is for verifying the information in the digital certificate.
Digital Certificates are the electronic counterparts to driver licenses, passports and membership cards. You can present a Digital Certificate electronically to prove your identity or your right to access information or services online. Digital Certificates, also known as digital certificates, bind an identity to a pair of electronic keys that can be used to encrypt and sign digital information. A Digital Certificate makes it possible to verify someone’s claim that they have the right to use a given key, helping to prevent people from using phony keys to impersonate other users. Used in conjunction with encryption, Digital Certificates provide a more complete security solution, assuring the identity of all parties involved in a transaction. A Digital Certificate is issued by a Certification Authority (CA) and signed with the CA’s private key. A Digital Certificate typically contains the: • Owner’s public key • Owner’s name • Expiration date of the public key • Name of the issuer (the C
Microsoft Office2007 uses Microsoft Authenticode technology to enable you to digitally sign a file or a macro project by using a digital certificate. The certificate used to create this signature confirms that the macro or document originated from the signer, and the signature confirms that it has not been altered. When you set the macro security level, you can run macros based on whether they are digitally signed by a developer on your list of trusted sources.
Microsoft Office 2003 uses Microsoft Authenticode technology to enable you to digitally sign a file or a macro project by using a digital certificate. The certificate used to create this signature confirms that the macro or document originated from the signer, and the signature confirms that it has not been altered. When you set the macro security level, you can run macros based on whether they are digitally signed by a developer on your list of trusted sources.
