From online purchases to accessing secure systems at work, digital certificates are an essential component of online security. These digital certificates are a validation tool verifying the identity of websites, individuals, and even devices.
In this blog post, we will explore the different types of digital certificates, their functions, and their benefits. From here, you can proceed to enterprise code signing with Keyfactor, a code signing platform designed to protect your company’s data.
Domain Validated Certificates (DV)
Domain Validated Certificates (DV) are the most commonly used SSL/TLS certificates that verify the domain name owner’s identity. These certificates are fast, cheap, and easy to obtain.
They are used to secure websites that do not collect sensitive information from users. DV certificates only verify the domain name and do not include any additional information, such as the name, country, and address of the owner.
It is not recommended to use DV certificates for websites that require high-security levels. It is better to invest in a high-quality code signing platform.
Organization Validated Certificates (OV)
Organization Validated Certificates (OV) are the intermediate-level SSL/TLS certificates that authenticate the company’s legitimacy. OV certificates validate the name, address, and domain name of the applicant organization.
The validation process for OV certificates is more stringent than for DV certificates, so it takes more time to issue. OV certificates are used to secure websites that deal with sensitive information, such as banking, finance, healthcare, and e-commerce.
Extended Validation Certificates (EV)
Extended Validation Certificates (EV) are the highest level of SSL/TLS certificates that offer the highest level of security. EV certificates provide rigorous authentication by verifying the business identity, physical address, legal existence, and domain name.
The validation process for EV certificates is more extensive than for OV certificates, so it takes considerable time to issue. EV certificates are used to secure websites that require the highest level of security, such as government websites, financial institutions, and e-commerce stores.
S/MIME Certificates
Secure/Multipurpose Internet Mail Extensions (S/MIME) certificates are used for email communication. These digital certificates validate the email sender’s digital signature, ensuring that emails coming from a specific email address are, in fact, from the individual claimed to be.
Additionally, S/MIME certificates also encrypt emails sent, ensuring that any sensitive information is well-protected. S/MIME certificates ensure that email communication is secure by safeguarding against unauthorized access, plagiarism, and email forgeries.
These certificates are essential for organizations that rely heavily on email communication.
Code Signing Certificates
Code signing certificates serve as a tool for software developers, allowing them to sign their software digitally. These certificates help verify the source of the software, ensuring that it comes from the established software publisher and not a third party.
Code signing certificates are essential in ensuring that the software is unhampered and unaltered along its way from the developer’s computer to the end-users. These certificates build trust with the users, ensuring that they download and use safe software.
Client Certificates
Client certificates, or personal or authentication certificates, serve as digital identity certificates for individuals trying to access secure systems. These certificates verify the user’s identity and are essential for online transactions or other secure services that require user verification.
Client certificates differ from SSL/TLS certificates, which secure the connection, whereas client certificates verify the user’s identity.
Mobile Device Certificates
Mobile device certificates are essential for mobile security, where SSL/TLS certificates cannot provide complete security. Mobile device certificates are used in applications and services to ensure that the device accessing the app is certified and trusted.
The primary use case of mobile device certificates is to secure mobile transactions, such as banking. Mobile device certificates establish the device’s identity by verifying that the user has the required authorization to access the app or service.
Finally, digital certificates are vital in securing online transactions, emails, client data, and mobile apps. In this blog post, we explored some commonly used digital certificates, their functions, and their importance.
Digital certificates are essential for building trust in online transactions, protecting sensitive information, and combating cyber-attacks. As society becomes more digitally integrated, digital certificates are crucial in ensuring online security.
Photo by Nataliya Vaitkevich.
