In computer security, a digital signature also called an independent digital certificate, is a digital document, usually stored on a storage device, that proves the authenticity of a digital signature. Digital certificates provide users with authentication using digital signatures rather than passwords. For example, when you make a credit card payment using your card to purchase over the Internet, you are actually making an independent, electronic signature. The digital signature on the payment transaction keeps you from being impersonated by someone who masquerades as a credit card company. The signature on the documents you sign on the Internet and in other situations also proves your identity to the online transaction you are carrying out.
There are several types of digital certificates and different ways to apply for them. Certificates can be issued by companies to verify the authenticity of employees, whether at their desks or home. Digital signatures can be applied in several ways. You can download a form from the Internet or ask your web hosting provider to download a Digital Certification template. Some websites offer you forms for various purposes.
Digital certificates can be used on any document. For example, a digital signature can be used on an employee evaluation form to show the exact performance level of the employee as quoted in the company’s HR Performance Index (HRPI). The digital signature can also be used on tax return forms and any other legal documentation related to the business. Similarly, the signature on an article form published in a periodical or published on the Internet proves ownership of the article by the owner of that publication. Digital certificates are very useful for authentication.
Digital certificates are also used for authenticating emails. Digital signatures are also used on various other occasions. Digital certificates are now available on mobile devices for creating secure communications on Blackberry phones. Digital signatures are also available on DVDs and CDs to prove ownership of the disks. Digital signatures can be printed on invoices and receipts to make the process of exchange of money considerably simpler for both the buyer and the seller.
A digital signature can be useful to implement authentication in various situations. For instance, a merchant could issue a product online with a digital signature that ensures the purchaser of the item is the actual owner of the product. Digital signatures can be useful for security purposes in high-security areas such as financial institutions and credit card companies.
An organization issuing a product or service with a Digital Certification can provide further assurance that the information provided by the certificate is true and reliable. This will help minimize possible forgeries. A Digital Certification proves that the organization is serious about issuing its product or service to the prospective customer. Issuance of the certification is done only after extensive research by the organization.
Digital certificates are very important because of their precision and quality. They also increase the credibility of an organization. A digital signature helps to verify and authenticate information and documents. Issuance of certification with a digital signature assures stakeholders and other recipients that they can rely on the information contained in the document or the certificate. Digital certificates offer greater peace of mind for businesspeople and other organizations because of their accuracy and quality.
Digital certificates are issued by a computer or a company with a certified computer. The certificates are also stored in a database by the issuing authority. The database stores all certificates and other information associated with the digital certificates. Certification is often needed for various transactions and cannot always be checked manually, therefore the use of digital certificates is very valuable for many businesses and organizations. Digital certificates help establish the authenticity of the source material and provide proof to any recipient that the data contained in the document is true and factual.