Digital certificates are akin to the internet’s versions of certificates of authenticity. Here’s what you need to know about them and the public key cryptographic technologies that make them work
Digital certificates and/or signatures make your world more secure virtually everywhere you look online. These tools allow you to send secure emails and exchange sensitive information remotely without having to worry constantly that your data might fall into the wrong hands.
But what is a digital signature? What is a digital certificate? How do they integrate seamlessly into your everyday life as both a consumer and service provider (even if you don’t know it)? We’ll answer all of these questions in this article that breaks down the difference between a digital signature vs digital certificate.
Let’s hash it out.
Digital Certificate vs Digital Signature: A Look at the Differences Between the Two
Digital certificates and digital signatures are just two halves of the same coin. When you’re talking about a digital signature vs digital certificate, each plays a role in establishing and validating digital identity and aids in helping your organization facilitate digital trust. Digital trust is critical to elevating your brand and helping customers feel confident and secure doing business with you.
We’ll go more in-depth on each of these concepts throughout the article. But first, we know some of you are in a hurry and don’t have much time to read this article. We’ve put together a brief overview so you’ll quickly get the gist of the differences and can move on your way:
Alright, now that we’ve had this overview that highlights a digital signature vs digital certificate, let’s dive a little more in depth into each of these elements…
What Is a Digital Certificate?
What Is a Digital Signature?
Timestamping Extends the Life of Your Digital Signature
Digital Signatures and Certificates Are at the Heart of Digital Trust
Keeping Your Certificates Secure Requires Careful Management
Final Thoughts on a Digital Signature vs Digital Certificate
As you’ve learned, digital signatures and certificates aren’t so much an either/or kind of thing: you need both to secure your organization and its data. To assert your digital identity, you need to use a digital signature. In order to create a digital signature, you need to have a digital certificate. But when creating your digital certificate, a reputable third party (i.e., a CA) must use their trusted root’s digital signature to offer assurance that your organization has been properly vetted and can be trusted… it goes on and on.
If you want your organization to avoid making the next data breach headline, you must secure your digital identity, data, and communications. Carefully manage and use digital certificates and signatures together to achieve this goal.
