Whether it's a website, email, software or networked devices – digital certificates ensure encrypted connections and protect against cyber attacks. But what types are there, who issues digital certificates and what should companies look out for? In the digital age, trust is everything. Customers expect their data to be protected. This is achieved through secure websites, encrypted communication and protected software. Companies face the challenge of using digital certificates correctly.
Companies that act proactively in this area not only protect their data, but also their business.
What are digital certificates?
Digital certificates are electronic IDs that confirm the identity of servers, websites, people or programs. They are issued using a public key infrastructure (PKI), a system for identity verification on the internet.
Certificates are issued by trusted certificate authorities. As trust anchors, they guarantee that the data they contain is valid.
Every digital certificate contains important information. This includes the public key of the certificate holder, the name of the issuing certification authority (CA) and the validity period.
Certificates are often referred to as public-key certificates because they are based on the public-key method. Another important element is the root certificate, which serves as the highest level of trust within a certificate chain.
Where are digital certificates stored?
They are usually stored on servers, client devices or in secure certificate stores.
X.509 certificates: the digital security standard
X.509 certificates are the globally recognized standard for digital certificates. They are used to authenticate individuals, servers, and devices and enable secure communication over the internet.
X.509 certificates are used in many areas, for example for SSL/TLS encryption, email security (S/MIME) and user authentication. They confirm identities and enable encyrpted connections. However, they do not protect against misuse or theft. That is why professional certificate management is important.
The main types of certificates
SSL/TLS certificates: protection for websites and servers
SSL/TLS certificates are also called server certificates. They are indispensable for websites and ensure an encrypted connection between the browser and the server. Companies can choose between three variants:
Domain Validation (DV)
Simple protection for blogs or small websites.
Organization Validation (OV)
This certificate confirms that a company actually exists. The certification authority verifies the company data and the use of the domain before issuing the certificate.
Extended Validation (EV)
Highest level of trust, ideal for banks. This is the only type of certificate in which the identity is verified on the basis of official documents. It is rarely used anymore.
Code signing certificates: Security for software and applications
Software providers use these certificates to confirm that their code is genuine and has not been modified. This helps to ensure that the software has not been tampered with.
S/MIME certificates: Encrypted and signed e-mails
S/MIME certificates can be used to encrypt and sign e-mails to prevent tampering and phishing attacks. They are indispensable, especially for companies with sensitive communications. They also enable mail signatures, so that the digital certificate confirms the sender’s identity.
A legally binding electronic signature, on the other hand, is the equivalent of a handwritten signature. These qualified electronic signatures (qes) can only be created after an identity check and via a qualified security certificate.
Client certificates: secure login for users and devices
These certificates are used for user authentication and replace weak passwords. They are used in corporate networks, VPNs and for two-factor authentication. A certificate serves to securely identify the user.
Challenges in certificate management
Although certificates are essential for security, they can become a weak point if they are not well managed. The most common challenges include:
- Expired certificates that lead to insecure connections or system failures.
- Manual administration that is prone to error and time-consuming.
- Lack of transparency, causing companies to lose track of their certificates.
It is therefore crucial to manage digital certificates professionally and renew them in good time.
Efficient certificate management with essendi xc
The essendi xc platform offers a centralized and automated solution for managing digital certificates. Companies benefit from:
- clear management of all certificates via an intuitive user interface.
- Automated renewals and replacements to avoid outages.
- Integration into existing IT systems for seamless processes.
- Fulfilment of compliance requirements through seamless documentation.
In addition, companies can create digital certificates with essendi xc and efficiently control the entire certificate lifecycle.
IT security as a success factor
Digital certificates are indispensable for protecting corporate data, online services and digital communication. Professional certificate management, as offered by essendi xc, minimizes risks and ensures end-to-end security. Companies that act proactively in this area not only protect their data, but also their business.