Understanding the Basics of the X 509 Certificate

The first X 509 certificate was issued in 1988 and uses a hierarchal system that involves the use of verified certificate authorities to issue the actual certificates. When the certificate is issued the binding public key is attached to a specific unique company name, an email address or to a DNS entry. The root certificate for the most common vendors comes preloaded in most browsers so that their SSL certificates are immediately recognized instead of requiring a lengthy identification process.

The X 509 Certificate Provides Secure Access

By implementing the use of an X 509 certificate on your company's web site, you are providing instant browser recognition and security. The reason for this is simple; the root certificate that is loaded into the browser will only recognize and accept the correct PKI in order to allow the customer or your employee to access any part of your site that displays or collects sensitive information. If the PKI is not recognized, access will be denied.