A digital certificate can be used to provide different types of secure functions within your organization. You could use this type of certificate for two factor authentication processes. Two factor authentication is where you require a second form of authentication beyond the standard user name and password. Another type of function this type of certificate can provide is allowing your employees to digitally sign documents using a secure digital signature.
Two Types of Keys Are Created for Each Digital Certificate
What makes a digital certificate unique is the creation of two sets of keys, called public and private keys. The private key is already retained by the user, who needed the digital certificate. The public key is shared with as many other users, who require the ability to decrypt information sent to them by the holder of the private key. For example, your bank may send you a public key, which is needed to authenticate you against their private key, in order to log into your online banking information.