A digital certificate is able to be used for a wide range of procedures and processes within your organization. One way companies use this certificate is to replace traditional paper-based signature processes with a digital signature. Digital signatures are embedded directly into the certificate, and create a secure method for verifying authenticity, because the signature is encrypted each time it is used. Another way in which businesses use certificates is for authentication with network, online and internet resources.

Implementing a digital signature solution within your organization allows you to cut down on the amount of paper required to complete transactions. In place of filling out paper forms for purchase requisitions, authorizing employee time cards and other processes requiring signature authority, they could all be completed electronically. This is because the electronic signature is embedded into a digital certificate that is designed to encrypt documents and forms once signed.

An electronic signature is a copy of your signature captured electronically. There are different ways and methods organizations use in order to convert your paper signature into electronic format. One option is to have you sign a piece of paper and then create a scan of the signature. The scan is then able to be used to create various signature templates for use with different applications, like email. While this method does provide users with a way to make their documents, emails and other forms look more professional, it does not offer much security against unauthorized usage.

There can be some confusion over exactly what two factor authentication (2FA) is and how it operates. First, 2FA combines something your users own, along with something your users know. Something your users own is their digital certificate required for completing 2FA processes. Something your users know could be their user name and password, a pin number, or a biometric scan of their finger print. In a typical 2FA system set up, your users are first asked to supply their digital certificate before they are prompted to supply the information they know.

A certificate authority (CA) system may sometimes also be referred to as a PKI system. This is because a CA system creates digital certificates that are designed to be used for processes and applications where public key infrastructure (PKI) is involved. For example, any time you connect over the internet, you are making a connection over a publicly shared network, which is not a secure environment, nor is your connection secure. In order to create security over the internet, as well as with your connection, you need to use digital certificates created with a CA or PKI system.

Organizations need a way to secure their more sensitive online systems and data, in place of traditional single factor authentication methods. One viable solution is to use 2FA, or two factor authentication. This method not only requires your employees to provide their user name and password, but also something they own or possess, such as a digital certificate. The digital certificate is created to reflect the level of access the user is allowed, as well as to perform authentication processes at the first level.

PKI or public key infrastructure was created in order to supply organizations with a secure method for communicating and sending data over public networks, like the internet. Without public key infrastructure, your data would be susceptible to anyone who wanted to intercept and access it. However, by implementing the right types of solutions' various methods, you are able to create a layer of security and protection. For example, one option many companies use is to create digital certificates with a certificate authority system.

Organizations may take different views, in regards to single sign on authentication processes. There are benefits to using this method, but companies need to be aware of potential issues they might face. For instance, your employees only have to remember a single password and user name. This can help reduce the number of support calls for forgotten user names, passwords and locked accounts. All of the systems they are allowed to access are tied to their single log-on information, and are authenticated in the background whenever resources or connections are made over your network.

X509 refers to the standard used to create digital certificates and their related structures. The layout and design of each certificate following this standard is often identical. This means, if you were to examine the contents of multiple certificates, you would find the creation date, issuer, serial number, version number and other details, all in the same location. There can be some slight variations in what sort of information is contained within the certificate. In certain situations, some organizations may customize their certificates and include optional information.

Using a qualified or digital signatur makes it possible to conduct a variety of business transactions electronically. Your employees are able to digitally sign files, emails, forms, documents and other electronic data types, and at the same time, encrypt them. Once encrypted, they are unable to be accessed unless the original signer needs to reopen them using their digital certificate with their private key, or supplies the necessary digital certificate containing their public key to other people.