The most common type of digital certificate, in use today, is built using the X509 certificate [2] standards. These standards make it much easier for organizations to share public certificates with other people and companies. Standardization allows for a single certificate to be compatible with multiple types of resources and systems. For example, you may have several types of modules which work together within a single program.

Many originations are moving away from single sign on authentication [4] methods. Accessing computers using a single user ID and password increases the risk of unauthorized access. In order to protect proprietary data, organizations need a much stronger method of authentication. One solution, instead of requiring your employees to remember multiple user names and passwords, is to use two factor authentication.

Before the public release of the internet, computer security was not much of a concern. For most businesses, they treated computers like other types of office equipment. Anyone could get onto a computer workstation or terminal, often without any type of user ID or password. However, things have changed, over time, and different types of security are needed to protect your data, including using digital certificates following the X509 [6] standards, for authentication.

A root certificate [8] is the part of a digital certificate which is responsible for performing authentication processes. The data contained in the root is normally encrypted to prevent other people making changes to the certificate. When you connect to a service or resource which requires this certificate, it uses the data to verify the certificate is authentic and is a correct match.

As more and more organizations move away from paper and find alternative electronic methods, signing documents will also need to be replaced with a viable solution. PKI [4] can be used in different types of electronic environments to help eliminate paper. One common usage for this method is with digital signatures. This type of signature provides a secure method for signing and approving electronic documents, forms, files and other data types requiring a signature.

A digital signature [11] process can be used both internally and externally by organizations. External processes are common when working with your customers and vendors. There can be formal documents which need to be signed, such as payment terms, purchase orders, and requests for quotes on additional products or services. All you need to do to implement this process is provide your customer and vendors with the public key for the appropriate signature, to allow them to authenticate the validity of the document.

An electronic signature [11] is similar to a digital signature, with one key difference. This difference is in regards to the level of security used with the signature types. With a digital signature, there is built in encryption methods used to increase the security and safety of using such a signature. This level of security is often absent in the other form of e-signatures.

Single sign on [4] is a simple form of authentication used by some organizations. This method stores a person’s user name and password after it has been entered. Anytime authentication is required for accessing a new resource or application, the system uses the stored information. While this method makes it easier for users to gain access, it does come with its own risks.

Another name given to a digital signatur [15] is called a qualified signature, which is more commonly used in European countries. The thing to remember, regardless of what you call this type of signature, is that they are the same thing. This type of signature provides the ability to securely sign and authenticate a variety of electronic data types, such as documents, forms, and files.

Communication through electronic methods has increased in usage, as it has become much simpler to conduct business over the internet. In the past, employees would have to travel to different locations offsite, sit down with customers, clients and partners to take care of business matters. However, today, by using an encrypted e signature, many types of business transactions can be completed without ever having to leave the office.

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