Digital certificates facts for kids

Digital certificates are like special electronic ID cards for the internet. They help prove who you are when you do things online, like shopping or sending important messages. Think of them as a way to show that you are really you, and not someone pretending to be you.

These digital ID cards are given out by trusted organizations called certification authorities (CAs). When you get a digital certificate, it contains important information about you. This includes your name, a special number, and when the certificate will expire.

It also holds a special code called a public key. This public key is used to keep your online messages secret and to create digital signatures. A digital signature is like your unique electronic handwriting. It proves that a message or document really came from you and hasn't been changed.

The certificate also has a digital signature from the certification authority itself. This signature helps others check that your digital certificate is real and hasn't been faked.

How Digital Certificates Work

When you visit a secure website, like an online bank, your web browser often checks the website's digital certificate. This check makes sure the website is legitimate and not a fake one trying to trick you. If the certificate is valid, your browser knows it's safe to share information, like your password.

Digital certificates help create a safe and trusted environment for online activities. They make sure that when you send information, it goes to the right person, and when you receive information, it comes from a trusted source.

What's Inside a Digital Certificate?

A digital certificate holds several key pieces of information:

• Your Name: This identifies who the certificate belongs to.
• Serial Number: A unique number for that specific certificate.
• Expiration Dates: Like a regular ID, digital certificates have a start and end date.
• Public Key: This is a special code used for encrypting (scrambling) messages and creating digital signatures.
• CA's Digital Signature: This is the signature of the organization that issued the certificate. It helps others verify that the certificate is real.

Different Types of Digital Certificates

Not all digital certificates are created equal. They come in different "classes" based on how much identity checking is done when they are issued. This helps show how much trust you can place in the certificate.

Class 1 Certificates

• These certificates are the simplest type.
• They are usually issued based only on a valid email address.
• There is no direct check of your identity.
• They are often used for things that don't need high security, like signing emails.
• They do not have legal validity for important transactions.

Class 2 Certificates

• For these certificates, your identity is checked against a trusted database.
• This means the certification authority verifies your information with pre-existing records.
• They offer a higher level of assurance than Class 1 certificates.
• They might be used for online forms or basic e-commerce.

Class 3 Certificates

• These are the most secure type of digital certificate.
• To get one, you usually have to show up in person.
• You must prove your identity directly to the registration authority.
• This class is used for very important transactions, like online banking or e-governance.
• They provide the highest level of trust and legal validity.

See also

In Spanish: Certificado de clave pública para niños