What is a digital certificate and what is it for?

Do you know what a digital certificate is and its importance in the digital world? Read the text and find out!

What is a digital certificate?

Text topic: What are the types of digital certificate?

The digital certificate works like a document, a type of virtual identity that can represent a company or even a person.

With this electronic ID card you can sign documents without having to be there in person.

Therefore, the signature has the same legal value as the signature you make on paper in person.

One of the many features of this visa is that it does not need to be notarized to make it legally valid.

This electronic document contains important and non-transferable information about the person or company using it.

It is a very important tool to ensure security in digital transactions. In an era where most of our operations are carried out in a digital environment, this product certainly becomes a great ally.

What is it for?

It is used to perform digital signatures, as already mentioned, they have the same legal value as a paper signature, performed in a physical environment.

Basically, the digital certificate has wide uses, for example:

digitally sign contracts;
have access to public services through portals;
provides protection for different types of transactions carried out in a digital environment;
issuance of Electronic Invoice;
participation in electronic auctions;
access systems with restricted data;
guarantees the legal validity of electronic documents.

There are different types of certificates and each one has a specific purpose. To learn more about them and find out what each one is for, read our article 👉What are the types of Digital Certificate?

How to get it?

Obtaining a digital certificate can be simpler than you think. Initially, you need to choose the Certification Authority (CA).

It is the organization responsible for issuing the certificate. In addition, the Certification Authority can also renew, invalidate and manage documents from other entities that are below it.

There is a digital certification network, it works with a kind of hierarchy. ICP-Brasil is the regulatory body.

They are responsible for creating the rules and regulations followed by all CAs, responsible for accrediting Registration Authorities (RA).

The digital certificate must be issued at an AR, but first, you need to request it from a CA.

The Registration Authority must be accredited by ICP-Brasil, only then will you guarantee the security of your operation.

Among the main regulated CAs in Brazil, we find Serasa, in fact, you can obtain your certificate directly on this company's website.

However, there are still other options, in Gov you can find a complete list of certification authorities where you can purchase your digital certificate.

After choosing the CA, simply access its website and request your digital certificate. This electronic document is not free; you must pay a fee when requesting it.

Values may vary depending on the certificate model or duration, for example.

CERTIFYING AUTHORITIES ➔

How long is a digital certificate valid for?

Despite being an electronic document, it has an expiration date. The duration depends on the model of the digital certificate chosen, however, they can be valid for 12 to 36 months.

Type A1 is valid for one year, while type A3 can be valid for 12, 24 or 36 months.

What are the advantages of this certificate?

The advantages and benefits enjoyed by holders of a digital certificate are many. We can start by highlighting the reduction of bureaucracy.

This is because, with it, there is no need to go to public bodies or notary offices to open a company, for example.

Everything can be resolved online and in a simple way.

In addition, you save time and money on operational costs. For organizations that need to sign a large volume of documents daily, the digital certificate can optimize this process.

Not to mention, all of this can be done from anywhere, completely digitally.

Who needs a digital certificate?

What is a digital certificate/ Reproduction: Canva

In fact, anyone can benefit from this product, especially those who carry out many transactions in a virtual environment.

In particular, it is a great ally for companies, in fact, in some cases it is mandatory for the organization to have this certificate, such as:

Companies registered under the real profit or presumed profit tax regimes;
Companies that issue Electronic Invoices.

What information should be included in this electronic document?

Your electronic certificate will come with some information, namely:

Cardholder Name;
electronic address;
certificate validity;
name and digital signature of the CA;
holder's public key;
serial number.

Are digital certificates secure?

Yes. It can only be used with the private key and password. Therefore, it is important that you keep the key and password in a safe place and do not share them with anyone.

Speaking of which, it is essential that you memorize your password or write it down in a very safe place, as it is irrecoverable.

This means that if you lose or forget it, there is no way to recover it or make another one, and therefore, you will no longer be able to use the electronic signature in your transactions.

Conclusion

As you can see, a digital certificate is a very important item for anyone, whether they are an individual or a legal entity. Furthermore, it is a great ally in simplifying and optimizing activities in the routine of large organizations and companies.

Therefore, it is worth investing in this product and enjoying the benefits it offers.

You will certainly bring more savings, practicality, simplicity and, above all, security to your life and digital transactions.

Don't miss out!

So, did you enjoy finding out? what is a digital certificateDoes your company already use this tool?

Nara Sampaio April 18, 2022

Business