What is a digital certificate and what is it used for?

Do you know what a digital certificate is and why it's important in the digital world? Read on to find out!

What is a digital certificate?

Text topic: What are the different types of digital certificates?

A digital certificate functions as a document, a kind of virtual identity that can represent a company or even a person.

With this electronic identification card, you can sign documents without having to be physically present at the location.

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

One of the many features of this visa is that it does not require notarization to be legally valid.

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

It is a very important tool for ensuring 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, and these have the same legal value as a signature on paper, made in a physical environment.

Basically, digital certificates have wide-ranging uses, for example:

Digitally sign contracts;
to have access to public services through portals;
It provides protection for various types of transactions carried out in a digital environment;
Issuance of Electronic Invoices;
Participation in electronic auctions;
Accessing systems with restricted data;
guarantees the legal validity of electronic documents.

There are different types of certificates, each with a specific purpose. To learn about them and discover what each one is for, read our text 👉What are the different types of Digital Certificates?

How to obtain it?

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

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

There is a digital certification network; it operates with a sort of hierarchy. ICP-Brasil is the regulatory body.

They are responsible for creating the rules and standards followed by all CAs, which are responsible for accrediting Registration Authorities (RAs).

The digital certificate must be issued by an AR (Registration Authority), but first, you need to request it from a CA (Certification Authority).

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

Among the main regulated credit bureaus in Brazil, we find Serasa; in fact, you can obtain your certificate directly from this company's website.

However, there are still other options; on the Gov website you can find a complete list of them. certifying authorities Where can you purchase your digital certificate?

After choosing the Certification Authority (CA), simply access their website and request your digital certificate. This electronic document is not free; a fee is required when requesting it.

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

CERTIFICATION AUTHORITIES ➔

What is the validity period of a digital certificate?

Although it is an electronic document, it has an expiration date. The duration depends on the chosen digital certificate model, but 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 numerous. We can begin by highlighting the reduction in bureaucracy.

This is because it eliminates the need to go to public offices or notary offices to open a business, for example.

Everything can be resolved online in a simple way.

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

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

Who needs a digital certificate?

What is a digital certificate? / Reproduction: Canva

In fact, anyone can benefit from this product, especially those who conduct 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 possess this certificate, such as:

Companies registered under the actual profit or presumed profit tax regimes;
Companies that issue electronic invoices.

What information should be included in this electronic document?

Your electronic certificate will include some information, such as:

Cardholder Name;
email address;
Certificate validity;
Name and digital signature of the CA;
Public key of the owner;
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's essential that you memorize your password or write it down in a very safe place, as it's unrecoverable.

This means that if you lose or forget it, there's no way to recover it or create another one, so you will no longer be able to use your electronic signature in your transactions.

Conclusion

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

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

Certainly, you will bring more savings, convenience, simplicity, and above all, security to your life and digital transactions.

Don't miss it!

So, did you enjoy finding out? What is a digital certificate?Does your company already use this tool?

Nara Sampaio

SEO writer, digital content creator, and virtual assistant. An introvert who found in writing a way to express herself and share knowledge!

April 18, 2022

Business