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X.509 Certificate

A digital certificate standard that binds a public key to an identity, enabling encrypted connections and authentication.

PKI & CertificatesAlso called: "digital certificate", "ssl certificate", "tls certificate"

X.509 certificates are the foundation of HTTPS, code signing, and email encryption.

Certificate components

  • Subject: Who the certificate represents (domain, organization).
  • Issuer: The Certificate Authority (CA) that signed it.
  • Public Key: Used for encryption and signature verification.
  • Validity Period: Start and expiration dates.
  • Signature: CA's cryptographic endorsement.

Certificate types

  • DV (Domain Validated): Proves domain ownership only.
  • OV (Organization Validated): Includes company verification.
  • EV (Extended Validation): Highest assurance with legal vetting.

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