Target Group: Staff

A personal user certificate is a digital file typically issued by a trusted Certificate Authority (CA). This certificate acts as an electronic ID and verifies the identity of an individual user on the internet. It usually contains information such as the certificate holder's name, their public key, and the digital signature of the issuing Certificate Authority. This user certificate enables the user to authenticate online, perform secure transactions, and ensure encrypted communication.

In the context of emails, a digital certificate enables the use of cryptographic methods such as S/MIME. With such a certificate, the sender can digitally sign the email, assuring recipients that the message is genuine and truly sent by the stated sender. Additionally, the certificate can be used to encrypt emails, ensuring message confidentiality and preventing unauthorized access to the content.

For PDF and Office files, a digital certificate can be used to ensure the integrity and authenticity of the document. When a PDF or Office file is digitally signed, the certificate indicates that the document has not been altered since signing.