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In computer science, a digital certificate is a data file that proves the authenticity and identity of a user, device, server, or website, and is used to enable secure digital communication and transactions through public key cryptography. A digital certificate is signed by a trusted third-party, known as a Certification Authority (CA), and contains the entity's public key and identifying information, ensuring that data exchanged between entities is legitimate and protected from unauthorized access.

Key characteristics:

Identity Verification: A certificate confirms the identity of the owner (a user, device, or server) and is a form of electronic credential.

Public Key Association: It includes a public key that is associated with the owner, and this public key is used to encrypt messages or verify digital signatures.

Digital Signature by CA: A Certification Authority (CA) signs the certificate with its own private key to vouch for its authenticity.

Security and Trust: Certificates are crucial for secure communication, safeguarding networks, and preventing unauthorized access by verifying trusted entities.

Public Key Infrastructure (PKI): They are a fundamental component of public key infrastructure (PKI), which uses public and private keys to secure digital interactions.