To certify a public key, the prospective subscriber requesting the certificate must register his public key with a certificate authority. Once the request is approved by the certificate authority, a certificate is generated and issued to the subscriber. Digital certificates are necessary to verify the authenticity, roles, privileges, and limitations of the private key holder of that certificate. This verification is necessary for secure communications. The service uses two layers of encryption and digital certificates to provide secure transmission, delivery confirmation, tracking, and insurance.
Companies can also utilize digital certificates to control access to their corporate intranets.
Notes Department of Health and Human Services. Federal Register 63, no. References Cole-Gomolski, Barb. Computerworld 32, no. Chicago Computer Currents 5, no.